Chester is unlike anywhere else in England. Two thousand years of history written into every street, wall and building. A city where Roman soldiers once stood guard, where medieval merchants built the world-famous Rows, and where today a world-class zoo, vibrant food scene and thriving business community make it one of the UK’s most compelling destinations.
Chester is one of England’s finest cities — a place where the Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Georgian chapters of English history are not confined to museums but are alive in the streets, buildings and walls you walk through every day.
The Romans called it Deva Victrix and built their largest fortress here in AD 79 to guard the border with Wales. The city walls they built are still standing — the longest, oldest and most complete Roman city walls in Britain — and you can walk the full 2-mile circuit today for extraordinary views across the city, two countries and five counties.
Beyond its history, Chester is a thriving, modern city with outstanding independent businesses, a world-class zoo, the beautiful River Dee running through its heart and one of the most vibrant food and drink scenes in the North West.
Chester’s story is one of the great narratives of English history — a city that has been at the centre of things for two millennia and shows no sign of slowing down.
The Romans establish one of Britain’s largest legionary fortresses here, housing up to 6,000 soldiers. The city name comes from the Latin castrum, meaning fort.
Chester’s unique two-tiered covered shopping galleries — The Rows — take shape, creating a shopping experience that remains unique in the world today. The oldest shopfront in England, dating to the 1200s, sits at 48 Bridge Street.
Chester Racecourse is established — it holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously operating racecourse in the world, set on land that was once a Roman harbour.
Chester is widely regarded as one of England’s most important historic cities and has been the subject of UNESCO World Heritage Site consideration for its extraordinary concentration of history.
The longest, oldest and most complete Roman city walls in Britain. At 2 miles in length, the full circuit offers views across Chester, into North Wales and across five counties. One of the finest free walks in England.
The largest Roman amphitheatre ever uncovered in Britain, capable of holding 7,000 spectators. Partially excavated and open to visit, it gives a remarkable glimpse into Chester’s Roman past.
An immersive attraction that takes visitors back to Roman Britannia, with costumed legionaries, hands-on exhibits and a genuine insight into what life in fortress Deva would have looked like 2,000 years ago.
Built between the 10th and 16th centuries on the site of a Roman temple, Chester Cathedral contains what is regarded as the finest medieval wood carvings in Europe. The 216-step tower tour offers extraordinary views.
From Roman walls and medieval galleries to the world’s best zoo and the beautiful River Dee, Chester offers one of the richest visitor experiences in England.
The UK’s most visited attraction outside London, Chester Zoo is home to 35,000 animals across 500 species and 125 acres of landscaped grounds. A world leader in conservation and wildlife education. Extraordinary at any age.
Visit Chester Zoo →Walk the full 2-mile circuit of England’s most complete Roman walls for extraordinary views over Chester, into Wales and across five counties. Free to walk, spectacular at any time of year.
Plan your visit →Chester’s unique 700-year-old two-tiered covered shopping galleries are found nowhere else in the world. Lined with independent boutiques, jewellers and restaurants, they are one of England’s most distinctive shopping experiences.
Explore Chester →The world’s oldest continuously operating racecourse, established in 1539 and holder of a Guinness World Record. Racing on the famous Roodee beside the River Dee is one of Cheshire’s most glamorous annual events.
See race days →Chester’s multi-award-winning cultural hub combines a theatre, cinema, city library, restaurant and bar in a stunning converted 1930s art deco cinema. A genuine centrepiece of the city’s cultural life.
What’s on →The River Dee runs through the heart of Chester, offering rowing boats for hire, river cruises, kayaking and beautiful waterside walks. The Groves riverside promenade is one of the city’s most beloved gathering places.
River cruises →Chester has one of the most vibrant food and drink scenes in the North West, with independent restaurants, historic pubs, riverside dining and the fantastic Northgate Market at its heart.
Chester’s most prestigious dining room, named after the legendary racehorse. A five-star experience with an outstanding menu, impeccable service and an atmosphere that is hard to match anywhere in Cheshire.
The Storyhouse dining experience combines great food, craft cocktails and a buzzing atmosphere in one of Chester’s most architecturally striking buildings. Perfect before or after a show.
A modern traditional market in the heart of the city with dozens of independent food vendors, fresh produce, artisan goods and a fantastic atmosphere. One of Chester’s most exciting recent additions.
Chester’s celebrated craft beer and street food destination, with an ever-changing line-up of local breweries, independent food traders and a lively, welcoming atmosphere that perfectly captures the city’s independent spirit.
A Chester institution for beer lovers. An intimate Belgian-style bar with a fantastic range of bottled beers, draught Belgian ales, ciders and continental lagers. Find it on Prince Albert Street, beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Chester sits at the heart of Cheshire’s thriving business community. Here are three outstanding Cheshire businesses we are proud to support and work with.
Nantwich’s award-winning specialty coffee roasters, producing exceptional freshly roasted beans and supplying coffee lovers and businesses across the UK. If you love great coffee, Crave is a must.
Visit Crave Coffee →A leading Cheshire 3PL fulfilment provider based at Cheshire Green Employment Park near Nantwich, serving e-commerce businesses across the UK with pick, pack and ship services and direct Shopify integration.
Visit Gus Logistics →Based in Nantwich, Top Flight Stairlifts UK are one of the most trusted independent stairlift specialists in the North West. Local, no-pressure and proud of their 5-star service across Cheshire and beyond.
Visit Top Flight Stairlifts →Chester is home to a strong and growing business community across tourism, hospitality, professional services, retail and digital.
The UK’s most visited attraction outside London and one of Chester’s most significant employers. A charity and world leader in conservation, Chester Zoo attracts nearly 2 million visitors per year and is a cornerstone of the local economy.
Cheshire-based SEO agency helping businesses in Chester and across the county rank higher on Google, generate more leads and grow. Specialists in local SEO, AI search and digital marketing from £250/month with no contracts.
Chester’s iconic five-star hotel on Eastgate Street, at the heart of the city since the 1860s. Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, a luxury spa and one of the finest hotel experiences in the North of England.
Chester’s multi-award-winning cultural centre combining a theatre, cinema, library, restaurant and bar. Since opening in 2017 it has become one of the most successful and celebrated cultural venues in the North West.
The world’s oldest continuously operating racecourse is also one of Chester’s most important businesses, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the city each racing season and generating significant local economic impact.
The River Dee runs through the very heart of Chester, giving the city a natural beauty that perfectly complements its architectural grandeur. The Groves riverside promenade is one of the most beautiful and beloved public spaces in England.
Explore Chester from the water on a guided river cruise. An entirely different perspective on the city walls, the racecourse and the beautiful Cheshire countryside beyond.
Hire a traditional rowing boat from The Groves and take to the river yourself — one of Chester’s most enduring and charming ways to spend an afternoon.
A beautiful circular walk linking the river, Grosvenor Park, the Roman walls and the city centre — one of the finest urban walks in England and entirely free.
Twenty acres of Victorian parkland beside the river, with formal flower beds, an open-air theatre, a miniature railway and some of the most beautiful green space in Chester.
Chester is one of the most visited cities in England. If your business is here, being visible in local search is essential. SEO Bridge is your Cheshire SEO partner.
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