The charming city has been named the ‘world’s most beautiful’ thanks to its historic buildings, bustling high street and picturesque surroundings
The whole place felt so charming(Image: Julie Delahaye)
When a city in the UK is dubbed as the ‘world’s most beautiful’, naturally, I’m intrigued to see if it lives up to such high praise.
Regrettably, the typical British weather didn’t cooperate when I set off for Chester. The rain and icy winds had dampened my spirits, and with quintessential British pessimism, I expected to be disappointed.
However, within just half an hour of exploring the city, it became abundantly clear why it has earned the title of the world’s most beautiful.
The city appears to be frozen in time. You enter the centre by walking under the arches of the historic City Walls, a circuit of remarkably well-preserved Roman walls spanning nearly two miles (making them the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain).
You can even walk up some steps and walk along the top of these fortifications, offering unparalleled views of the city and surrounding landscape on a loop that takes roughly 45 minutes.
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Once back at ground level, passing through the archways feels like stepping onto a movie set. There’s a unique charm to the slightly askew buildings that line the high street, brimming with independent shops, bookstores, and quaint cafés, all nestled amongst larger chain stores.
It offers a balanced blend of everything one might need, whether you’re a local doing your weekly shop or a tourist hunting for souvenirs.
The timber-framed ‘Rows’ were a real standout; these line the high street and provide a covered walkway (a blessing when the British weather is being particularly unkind), filled with unique boutiques and shops.
It’s uncommon to see a bustling high street these days, so it was reassuring to see that, despite the weather, there were still plenty of shoppers and tourists milling about.
But it’s not just the City Walls that can satisfy a history buff’s appetite. Chester Cathedral is another beautiful highlight, while the city’s Roman Amphitheatre offers a peek into an intriguing era of history. For something a bit less historical but still a significant landmark, sharp-eyed TV fans might recognise the Suspension Bridge leading into the city, as it’s featured in Hollyoaks!
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For families, Chester Zoo is a short drive away and houses over 30,000 animals, perfect if you’re planning a weekend trip and need to keep the kids entertained.
Then of course, what would a city be without its pubs? Chester boasts a diverse mix of traditional low beam pubs, modern breweries and some swanky bars. It’s a popular choice for locals on a night out, although the atmosphere definitely feels more laid-back than neighbouring cities like Liverpool.
With such a wealth of charm and history tucked away among the cobbled streets, it’s no wonder Chester was named the world’s most beautiful city just last year.
The city clinched the top spot in a study that evaluated destinations’ architecture based on the ‘golden ratio’, a mathematical principle that identifies what is aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. Researchers from Online Mortgage Advisor scrutinised various popular locations according to their adherence to the golden ratio, with Chester triumphantly leading the pack due to its remarkable 83.7 per cent of buildings which met the criteria.
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But it’s not just the buildings and high street that make this a must-visit. A mere 10-15 minute stroll out of the city reveals idyllic canalside walks and moorlands. Nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss the scenic Grosvenor Park with its pond, lawns and a viewing area offering uninterrupted views of the Cheshire countryside.
We tried one of the trails and within minutes had completely forgotten we were actually right next to a city. Regrettably, the weather wasn’t on our side but we managed a brief loop before conceding defeat and seeking refuge in one of the coffee shops, waiting for the rain to pass.
Despite the typical UK weather during our visit, I was genuinely taken aback by how charming the city remained. However, the world’s most beautiful city is definitely one I intend to revisit, and hopefully, the sun will decide to grace us with its presence!
More information can be found on chester.com.