guide to chester

breakaway to the best Magical Chester Chester is a magical place. Its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make the city one of Britain’s most popular places for an unforgettable short break. “ Chester is one We go in search of what makes Chester Make time too for the Eastgate Clock - such a must-see favourite and find out why one of the most photographed timepieces in of the most stunning a 2000 year old classic is such a hit with the world - built to celebrate Queen Victoria’s destinations in 21st century visitors. Diamond Jubilee - but erected 2 years later because of public outcry over its funding! Europe according to The moment you arrive, the ancientUSA Today and 10Best heritage takes your breath away. You’ll also come across some interesting characters that make any visit to Chester so ” Well, you are walking where Roman memorable like Roman Legionaries in full Legionaries marched to war, Viking raiders battle-gear, the Town Crier, or the wreaked havoc and Norman invaders ‘Hollyoaks’ cast filming on location. conquered Anglo-Saxons. Time your visit to see one of Chester’s Each chapter of Chester’s history is many events and festivals for an extra etched into the very fabric of the City. special treat – nobody quite does parades like Chester. The City Walls, the Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Racecourse Its Midsummer Watch has its roots in and the River Dee all play a part in the the Middle Ages and brings medieval City’s exciting tales of adventure. merriment and mayhem to the heart of the city adding another dimension to its They are blockbuster attractions you incredible ambience. cannot miss and their superlatives are hard to beat. Myths and legends are everywhere just like the black and white half-timbered Totally Unique buildings that make Chester so captivating – especially the two-tier galleries of shops - Chester has the most complete city The Rows. walls, the oldest racecourse, and largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain. They provide an intriguing and amazing backdrop to your visit and some of the best Its 1000 year old cathedral features shopping on offer. Europe’s finest example of medieval carvings and new for 2014 the Cathedral at Stores galore offer the hottest fashions set Height tour taking you to the top of a tower against a background of treasures of antiquity via secret passageways - and of course the and a vibrant café culture where outdoor unique 700 year old Rows galleries where dining and people-watching go hand in hand. shopping is a double delight.04 visitchester.com

breakaway to the best• LEFT PAGE: King Charles Tower. BELOW: Eastgate Clock, Chester Cathedral, Chester Cycleway and The Rows. Style of StaytotGmhoeaktaoetchcspaoufatorm’gsereoryyi5dogo5auhuttigoent Night-time is play- time and Chesterparties in style. Fun is always on the menu with adelicious and mesmerising choice offabulous eateries, glitzy wine-bars andneon-lit nightclubs plus an eclectic mix oflive music venues. You can slow the pace down too andexplore the City aboard open-top buses withCity Sightseeing or Chester HeritageTours Victorian omnibus or take a guidedwalking tour from the Town Hall. You can also enjoy a leisurely canal boatcruise from The Mill Hotel with dining onboard or sail up the river with one ofChesterboat’s many pleasure cruises. By the way, their party nights are alwayspopular and feature lots of retro pop!. Make your way to visitchester.com tojoin in the fun! visitcheshire.com 05

getting the most from your stayChester2000 years of heritage make Chester an absolute delight toexplore. We take a look at what the City offers to visitors on ashort break and find an amazing choice of things to see and do.Here’s our recommended must-do’s for a 2 day stay.Day 1 Dinner - The choice is scrumptious and ranges from Thai and Japanese to Brazilian Morning - Walk the Walls. Take a gentle and Chinese. See Chester Mini Guide forstroll around the most complete City Walls in ideas.Britain, exploring the towers, Eastgate Clock,River Dee, largest Roman Amphitheatre and Evening - Book your place on the Ghostoldest racecourse in Britain. Tour. Hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts and ghouls as you walk along some of the most The 2 mile walk is the perfect way to get haunted streets in the world!your bearings. Day 2 Before lunch - stop off at The Crosswhere you’ll find the Town Crier making a Morning - Enjoy some retail therapy inmidday proclamation. Chester is the only high street stores, designer boutiques andplace in Britain to have retained this independent gems. Walk along the famoustradition. Proclamations take place Tuesday Rows, the unique medieval two-tierto Saturday, May to August (10.30am on galleries and find England’s oldest shop-race days). It’s free, fun and totally front in Bridge Street.unforgettable. Lunch - Try a waterside eatery for a Lunch - There’s a fabulous choice of memorable dining experience.dining experiences in locations like TheRows, ancient cellars, and the racecourse. Afternoon - Relax on board a leisureSee Chester Mini Guide for ideas. boat trip on the River Dee, passing Grosvenor Park, the delightful Meadows Afternoon - Explore the City at leisure. and the Suspension Bridge.Hop aboard one of the city sightseeingbuses or take a ride with Chester Heritage A 2 hour cruise to Iron Bridge takes youTours on their Edwardian omnibus. past the Eaton Estate, home to the Duke of Westminster. Visit the majestic 1000 year old ChesterCathedral, featuring the finest medieval If you’re feeling more adventurous, hirecarvings in Europe and a brand new a rowing boat or pedallo.Cathedral at Height attraction. Enjoyafternoon tea in the Refectory where Dinner - Savour haute cuisine at one ofmonks once ate in silence. Chester’s celebrity chef eateries. To find out more, go to www.visitchester.com visitcheshire.com 07

chester attractions 123 4ChesterChester’s magical mix of heritage, shopping and restaurants make the city the perfect place to visitaround the clock. There’s an amazing choice of things to see and do all year. Explore and enjoy!1 Chester Zoo: the perfect day 7 Chester Market: the perfect 12 Guided Walks: the ideal way 18 The Chester Tour: modernout for animal lovers and garden place to pick up a bargain or try to explore on foot departing from double-deckers perfect forfans. the amazing array of cheese, the Town Hall Visitor Information sightseeing with commentary on fruit, vegetables and fresh fish Centre at 10.30am all year. board.2 The Ice Cream Farm: a cool and meat.choice of amazing flavours in the 13 Mill Hotel & Spa 19 Telfords Warehouse:heart of the countryside. 8 Dewa Roman Experience: Restaurant Cruiser: canal a gem from the canal age with a time-travelling galley whisks boat trips with lunch or dinner great evening entertainment and3 Cheshire Military Museum: you back 2000 years to Fortress on board. dining all day.the history of local regiments in Dewa.arenas of war. 14 Roman Amphitheatre: 20 The Live Rooms: a venue 9 Grosvenor Museum: 2000 year old gladiator arena. offering a cocktail of comedians4 Chester Boat: pleasure trips a treasure-house of heritage and live music.on the River Dee with special featuring art, silver and natural 15 Roman Tours: join up for aevening theme cruises. history galleries. patrol with a legionary around 21 Busybus: award-winning Fortress Dewa. excursions to North Wales with5 Chester Cathedral: a place of 10 Grosvenor Park Miniature castles, coast and countryside -worship for over 1000 years with Railway: a delight for children 16 Rows: unique two-tier and fun and laughter en route.heritage from every era and a new of all ages. galleries dating from theCathedral at Height attraction. Middle Ages. To find out more, go to 11 Grosvenor Shopping www.visitchester.com6 Chester Heritage Tours: Centre: an irresistible array of 17 St John’s Church:award-winning sightseeing 21st century stores. Anglo-Saxon ruins alongside aexcursions aboard a vintage place of worship dating fromomnibus. Norman times. It was the city’s original cathedral.10 visitchester.com