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What's On?                     Overview                     Prepare                     Highlights 

Hotels in Chester vary from traditional B&Bs to budget hotels to a five star city centre hotel with Michelin star restaurant. Whatever sort of hotel you're looking Chester has a good rang of accommodation to suit everyone.  

A city break in Chester is an ideal way to spend a weekend...

The vast majority of hotels are situated within the city centre. In and amongst the main shopping areas you'll find hotels tucked alongside the famous high street names with Chester's most famous hotel, the luxury Grosvenor being right in the middle of the city underneath the famous clock. 

There are also hotels just five minutes walk out of the centre near the racecourse - ideal for a day at the races and towards the train station - a great base for your stay in this historical walled city. If you fancy staying further out, there are a great choice of hotels set in more rural locations where you can relax, but just a short car journey from the city centre.

Image of black and white tudor building in Chester

It's not just the shops that drive people to Chester - although the Chester Rows are a shoppers heaven with the unique designs and vast array of goods, this Roman city is surrounded by ancient walls which are great to walk around and get a full view of the city. Head down to the river and take a boat trip, or head out of town to visit the famous Chester Zoo. The stunning Chester Cathedral is also a must see.

A city break in Chester is an ideal way to spend a weekend.

Overview

Overview

It may be small but Chester boasts a surprising amount of big attractions. With a 110-acre zoo and a 140-store designer outlet complex, historically beautiful Chester has come a long way from its origins as a Roman fort on the River Dee.

See

While archaeologists dig up history at Chester Amphitheatre, the Dewa Roman Experience brings its sights, smells and sounds back to life. City-centrepiece Chester Cathedral dates from 1092. Two miles north of the city, Chester Zoo is a must for both big and little kids.

New

From July 2008, the River Dee Boat Service to Eccleston will transport visitors from the bustle of the city centre to Eccleston, a peaceful historic village on the Grosvenor Estate. After extensive renovation work, the Grosvenor Museum will show off its new Chester Timeline film presentation gallery.

Spend

Hunt out high-street fashions at The Mall Grosvenor in Chester’s traffic-free centre or head beyond the city walls to Cheshire Oaks’ 140 designer outlet stores. The monthly Farmers Market and the 12th-century Chester Market tempt food lovers and bargain hunters.

Get Out

On a sunny weekend locals head just outside the city walls to Grosvenor Park, a 19th-century public space boasting tree-lined avenues and views over the River Dee. Accompany the kids on its Miniature Railway ride.

Culture

Chester is the setting for Britain’s popular TV soap Hollyoaks but this isn’t the only drama taking place. Chester Mystery Plays stages medieval productions with historic outdoor backdrops. Listen to the Chester Philharmonic Orchestra in concert or tap your toes to the sounds at Alexander’s Jazz Theatre. Upcoming bands perform live sets at Telford’s Warehouse.

Eat & Drink

Dense, crumbly and nutty, Cheshire cheese is sold everywhere in Chester. Other local specialities to nibble on include meringue-topped Chester pudding and apple-filled Cheshire pork pie. Stick to the city centre for an array of elegant restaurants, gastro pubs and international flavours.

New Perspective

Explore the spooky nooks and crannies of Chester on a night-time guided Ghosthunter Trail. Hear secret tales about Chester’s dark and murky Medieval past.

Prepare

Prepare

Bring comfortable shoes for the two-mile walk on Britain’s most complete city wall and a camera for capturing Chester’s famous facades, the black-and-white half-timbered ‘Rows’.

Chester Year

Cheer on the Cheshire team at February’s Cheese Rolling Championships, which is held just before the Chester Food and Drink Festival in March. Place your bets at Chester Racecourse’s May Festival, listen to gospel and string quartets at the Chester Summer Music Festival (Jun-Nov) and get your skates on for the winter Frost Fair at Chester Zoo.

Public Holidays

New Year's Day, Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday (May), Summer Bank Holiday (May), Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec).

Weather

During the coldest months (Dec-Jan), temperatures average 0°C to 7°C so expect the odd sharp frost or a light sprinkling of snow. Rain can occur all year round and an umbrella is essential. During the summer months (May-Aug), temperatures are warmest (16°C – 25°C), sometimes even hitting the 30°C mark.

Electricity

240V AC, 50 Hz, three-pin plugs are standard.

Dialling Code

+44 (national), (0) 1244 + six-figure number (Chester).

Money

Pound sterling (£) is the currency.

GMT

GMT precisely (+1 in British summertime)

Chester Tourist Info

Visit Chester website

Fit In

Surprisingly fashion conscious, Chester is still a student town with lots of walking to be done, so try and combine the latest trends with casual, comfortable wear. Take something smarter for an evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Highlights

Highlights

Much of Chester’s Roman city wall remains intact, which means you can walk right around the circular city centre. Pick out the sights down below, then go back and take a closer look.

Most attractions are tucked inside the city walls. Visit Grosvenor Museum to brush up on your local history. Standing proudly as the city-centre focal point, the 11th-century Chester Cathedral boasts monastic cloisters and wood-carved choir stalls. Before venturing beyond the walls, photograph Chester’s most famous sight – the Victorian-era Eastgate Clock.

Outside the walls, Roman Chester Amphitheatre is Britain’s largest stone-built amphitheatre. Watch as Roman finds are unearthed. Head a bit further out of town to coo over cute and fluffy orang-utans at Chester Zoo’s new ‘Realm of the Red Ape’ enclosure.

Sightseeing Tips

To get the most out of your trip, book one of Chester’s popular Guided Tours, which bring to life everything from literary history to local myths. Guides in Roman dress are fun for the kids too. If you’re bringing the car, there are four Park & Ride sites dotted around the city (one serving Chester Zoo) with services every 10 minutes. Buy a Saver Book of 11 return tickets for the price of 10.

Content provided by Frommer's Unlimited © 2009, Whatsonwhen Limited.