Chester

Chester, a jewel in the north of England

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Chester is a walled city in Cheshire in the North East of England, on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales. It is the most populous settlement of Cheshire West and Chester Chester was granted city status in 1541. It lies close to Liverpool and Manchester with their airports to all of Europe.It has been voted the 5th prettiest city in Europe. 

Chester is one of the best preserved walled cities in Britain. It has a number of medieval buildings, but some of the black-and-white buildings within the city centre are
Victorian restorations with the unique ‘Rows’. Apart from a 100-metre (330 ft) section, the listed Grade I walls are almost complete. The more unusual landmarks in the city are the city walls, the Rows and the black-and white architecture

The walls encircle the bounds of the medieval city and constitute the most complete city walls in Britain, the full circuit measuring nearly 2 miles (3 km). A footpath runs along the top of the walls, crossing roads by bridges over Eastgate, Northgate, St Martin’s Gate, Watergate, Bridgegate, Newgate, and the Wolf Gate. 

On Eastgate is Eastgate Clock which is said to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben.

The Rows are unique in Britain. They consist of buildings with shops or dwellings on the lowest two storeys. The shops or dwellings on the ground floor are often lower than the street and are entered by steps, which sometimes lead to a crypt-like vault. Those on the first floor are entered behind a continuous walkway, often with a sloping shelf between the walkway and the railings overlooking the street. Much of the architecture of central Chester looks medieval and some of it is but by far the greatest part of it, including most of the black-and-white buildings, is Victorian.

The city is home to the University of Chester. Formerly a teacher training college, it gained full university status in 2005 and is the county’s main provider of tertiary education. The University of Law also has a campus in the city.

Entertainments in Chester

Chester, although a small city, is alive with great restaurants, perfect and unique British pubs, sights to see include the River Dee (your course takes place in the University of Chester, Innovation Centre next to the river), canals (The Shropshire Union canal), a Gothic style cathedral, Chester zoo and of course, Chester is the only city in the UK that still has it original walls. These can be walked, its about 2 miles around. Below is a short listing of some of our favorite places:

Chester Zoo – is the most-visited wildlife attraction in Britain

Theatre

The delightful open air theatre in Grosvenor Park will be open during the course. People bring picnics, wine and a wonderful attitude, an unforgettable experience. Please note, tickets are limited so booking early is advised. Also the new StoryHouse theatre will also have opened just 2 months previously. See Storyhouse for details.

Live music and Comedy

Telfords Warehouse – by the canal, live music and food
Alexandria’s -bands, comedy, theatre, burlesque, poetry and more

Restaurants 

Please note, many of the pubs below also serve food till 21.00 or 21.30). If you need help or advice please write to our helpline or ask the organisers when you are in Chester.

 

 

 

 

The Chefs Table one of the best restaurants in the UK, Highly unusual and exciting dining.
Porta Tapas and more
Meze Turkish, as good as we have eaten in Turkey
Sticky Walnut just outside the city centre, but still an easy walk, in Hoole
Chez Jules French, Tuesdays at Chez Jules (2 course meal and a bottle of wine per person)

Pubs

Chester is served by great pubs, all the ones listed are within the city centre or a short walk.There are many many more, in fact legend says there are 200 pubs for a population of 82,000.

The Albion -more a museum than a pub, with old fashioned English food
The Old Harkers – winner of the best town pub in Britain 2015, by the canal, not to be missed, great pub food
The Brewery Tap  – highly unusual real ale bar, in a a Jacobean great hall, dating to the 16 century Commonhall Street Social – play table games, eat and drink
Telfords Warehouse – by the canal, live music and food
The Architect – by the racecourse, lovely garden, excellent food
The Boot – in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building, on the Rows, cheapest pint in the town.9, Eastgate Row North