Local information - history
The historic city of Chester was founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago, and much of the Roman influence remains and Chester’s city walls are the most complete in Britain, stretching some 2-miles. In every corner of the city you are confronted with history, from the Roman amphitheatre, to the medieval half-timbered buildings.
Built on the banks of the River Dee, the city now attracts visitors from around the world. Cheshire’s county town excels at finding ways to explore its past, and its historic core is now seeing the fruits of a regeneration, named 'Chester Renaissance', essentially a £72 million regeneration of the Northgate quarter of Chester.
One of Chester’s most unique features is the two-tiered rows, known as the “Chester Rows” allowing you to shop whatever the weather. Its mix of medieval, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and contemporary architecture is home to England’s oldest shopfront, as well as indie boutiques and silversmiths.
Places to visit
As well as having so much history and heritage, Chester is a vibrant, dynamic city full of restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, hotels, a racecourse, zoo, theatre and not forgetting the River Dee.
The city is home to the oldest, in-use racecourse in the country, The Roodee, once the site of a Roman harbour, now a glamorous venue that plays home to a thriving horse racing and international polo season year-on-year.
The Roman Amphitheatre where 7,000 spectators once enjoyed circuses, festivals and gladiator fights has been brought to life and the 1,000 year old Chester Cathedral hosts regular musical events and exhibitions. The Eastgate Clock, one of the most photographed in the world, built to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897, is worth a visit.
On the outskirts of the city is Chester Zoo, the perfect day out for animal lovers, with over 15,000 animals in 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens.
A cruise on the River Dee is perhaps one of the most relaxing things to do in Chester ranging from half-hour City Cruises, afternoon tea and themed party nights.
The new Chester market, part of the Northgate redevelopment, hosts 40 plus stalls in an oak-beamed food court, including established vendors, beloved local brands and successful pop-ups in new permanent homes. The development is due to include a six-screen Picture house cinema and office space.
Storyhouse is definitely worth a visit, a large mixed-use cultural building, which opened in May 2017. The complex includes a theatre, cinema, restaurant and the city library.
Travel
The City is a hub for major roads, including the M53 motorway towards the Wirral Peninsula and Liverpool and the M56 motorway towards Manchester. The A55, North Wales Expressway, links Chester to the North Wales coast and the A483 links the city to nearby Wrexham and ultimately to South Wales. There is a direct rail service to London Euston, within 2 hours, whilst Liverpool and Manchester Airports are easily accessible being just 25 miles and 33 miles distant respectively by road.
Local schools and colleges
Local state primary and secondary schooling is well-provided for in the area at Belgrave, Upton Heath and Overleigh St Mary’s Primary Schools and Queen’s Park, Overleigh, Bishops’ Blue Coat and Christleton High Schools. Independent schooling is provided for at both King’s and Queen’s Schools in Chester, and Abbey Gate College in nearby Saighton.
Higher education is available at the University of Chester, one of the oldest higher education institutions in the country, together with West Cheshire College offering a variety of vocational study programmes.