Trains to Chester Station

A beautiful historical city nestled between Liverpool and the Welsh border.

Chester is a charming destination not to be missed. Home to some of Britain’s largest Roman relics, Chester’s rich history weaves magically with modern-day life, making it a superb city to discover any time of year.

Voted one of Europe’s prettiest cities, Chester is brimming with exciting archaeological treasures, prominent landmarks, stylish shops and cafes, and a lively events calendar for all the family. Just three hours by direct train from Cardiff Central and two hours from London, exploring beyond the city’s walls is also an adventure, with the spectacular Pennines to the east and North Wales to the west - ideal for short breaks and long getaways alike!

Top attractions

Whether you’re visiting for week or weekend, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy. While most cities have one, Cathedrals don't get more impressive than Chester's. As well as a cafe, gift shop and falconry experience, the city's gothic landmark offers a multi-award winning Cathedral Tower Tour with behind-the-scenes access and unrivalled views of Chester and beyond. The city’s sights can also be viewed from the River Dee on a relaxing ChesterBoat river cruise.

Once the site of a grand Roman harbour, Chester Racecourse provides the perfect opportunity to don a new hat and experience the thrill of the race at Britain's oldest racecourse. And nature lovers can stop by at the award-winning 12 acre Chester Zoo to the north of the city, home to an impressive 20,000 animals and easy to reach by road, rail or bike.

Culture and heritage

Steeped in 2,000 years of history, there’s no shortage of historical and cultural sights to visit in Chester. Adventurers of all ages can enjoy exploring the city’s walls accompanied by the Chester Walls Quest app - a GPS challenge for those walking the most complete city walls in Britain with a smart device. Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre is another free attraction to visit. Following a series of archaeological excavations, the amphitheatre’s historic treasures can be found on display at the Grosvenor Museum.

Shopping

Boasting one of the most unique shopping experiences in the UK, Chester’s bustling mix of independent stores and shopping centres has something for everyone. For a dose of retail therapy, The Rows are timbered galleries forming another row of shops above those at street level, creating a series of covered walkways brimming with everything from designer footwear to second-hand books.

Favourite high street retailers can be found at the stylish Grosvenor Shopping Centre in the heart of Chester, and bargains are waiting to be discovered at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, just north of the city.

Food and drink

Whether you have a hankering for a pub lunch or lavish afternoon tea, dining in Chester is easy, with delightful tea shops, independent cafes, traditional pubs and stylish riverside restaurants to tempt any taste bud. Chester Indoor Market also offers a range of culinary delights, from sweets and pastries to wine and cheese, and is open Monday to Saturday.