Why You Should Spend a Weekend in Chester

Chester is one of the loveliest cities in the UK and a wonderful place to spend a weekend break. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its history, shopping, 1000 year old cathedral, beautiful architecture, great restaurants and excellent nightlife. It stands on the river Dee in the North-Western county of Cheshire and it is surrounded by ancient Roman Walls. There are plenty of great hotels in Chester to choose from, so you are certain to find some great accommodation during your stay.

Here are some of the many reasons why you should consider spending a weekend in Chester:

Walk Along the Walls

The city of Chester is surrounded by a mile of 2,000 year old walls. You can make a circuit of the city from a height and admire a view of a recreated Roman garden, where paths and geometric plant beds are shaped like a serpent coiled around a staff of the Roman god of health.

Take a River Cruise

See the city from a different perspective with a half hour cruise along the River Dee every 30 minutes. This is a relaxing and laid back experience that allows you to get a better feeling for the atmosphere of the city. It is a wonderfully romantic activity that would be perfect for celebrating a special occasion in Chester.

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Strolling Along the Groves

The Groves is a lovely riverside promenade that runs alongside the River Dee, from Grosvenor Park to the Old Handbridge. On a warm and sunny day you can take a trip down the river itself on one of the row boats or motorised tour boats.

Admire the Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Diocese of Chester dates back to 1541, but there has been a church in some form on this site for more than 1,000 years. It’s a truly impressive building to see, especially the beautifully intricately carved 800 year old ‘quire’ stalls and the medieval shrine of St. Werburgh.

Go Shopping

Chester was recently voted as one of the best shopping cities in the country. It boasts a wide range of small independent shops as well as big chain store names. Take a walk through the shops and find something special to bring home with you. The Rows is a two tier shopping gallery that runs the length of the streets in the historic heart of the city. Or, if you are looking for designer shopping you can visit the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, which is next door to the excellent Blue Planet Aquarium.

You can also check out the Chester market, which has been around since the 1200s. Today it is still a lively and busy covered market in the centre of the city, with plenty to enjoy including food, fabric and much more.

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Watch a Horserace

Visit Chester Racecourse and watch a horserace, a truly thrilling event. These races are popular, so you will have to book tickets in advance. If you want to see a bit of the race for free, you can walk along the city walls where you will be able to view the action below.

Check Out Chester Zoo

The UK’s number one charity zoo, Chester Zoo is a huge enclosure that is set within 110 acres of gardens. There you will be able to spot more than 7,000 animals from 500 different species. It’s a great attraction if you are travelling with kids, as they will be fascinated by the wild creatures.

Enjoy the Great Nightlife

Chester has a bustling nightlife, making it a perfect destination for a hen do, stag do or just a weekend away with your friends. There are plenty of great pubs, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, beautiful historic architecture and fine ales and ciders. If you want to dance the night away there are also nightclubs, such as Rosies which has three floors that are filled with all sorts of music and cheap drinks. One of the biggest clubs is Cruise, which has three floors and various rooms and is a great place to go for a night out.

These are just a few of the reasons why spending a weekend in Chester will be a fantastic getaway, so why not start booking your trip and looking for accommodation near Cheshire?

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