Chester City Walls
England's most complete medieval city walls, founded in Roman times and extended in the Middle Ages. The circuit is about 3 km and offers views over the cathedral, the racecourse and the River Dee.
Chester's city walls began as the Roman legionary fortress of Deva in the 1st century AD. They were extended to the south and west in the Middle Ages. The circuit is England's most complete, about 3.2 km long, and the walkway along the top is free to access at all times. Along the way you pass the Eastgate Clock, King Charles's Tower (said to be where Charles I watched a battle), the North Gate, the Wishing Steps and Bridge Gate, with views over the racecourse, the River Dee and the canal. A full circuit takes 1.5 to 2 hours. You can climb up or down at any gate. Some sections have steps, so they are not wheelchair-friendly.
Opening hours
Open all day (limited lighting on some sections after sunset)
Nearby sights
- Old Dee Bridge
- Chester Roman Amphitheatre
- Chester Castle
- Grosvenor Museum
- St John the Baptist's Church
- Eastgate Clock
- The Rows
- Chester Cathedral