A Day in Chester
I went on a coach trip to Chester, but if you drive yourself,
there is a Park and Ride system in operation, as well as a large car park very
close to the town centre, the river and the race course.
I was dropped off at the bus station, right in the centre of the city, an excellent place to start my day; the fabulous Town Hall building was a good landmark for me to get my bearings – as well as it being the Tourist Information Office.
After doing my homework, I knew there were 2 easy ways to see Chester, either on the Edwardian omnibus with Chester Heritage Tours, or on the Hop On Hop Off bus; both of these do various loops of the city with commentary and are open top – so you can get a good view or a good soaking!
It was a dry fine day, so I didn’t feel the need to sit in a bus any longer. The most important thing I wanted to do on my visit, was to walk the 2 miles around the infamous City Walls – the most complete City Walls left in Britain.
When they weren’t needed for defence purposes in the 18th century, they were converted into walkways, and you can just imagine soldiers patrolling them, keeping watch over the city and collecting tolls at the gateways. It made things easier that there are many places where you can get on and off the wall all around the city loop, but they are not accessible for people with problems walking. You can do it all or just do a short section, and there are frequent information markers telling you how far it is to the next attraction.
I loved the part when the wall becomes an arched bridge, over the cobbled street with the city bustling below, and the beautiful Eastgate Clock towering above it. This was the site of the original entrance to the Roman Fortress and it is supposed to be the most photographed clock in England - after Big Ben. The present gateway dates from 1768 and the ornate clock was added to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.
I was dropped off at the bus station, right in the centre of the city, an excellent place to start my day; the fabulous Town Hall building was a good landmark for me to get my bearings – as well as it being the Tourist Information Office.
After doing my homework, I knew there were 2 easy ways to see Chester, either on the Edwardian omnibus with Chester Heritage Tours, or on the Hop On Hop Off bus; both of these do various loops of the city with commentary and are open top – so you can get a good view or a good soaking!
It was a dry fine day, so I didn’t feel the need to sit in a bus any longer. The most important thing I wanted to do on my visit, was to walk the 2 miles around the infamous City Walls – the most complete City Walls left in Britain.
When they weren’t needed for defence purposes in the 18th century, they were converted into walkways, and you can just imagine soldiers patrolling them, keeping watch over the city and collecting tolls at the gateways. It made things easier that there are many places where you can get on and off the wall all around the city loop, but they are not accessible for people with problems walking. You can do it all or just do a short section, and there are frequent information markers telling you how far it is to the next attraction.
I loved the part when the wall becomes an arched bridge, over the cobbled street with the city bustling below, and the beautiful Eastgate Clock towering above it. This was the site of the original entrance to the Roman Fortress and it is supposed to be the most photographed clock in England - after Big Ben. The present gateway dates from 1768 and the ornate clock was added to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.
It was nice to view the canal down below
on certain parts of the Wall walk, as well as see the Railway Viaduct in the
distance – a truly impressive sight.
There are a few remaining Towers, the Water Tower and King Charles Tower – which has recently been restored and is definitely worth going into – it has so much character. Chester was first established as a town and Roman fortress in about 75AD, and there is so much evidence of its history going right back to Roman times all around the city.
You
get a great perspective of the Roman Amphitheatre and the Roman Gardens from
the City Walls, but it is best to go down and have a closer look at them – the
information boards describe and show how the partially excavated ancient amphitheatre
was discovered.
There are remains of some Roman baths in the gardens and many
ruined pillars – set out along the lawns, as well as mosaics along the
pathways.
Also just outside the City Walls, are the ruins of and the rebuilt St Johns Church, which was reputedly founded in the 7th century by King Aethelred, and it is considered the best remaining example of 12th century architecture left in Cheshire.
As I continued back up along the Walls, I came to the River Dee with its 3 impressive bridges, the Suspension walk bridge, and the 2 Arched stone bridges. The Old Dee Bridge with its numerous arches, has said to have been “Guarding the crossing to Wales for centuries”.
What a picture it looked, the dark waters of the Dee were so still, reflecting a church on the opposite riverbank beautifully.
There are River Cruises from 30 minutes to 2 hours for all the family, and they also operate an evening cruise with dinner and dancing included. I didn’t have time for a cruise though - although it would have been an idea if I had needed a rest or to avoid some nasty weather.
Further along the river pathway (which was now on the flat – not higher up on the wall), I passed the University and the Castle which is an English Heritage property and much of its lands are now used by the courts, museums and the University.
There are a few remaining Towers, the Water Tower and King Charles Tower – which has recently been restored and is definitely worth going into – it has so much character. Chester was first established as a town and Roman fortress in about 75AD, and there is so much evidence of its history going right back to Roman times all around the city.
Also just outside the City Walls, are the ruins of and the rebuilt St Johns Church, which was reputedly founded in the 7th century by King Aethelred, and it is considered the best remaining example of 12th century architecture left in Cheshire.
As I continued back up along the Walls, I came to the River Dee with its 3 impressive bridges, the Suspension walk bridge, and the 2 Arched stone bridges. The Old Dee Bridge with its numerous arches, has said to have been “Guarding the crossing to Wales for centuries”.
What a picture it looked, the dark waters of the Dee were so still, reflecting a church on the opposite riverbank beautifully.
There are River Cruises from 30 minutes to 2 hours for all the family, and they also operate an evening cruise with dinner and dancing included. I didn’t have time for a cruise though - although it would have been an idea if I had needed a rest or to avoid some nasty weather.
