Chester is an old Roman settlement (Deva) built on the River Dee. It has a wide appeal to tourists the world over and receives many million per year. Why do tourists flock to Chester in such large numbers then?
As said Chester is a Roman settlement and evidence can still e seen of this today, yet there is also mock Tudor front buildings, and more modern buildings all in close proximity which gives Chester a unique look not seen in many cities throughout the nation.
Chester is very good if you want variety of shops. There are all the usual national chain stores - Boots, BHS, Debenhams, Wollies, Virgin, HMV, McDonalds etc. Yet many smaller, more independent stores can be found - such as the F1 shop on Bridge Street Row, or ’The Gadget Shop’ type stores, Bug and Natural World in the Grosvenor precinct.
Foregate Street is the main street in Chester and it is here where the main contrast can be seen. One side of the Foregate Bridge is the ’Rows’ (shops on the floor level, with separate shops above them - something I have never seen in any other city I have been to). These are buildings with the mock Tudor fronts, further down you can see the much more modern buildings of the chain stores Boots and BHS. The city has also been pedestrianised in recent years, with only buses and taxis being allowed along main streets.
Just off Forgate street there is the Old Roman Ampitheartre, which is currently under threat from development. In other parts of the city there is an old Roman Strong room - evidence of Chester origins are all over the city.
The Cathedral in Chester is also popular with locals and tourists alike, Situated opposite the Town Hall (which in itself is big to say the least). Seating in this area is ample, so you can sit down and have a rest or munch your Mcdonalds purchased from the relatively new branch - or even savor the delights of the delicious Northern Bakery chain ’Sayers’
The walls also provide a good walk around if you just want to view the city. The Walls aare part of the Roman protection of Deva. They are easy to follow and provide a relaxing walk around an easy to follow route. If you are worried about getting lost then maps are available from Tourist Information, or the Chester Visitor Centre.
Alternatively you could take a guided tour on the Open top bus.
Chester is also blessed with a center for my favorite activity in the whole wide world - Laser Quest.
Outside of the city is the Zoo, one of the biggest in the country, it may even be the biggest, I’m not sure though. This is in Upton, by one of the park and rides available in Chester (and after your visit you can get chips from ’The Fry Inn’ which I have conveniently written an opinion on). Park and rides cost about £1.20 for an adult fare which will give two free U15 child passes for any children with their parents.
Variety of shops and architecture, high up on the must visit list for many. Just a bit of tongue in cheek humor now but, please, if you do come, try to keep the maps discreet - it is really annoying.