Chester Cathedral
A red sandstone cathedral converted from a centuries-old Benedictine abbey. It preserves England's most complete medieval monastic cloister and finely carved wooden choir stalls.
Chester Cathedral began as St Werburgh's Abbey, founded in 1092. After Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, it became a cathedral in 1541, and its architecture spans the Norman to Gothic periods. Must-sees include the 14th-century carved oak choir stalls, the cloister and courtyard, and the refectory, which is now a café. You can join a tower tour of about an hour and climb to look out over the old city and the Welsh mountains. Entry to the cathedral is free, with donations welcome, but tower tours require a ticket.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 10:00am–5:00pm; Sun 1:00–4:00pm (visits restricted during services)
Nearby sights
- The Rows
- Eastgate Clock
- Chester Town Hall
- Storyhouse
- Chester Roman Amphitheatre
- Grosvenor Museum
- St John the Baptist's Church
- Chester City Walls