A Taste of Chester

Visiting Chester is like taking a magical journey back in time with so much of the past in the streets, in the buildings, and in the air. Chester was originally settled by the Romans as Fortress Deva, named after the River Dee, in the first century AD. With its imposing walls, the original Roman structure still evident in parts today, Deva swiftly became a major garrison during the Roman occupation of Britain.

By the 1700s, the walls, no longer needed for defense, were styled into the leisurely promenade you know today. One of the most historic settings in Britain, this ravishing little city now guards an awe-inspiring legacy of 2,000 years of British heritage.

You will drive directly from Liverpool, and on arrival commence a panoramic sightseeing tour along the parts of the city accessible to motor coaches. A visit is then made to the Cathedral. Towering above all other buildings, it was originally a 10th century church, becoming a Cathedral after the dissolution of monasteries by Henry VIII. Full of interest, its 14th century carved choir stalls and monastic buildings are among the finest in the country. The composer Handel gave his first public performance of The Messiah here in 1742.

The tour then allows for you to be at leisure to visit other parts of Chester on your own. You may care to walk along part of the city’s walls, from where fine elevated views are obtained. Studded with historic towers and ancient gates in the form of imposing arches, the walls offer a bird’s eye view of the city centre on one side with magnificent views of the distant Welsh mountains on the other.

Not to be missed, and a magnet to every visitor are Chester’s unique half-timbered galleried shops on two levels, the foundations of which are 13th century. Then there is the pretty Victorian Eastgate Clock, the most photographed timepiece in the world after Big Ben. You will see many examples of the black and white architecture - nowhere in Britain is there more - giving Chester its outstanding medieval look.