Chester

An English historic city with the most complete Roman-era walls, black-and-white Tudor two-tier Rows, Chester Zoo and Cheshire Oaks outlet, and a gateway for road trips into North Wales.

Chester lies in Cheshire in northwest England, right by the Welsh border, about 25 km from Liverpool and 60 km from Manchester. Around AD 79 the Romans built the legionary fortress of Deva on the River Dee; in the Middle Ages it became an important port for North Wales and Ireland, and today it is one of Britain's most completely walled historic cities. Sightseeing centres on the area inside the walls: you can walk the full circuit of the roughly 3 km walls, and the Eastgate Clock is the city's most photogenic landmark; the four main streets radiating from Chester Cross are lined with the unique black-and-white Tudor two-tier Rows, the place for shopping and afternoon tea; and the red sandstone Chester Cathedral retains its complete monastic cloisters. Outside the walls are the remains of Britain's largest Roman amphitheatre, Grosvenor Park and the tree-lined riverside walk along the Dee, where you can take a boat trip; to the west is Britain's oldest racecourse. 4 km north of the city is Chester Zoo, the UK's most popular zoo, and further north are Cheshire Oaks outlet and the Blue Planet Aquarium; you can also drive to Beeston Castle and Erddig, or continue on to North Wales and Llangollen. The best time is Apr–Sep, with mild weather and long days, and race meetings from May to September; in December the Christmas market and lights along the walls are very atmospheric. British weather is changeable, so bring rain gear in any season. Getting there: direct trains from London Euston take about 2 hours; Manchester Airport is about 1 hour by car or train, and Liverpool about 45 minutes. The city is easily explored on foot, and buses run to the zoo and the outlet. Allow 1–2 days, or 2 days if adding the zoo or the outlet.

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