If you are looking for a break this summer where you can enjoy immersing yourself in plenty of history as well as comfort, look no further than a trip to Chester. The city of Chester was founded by the Romans, and you can see the many signs of Roman habitation all over the area – the amphitheatre is well preserved, and you can also see the medieval buildings all around the city and the local area.
There is plenty to do in the city itself – stroll around the many independent shops and stop for a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. The nearby River Dee is the perfect place to enjoy seeing the area from the water, and for families and animal lovers of course you should head to the fantastic Chester Zoo.
Around half an hour drive away from Chester is more recent history – Hack Green Nuclear bunker is home to the secret world of the Cold War and the chilling preparations that the government made if Britain came under nuclear attack.
There are also lots of places to stay to suit whatever your needs are – if you want some relaxation and pampering then look for places like this Chester luxury hotel, or if you want to be further out into the countryside, have a look for cottages to rent in the local area where there is plenty of rural charm.
Family days out in and around Chester
Chester works well for a family break, with plenty to fill the days and good nightlife for the adults. Chester Zoo is the obvious starting point. With elephants, tigers, penguins and giraffes among its animals, and activities running throughout the day, it can easily keep children entertained from opening to closing.
For something different, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker tells the story of spies and the Cold War. It began as a Second World War radar station and stayed secret for over 60 years, and its nuclear weapons display fascinates young and old alike.
One of the best ways to see the city is from the river. A sightseeing cruise passes meadows, the suspension bridge and some impressive buildings, and there is a bar on board. Chester Racecourse, the oldest in Britain, offers a glamorous day out, so check the race calendar before you travel.
Chester’s walls, landmarks and evenings out
Chester began as a Roman fort in 79 AD and became one of the main army camps of Roman Britain. Later it was one of the last cities to hold out against the Normans, and William the Conqueror had a castle built there because of its position near the Welsh border.
That history is everywhere. Chester has the most complete ancient city walls in Britain, which you can follow for around two miles, as well as the country’s largest Roman amphitheatre, a cathedral about a thousand years old and shops that have stood for some 700 years. The Eastgate Clock, built in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, is one of the most photographed clocks in the world. An open-top bus or guided walking tour is an easy way to see it all.
After dark the city offers cocktail bars, live music venues and jazz and blues, so leave the car behind and take a taxi.
