This Medieval English City Is Full Of Rich History And Victorian Charm

Medieval towns, villages, and cities are a regular find within the borders of Great Britain. Many of the top English destinations that tourists love are steeped in history, where every corner seems to have a story to tell. That's especially true in Chester, England, tucked away in the northwest region of the country and boasting some well-preserved structures from as far back as the first century.

A walk through Chester transports visitors to the Victorian era, with striking buildings from the 1800s housing homes, offices, and businesses. But these structures don't tell the whole story. The city was founded as a Roman army settlement with easy access to transportation via the River Dee. Today, the city walls of Chester are the oldest and most complete in England and considered to be among the best preserved in all of Europe. The nearly 2 miles of walls envelope the city and remain accessible to visitors.

Chester fully embraces its history and continues to make discoveries. The city is home to one of Britain's largest archeological excavations near its Roman Amphitheater, and pieces discovered there are on display in the nearby Grosvenor Museum. Chester is also the only town in England that still honors the tradition of its town criers on a regular basis. From June to August, Chester's town crier makes regular mid-day appearances on Tuesdays through Saturdays to share the latest news.

Within the historic walls of Chester lies a shopping district that dates back at least 700 years and remains one of the main attractions of the city. Pubs, galleries, shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes can be found housed within these two-tiered buildings. It's believed the citizens of Chester constructed the Rows on several streets directly on top of Roman ruins in the 13th century. The historic buildings in this shopping district are among the most photographed sites in Chester.

Chester may not have the same fairy-tale charm as some other cities and villages in England, but visitors looking to explore history alongside their shopping experience can book a tour of the Rows. Tour guides provide deeper insight and point out historic surprises found within areas typically overlooked or inaccessible by everyday shoppers. The Chester Visitor Information Centre also offers a long list of ways for tourists to explore the city, ranging from boat cruises on the River Dee to walking tours exploring the city's Viking and Roman connections.

Beyond the Rows, you'll find plenty of other shops and experiences. Chester Castle, for instance, is free to explore on weekends from April through October and offers special events during the holidays. Within its first floor, the castle boasts the Chapel of St. Mary de Castro, showcasing wall paintings dating back to the 1200s.

There's no doubt that Chester celebrates its history and offers visitors ways to immerse themselves in it. However, the city is also full of modern attractions and events that bring in tourists all year long. The Chester Zoo is among the most popular attractions here, covering more than 125 acres with more than 30,000 animals. It's open throughout the year and offers special events like animal interactions and its popular Lanterns and Light attraction each holiday season.

In the summer, Chester is home to Deva Fest, a three-day-long, family-friendly festival that features food, music, and carnival rides. More than 25,000 people attended the festival in 2025, its largest crowd since it began in 2018, according to the event's website. Chester's Storyhouse Theatre is also a major draw, offering live performances throughout the year and special outdoor events in the summer within the Grosvenor Park open-air theater.

Chester offers plenty of accommodations for single travelers, couples, and families. Large chains like DoubleTree operate here, as do independently owned bed-and-breakfasts. Manchester Airport is one of the closest major airports to Chester at just 32 miles away, along with Liverpool John Lennon Airport just 25 miles away. Manchester itself is a nearby city that offers its own artsy, youthful vibe and shopping experiences. Manchester Airport offers regular transportation to historic Chester, including trains and car rentals.