Things to do near Manchester - visit the city of Chester

Things to do near Manchester – visit the city of Chester

Last time out, and that I wrote about was after our recent trips to Poland and Scotland.

This time it was short visit to Chester, with a group of schoolchildren and so wasn’t really the sort of trip one where I had free rein to wander around at my leisure.

Where is it?

The city of Chester is located in the northwest of England and is less than 50 miles from the splendid city of Manchester and less than 30 miles from Liverpool.

Chester was originally established as a Roman fortress way way back in the 1st century A.D, and amongst other things is well known for it impressive (and quite extensive) Roman walls.

The walls are made from red sandstone that was sourced locally at the time of construction. Additionally a particularly attractive feature of the the old city and one that is a ‘must see’ is the ‘Rows’. The rows alone have provided the backdrop to many iconic photographs and views of the city as has the incredible cathedral.

Covered arcades

The Rows is actually a shopping district, and without doubt it is worth seeing. It’s a real contrast to most any other high street you might wander along or do your shopping on.

Not only are there shops on ‘street level’ but there are also shops built as a second tier above the street level shops in the magnificent Tudor buildings.

The shops are formed into half-timbered galleries, which make a second row of shops above the shops at street level. As far as I am aware they are unique to Chester.

I’m not so sure there is any single definitive view about why they were built this way, some folk say that the only way was up due to the constraints for ‘outward’ growth due to the boundary’s of the city walls. Maybe you can research and find out more?

Back to the 13th century

Although some of the attractive and impressive facades are copies produced in Victorian times there are some original earlier buildings. Some of these date as far back as he 13th century and are still intact and in good order and these incude the Three Old Arches in Bridge Street.

Not enough time

The nature of my visit to Chester meant that I wasn’t able to wander around and explore but it has prompted me to make a return visit with my wife in the near future.

Picture gallery

Clicking on any of the images below will open a fairly small picture gallery. The images can be clicked or scrolled through. I hope to go back to Chester soon and return with many more pictures!