Top Things to See and Do in Chester: A Complete Visitor's Guide

Chester is one of the prettiest cities in the UK. 

It’s known for its Roman history, black-and-white buildings, and lovely walks. The city has a mix of old and new, with historic streets, cosy cafés, and unique shops. You’ll find Roman walls, a beautiful cathedral & the famous Chester Rows - all within walking distance of each other.

We recently stayed in Polaris, one of the Shacks near Tarporley. It was a peaceful countryside break, but we wanted to explore a nearby city too. Chester was less than a 30-minute drive away, so we set off for a day trip. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay.

Based on our visit, here are some of the best things to see and do in Chester. We hope it helps you plan your own day out in this lovely city.

Walk the Chester City Walls

One of the best ways to see Chester is by walking along the city walls. The walls go right around the city and offer lovely views from above. It’s a peaceful walk with plenty to see along the way, including the famous Eastgate Clock, old towers and city gates.

We started our walk near the cathedral and followed the path around the city. The views over the River Dee and the racecourse were lovely. Most parts of the wall are flat and easy to walk, but there are some steps in certain areas. While some sections are accessible for wheelchair users or pushchairs, not all parts are step-free, so it’s worth checking a map before you go.

Explore the Chester Rows

We’ve visited many historic towns across the UK, but Chester really stands out. The Chester Rows were unlike anything we’ve seen before. These are medieval two-tier walkways with shops on both levels. You can walk up a set of steps and shop or browse above the street while staying under cover. It’s something truly unique to Chester.

The Rows are perfect for boutique shopping and finding something a bit different. There are lots of independent stores, small cafés & gift shops. It’s also a great place for people-watching, especially if you grab a seat at one of the cafés upstairs and look out over the busy streets below.

Admire the Eastgate Clock

The Eastgate Clock is one of Chester’s most famous sights. It was added in 1899 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The clock sits on top of the old Eastgate, where the Roman entrance to the city once stood. Today, it’s one of the most photographed clocks in England - second only to Big Ben.

We saw the clock from two different spots. First, while walking through the Rows, we looked up and saw it framed by the old black-and-white buildings. 

Later, when we were walking on the city walls, we got much closer to it. 

Standing right next to the clock gave us a better look at the details and the view down the busy street below.

Visit Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral is a beautiful blend of Norman, Gothic and Victorian architecture. Inside, you’ll see stunning 14th-century choir stalls, soaring vaults, stained glass windows and peaceful cloisters. It also hosts regular events, exhibitions and has a lovely café and gift shop housed in the old monk’s dining hall.

Entry to the cathedral itself is free (for most of the year) and donations are encouraged to help maintain the building. During the summer and Christmas periods, there’s a small entry fee, though children aged 5 and under can enter for free. 

If you’d like to climb the central tower, the Tower Tour is available for £8 for adults and £6 for children, and takes you up 216 steps for panoramic views across Chester and beyond. Guided Discovery Tours of the ground floor are also free and run at regular times each day.

 

Discover Chester’s Painted Street Art Trail

Chester features a delightful mini-mural trail of painted BT utility cabinets in the city centre. As part of the "Chester Designed By Nature" campaign, 10 boxes were first painted by local artists in spring, then extended to 16 in total. Each mural is inspired by nature, from local flora and fauna to Tudor motifs—adding a splash of art to the city’s hidden corners.

This trail feels special because it reminded us of the painted electricity boxes we saw in Silves, Portugal. 

Wandering around the city centre to spot each painting added a fun twist to our day in Chester - like a mini urban art hunt, mixed with a little history and local pride.

Take a Stroll by the River Dee

We really enjoyed spending time by the River Dee. The riverside area was full of life, with music, people out and about and boats passing by. It had such a lovely, laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot for a relaxing stroll or even a boat trip if you fancy seeing the city from the water.

You’ll find several boat tour options here, including ChesterBoat - a family-run business that offers short, half-hour City Cruise or a leisurely 2-hour Iron Bridge Cruise. 

Nearby, Grosvenor Park is perfect for a peaceful break, with pretty gardens and open space. The Groves, the walkway along the river, is lined with cafés, benches and ice cream stands - ideal for soaking up the atmosphere.

Enjoy a Roman History Experience

We were struck by Chester’s Roman history. The Roman Amphitheatre, just outside the city walls, is the largest of its kind in Britain and could hold up to 8,000 people. We’d recently visited the Colosseum in Rome and the ancient amphitheatre at Aspendos in Turkey. Seeing this one in the UK felt special too. Not all of it is visible today, but you can walk on level paths around the ruins and look down into the arena. 

Nearby, the Roman Gardens display real Roman building fragments, columns and a reconstructed hypocaust heating system. They’re a peaceful, informative place to explore.

If you’re visiting with children or enjoy interactive experiences, the DEVA Roman Experience is worth a look. It brings Roman Chester to life with recreated streets, a bath house, and even gladiator fights using special effects and projection. Set on a real archaeological site, it’s a fun way to learn about Roman life in the city.

