This is the only UK destination that has perfectly preserved city walls – and you can follow them all the way around
The pretty city has a long and rich history(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Tourists have hailed this city as a hidden gem brimming with breathtaking scenery and vibrant heritage, whilst being steeped in Roman, Norman and English history. A brief train ride from Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales, this city ranks amongst Britain’s most picturesque cities.
Chester has claimed the top spot for UK city breaks in 2026, and it’s easy to see why. The historic walled city offers an impressive 71% of its attractions rated four stars or above on TripAdvisor, paired with hotel prices averaging just £80 per night.
At £66 for a meal for two and £2.38 for a pint, it delivers a genuinely affordable weekend away without skimping on things to see and do. Roman ruins, Tudor-era architecture, and excellent shopping along the famous Rows make Chester a destination that punches well above its weight.
Its city walls provide a beautiful 45-minute walk around the city. The fortifications are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, parts of which are almost 2,000 years old.
The walk gives enchanting views into the city and gives a fantastic insight into Chester’s long history.
Visitors can journey through centuries past whilst strolling the city’s meandering streets and Roman Walls – Britain’s most intact example. No stranger to accolades, Chester additionally features the nation’s largest outlet village on its periphery, with vendors operating from a delightful 700-year-old medieval gallery.
Chester Cathedral exceeds 1,000 years in age, showcasing remarkable period architecture and exceptional medieval mosaics. The award-winning Tower Tour can gives stunning panoramic Cathedral vistas from its view points.
The tour revolves around climbing the Cathedral’s tower, which looks out over five counties – you can even see Wales on a clear day.
Families looking for an entertaining day trip can explore Chester Zoo, home to 35,000 creatures distributed throughout 128 acres of rainforests, caverns and marshlands. The zoo lately unveiled sunrise-view safari lodges for visitors wanting a more long-term experience.
The city’s stunning meandering lanes also boast a thriving café culture, with numerous independent establishments on offer. Venues such as Bean & Cole and Jaunty Goat serve as popular destinations for speciality coffee, whilst The Hollies Farm Shop stocks delicious regional fare.
For those considering a summer trip, Chester’s prize-winning racecourse hosts meetings between May and October, providing an excellent choice for some spirited entertainment.
Chester also serves as the backdrop for renowned soap Hollyoaks, with unforgettable moments like the heartbreaking death of Lily McQueen captured at Chester railway station. Devotees of the programme can enjoy guided walking tours for photography opportunities.
The city originated in AD 79 as a Roman fortress, and prospered through commerce along the River Dee. Today, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely evening on a sightseeing cruise of Chester by boat, or participate in a themed evening voyage down the Dee.
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