Further along the river pathway (which was now on the flat – not higher up on the wall), I passed the University and the Castle which is an English Heritage property and much of its lands are now used by the courts, museums and the University.
From close to the 200-year-old single span, stone
arch Grosvenor bridge, you can see Chester Racecourse – the oldest racecourse
in Britain. What a delightful sight it was – I couldn’t believe how close a
race course could be to the city centre – very accessible on race days!
For
those interested in Wars, the Cheshire Military Museum highlights the history
of regiments connected with the area dating back to the 17th century
- there is another large car park at this museum too. From here I headed back
into the city centre – which was very close – nowhere in Chester is very far.
I
passed many old Inns, A La Carte Restaurants, Public houses, and smaller bars –
dating back hundreds of years – all doing an excellent choice of food and
drink. By now, I had been walking for over 3 hours and it was time for some
refreshment and a little rest.
After lunch I went to Grosvenor Park which overlooks the River Dee and walked across the suspension bridge.
But back in the park, I found there was lots to do – there was miniature train rides for children, a lake, several viewpoints, a café, and plenty of lawned areas to sit and enjoy the sunshine and a picnic.
And the tamest squirrels I have ever come across.
After lunch I went to Grosvenor Park which overlooks the River Dee and walked across the suspension bridge.
But back in the park, I found there was lots to do – there was miniature train rides for children, a lake, several viewpoints, a café, and plenty of lawned areas to sit and enjoy the sunshine and a picnic.
And the tamest squirrels I have ever come across.
Unfortunately, due to the recent heavy rain, the rose garden wasn’t
looking its best – which was a pity, as the smell from the roses was still so
fragrant.
By now, it was time for the Cathedral to be open to the public. I went there earlier in the morning, but wasn’t able to go into the main body of the Cathedral as a service was being performed. The 1000-year-old Cathedral is a must – and it is free to get in!
There are Falconry displays outside and a nature garden and park for children, although I enjoyed seeing the fern garden planted around the base of the building and the colourful flower beds by the military memorial.
By now, it was time for the Cathedral to be open to the public. I went there earlier in the morning, but wasn’t able to go into the main body of the Cathedral as a service was being performed. The 1000-year-old Cathedral is a must – and it is free to get in!
There are Falconry displays outside and a nature garden and park for children, although I enjoyed seeing the fern garden planted around the base of the building and the colourful flower beds by the military memorial.
The cloisters are amazing – and small garden they opened out on to –
with an unusual sculptured fountain in the centre.
You can’t take photos inside the cathedral, which is a pity – but for me, the stone work and mosaics showing biblical scenes on the walls were the most impressive parts.
You can’t take photos inside the cathedral, which is a pity – but for me, the stone work and mosaics showing biblical scenes on the walls were the most impressive parts.
The choir was
practising and it all had the most calming and serene feel to it.
In one section, as a fundraising project, the Cathedral is being recreated in Lego, Brick by brick. When completed it will be amazing, a 4 x 2 metre replica – and if anyone wants to support this, they can buy a brick.
In one section, as a fundraising project, the Cathedral is being recreated in Lego, Brick by brick. When completed it will be amazing, a 4 x 2 metre replica – and if anyone wants to support this, they can buy a brick.
I have always loved
building things out of Lego – so just had to have a go. It always feels special
to leave your mark somewhere! The Refectory is now the café selling delicious
afternoon teas as well as many other delicacies.
What a fabulous café it looked too – with a brilliant atmosphere and its stained glass windows; and to finish my time there, I had a look around their great gift shop.
More information can be found on www.chestercatheral.com
The Cathedral is right in the centre of the city – ideal for those who like to shop; and will love the quaint malls as well as Grosvenor Shopping Centre, the Forum Shopping Centre and the markets.
There have all the fashionable city shops here, as well as many very different ones – it is the only time I have ever seen an antique doll shop!
But I hadn’t come to shop this time. Walking along the main street, I was lucky enough to come across the Town Crier making a proclamation, and many singers and musicians playing everything from violins, flutes – to puppets playing the drums; so the streets were constantly filled with delightful happy music.
For those who are enjoying the Roman feel to the city, you can visit the award winning “Dewa Roman Experience” and see ancient relics in the studio – and if you are lucky enough you might even spot a Roman Centurion.
What a fabulous café it looked too – with a brilliant atmosphere and its stained glass windows; and to finish my time there, I had a look around their great gift shop.
More information can be found on www.chestercatheral.com
The Cathedral is right in the centre of the city – ideal for those who like to shop; and will love the quaint malls as well as Grosvenor Shopping Centre, the Forum Shopping Centre and the markets.
There have all the fashionable city shops here, as well as many very different ones – it is the only time I have ever seen an antique doll shop!
But I hadn’t come to shop this time. Walking along the main street, I was lucky enough to come across the Town Crier making a proclamation, and many singers and musicians playing everything from violins, flutes – to puppets playing the drums; so the streets were constantly filled with delightful happy music.
For those who are enjoying the Roman feel to the city, you can visit the award winning “Dewa Roman Experience” and see ancient relics in the studio – and if you are lucky enough you might even spot a Roman Centurion.
If I had had more time I might have done one of the organised walking tours, there is the Secret Chester Walk, the Roman Soldier Walk, Historic Rows Walk and the Ghost Hunter Walk – but I had done my own “Walk” and in almost 6 hours I had walked 9 miles around Chester.
I had seen most things that had wanted to see, but there is always more. I think I will come back another time and enjoy this historic city again.
Here are a few more photographs that you may like :-
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