Take a Sightseeing Boat Cruise or Open-Top Bus Tour

If you don’t fancy walking the whole time, a river cruise is a great way to see Chester from the water. The boat tours come with commentary, so you learn about the city as you go.

Another good option is the hop-on hop-off bus. It stops at key sights around the city and includes an audio guide, which makes it easy to explore without missing out on the history.

Visit the Grosvenor Museum

The Grosvenor Museum is a free museum with a mix of Roman artefacts, local history, and Victorian displays. One of its highlights is the collection of Roman tombstones found in Chester.

It’s a great stop for anyone interested in history or visiting with children. The displays are easy to follow, and there’s even a period house section set up like a Victorian home.

 

Shopping at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre

Tucked right in the heart of Chester, the Grosvenor Shopping Centre offers a convenient mix of popular high-street stores and smaller boutiques under one roof. 

It’s perfect for popping in between sightseeing, especially if the weather turns or you’re looking to browse fashion, gifts, or grab a snack indoors.

Other Things to See and Do in Chester

Chester Town Hall is a striking Gothic-style building in the city centre, right next to the market and cathedral. Built in the 1800s, it has a tall clock tower and beautiful detailing. It’s not only the centre of local government but also a popular photo spot, especially during events and festivals when the square outside comes alive.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Abbey Gateway, once the grand entrance to the medieval abbey that stood before Chester Cathedral. It’s one of the oldest surviving parts of the site and gives a real sense of the city’s long history. 

Walk through the gateway and you’re stepping where monks, merchants, and Roman soldiers once passed.

 

Seasonal Events and Festivals in Chester

Chester hosts some lovely seasonal events through the year. In November and December you’ll find the Chester Christmas Market, with around 70 wooden chalets in Town Hall Square and magical light displays. The 12 Days of Christmas Parade and the Chester Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival also help make the city sparkle at festive time.

In the summer and spring there’s plenty happening too. The Chester Literature Festival runs in May and June, with talks, workshops and performances for book lovers of all ages. Horse racing fans may time a visit for Summer Saturdays or the Midsummer Meeting at Chester Racecourse - both lively days out with good food, music and style alongside the racing.

Where to Eat in Chester

Chester has a great mix of places to eat, from cosy cafés and riverside pubs to stylish restaurants. Whether you’re after vegetarian food, a family-friendly spot, or something a bit different, there’s something for everyone.

Shrub is a fully vegan spot on the Rows. People rave it’s “phenomenal” and a go-to even for non-vegans. A peaceful, plant-filled space with fantastic food. If you are looking for family-friendly cafés, try out The Flower Cup Café - it is small but cosy - locals say it’s “really good” and ideal if you go early. Atina Kitchen also gets praise for its mixed menu and veggie-friendly dishes - booking is recommended.

Siam Thai & Teppanyaki sits by a canal and combines Thai and Japanese teppanyaki theatre. Highly rated and awarded, it’s a lively waterside option with great food and views.

For pubs, locals often name The Brewery Tap, Bear & Billet, Cross Keys & King’s Head - all on or near Bridge Street - and perfect for a relaxed drink or meal.

Shanghai Restaurant, on Hoole Road since 2000, is regularly recommended for its reliable, broad menu and good vegetarian choices. Also popular locally is Ken’s Kitchen (Brook Street) or Nick’s Wok & Fish Bar (Sealand Road) for Asian fusion and crispy Chinese dishes - often cited as best in town.

Chester also offers several excellent Indian restaurants: Koconut Grove specialises in South Indian food - dosas, Kerala curries & seafood dishes. Amni on Foregate Street serves fresh, modern Indian food - great for casual meals or enjoying a good cocktail menu. Gate of India on City Road is a long-standing curry house loved by locals for its generous portions, classic dishes, and family-friendly atmosphere.

If you fancy a classic British pub meal with a pint, try Bear & Billet, Cross Keys, or King’s Head around Bridge Street - great spots for good value, traditional food & atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Visiting Chester

Chester is lovely all year round, but spring and early autumn are great times to visit. The weather is pleasant and the city isn’t as busy as in peak summer. 

If you’re driving in, parking in the city centre can get pricey and spaces fill up quickly. The Park & Ride service is a good alternative. There are sites just outside the city, and the buses drop you off close to all the main sights.

Many parts of Chester are accessible, including the cathedral, museum and parts of the city walls. Some areas, like the Rows and older pubs, may have steps or narrow spaces. 

If you’re bringing your dog, good news - Chester is quite dog-friendly. Many cafés offer water bowls outside, and dogs are welcome in Grosvenor Park and along the river paths.

Final Thoughts - Is Chester Worth Visiting?

We loved our visit to Chester and would definitely rank it as one of the top historic towns in the UK. It has that perfect mix of charm, history, and atmosphere. From the Roman walls to the riverside walks and unique shops, there’s something special around every corner.

One day in Chester felt too short - we’d love to go back and see more. If you enjoy places with character and stories to tell, Chester is well worth a visit. Save this guide for later or share it with a friend who’s planning a trip!