Explore the UK
Chester
The city of Chester dates back over two thousand years and as a former Roman settlement evidence of the former settlers can be seen in fascinating displays at the Grosvenor Museum that builds up a picture of Roman Chester along with other exhibits tracing the history of the area from that time through to the 1930’s, but for a true taste of Roman Britain a visit to the Deva Roman experience where in a reconstructed street where you can experience the sights and smells of how it was in Roman times.
The city of Chester is completely encircled by walls and one of its unique features is it 13th century ‘Rows’ comprising two tiers of shops which run the entire length of the main streets. Attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year, Chester Cathedral has to be one of most popular attractions in the North West region where there has been a church on the site for over 1000 years. Originally a Saxon Minster the Cathedral houses an almost complete medieval monastic complex with intricately carved Quire stalls, considered to be the best in the country and over 800 years old. When visiting the Cathedral why not enjoy a meal in the 13th century refectory?
Chester Zoo attracts over one million visitors a year and is Britain’s biggest zoo where over 7000 animals covering 500 differing species are cared for. You can experience Komodo Dragons, marvel at the crocodiles, rain forest monkeys and spectacled bears amongst just some. Special family packages are available such as free entry for one child with each adult paying ticket.
Chester is a good centre for exploring the county of Cheshire which is built on salt and this commodity has played a big part in its prosperity. At nearby Northwich is Britain’s only salt museum and this tells the fascinating story of Cheshire's oldest industry with good exhibits and some wonderful photographs.
For engineering enthusiasts the Anson Engine Museum is must; it has recently acquired Britain’s oldest diesel engine built in Glasgow in 1897. The museum which is at Macclesfield has a unique collection of over 200 gas and oil engines, many maintained in running order. These range from early Crossley gas engines through to more modern diesels. The collection illustrates the development of the internal combustion engine from its early beginnings.
Chester is a beautiful city full of attractions, ideal for a weekend break at one the race meetings held there, easy to visit with excellent motorway connections from nearby Liverpool and the greater Manchester area. Magnificent in scale and breathtaking in beauty, Chester is a vibrant city combining graceful architecture with exclusive accommodation and shopping.
