Two hours away from London lies the beautiful city of Chester, I wouldn’t have been here if not for work but at the same time – work stopped me from exploring it fully. I was there for two nights and I absolutely made sure that I’ll make the most of it.
Fresh from my two-hour train ride from Euston, I immediately went on a walking tour around Chester as soon as I stepped out of the train station. The train ride was uneventful, I didn’t think it was that scenic but I’ve downloaded the tv series “The Trip” on my phone to keep me entertained. Anyway, I’ve saved all of the places I wanted to see in Chester on my google maps, arranged according to how I will pass by it coming from the train station.
I started with the Eastgate Clock which I think is Chester’s most famous landmark. It was tagged as the second-most photographed clock in England which somehow made me feel like that tag was an understatement, it’s beautiful in its own right and shouldn’t be second-rated. The view from the clock tower is amazing with all the old buildings around you, I was lucky to be there at sunset which I think added a bit more “drama” into my photos.
It was also then that I realized how empty the town centre is, it’s only 5pm and there’s still light – London city would be packed at this time specially if the weather was that nice. Shops and restaurants were open but there just a handful of us milling about. I guess I just wasn’t used to such a laidback and empty streets.
From the Eastgate Clock, I had a walk around a short bit of Chester City Walls which was a defensive structure built to protect the city. The entire length of the wall is 2 miles and if you want to walk its entire length, it would probably take you around an hour to complete it (depending on how fast you walk lol). Chester is the best preserved walled city in England.
From here, I passed by Chester Cathedral which unfortunately I wasn’t able to see the interior because I didn’t have free time to explore it when it’s open.
I came upon Godstall Lane by chance, it was not in my itinerary but the lovely lane was calling out my name. It’s a cute little alley lined up with shops and restaurants with fairy lights hanging above, I think it’s one of my favourite discoveries in Chester that day.
I passed through Godstall Lane back to Eastgate Street and explored the famous Rows from there. Rows is a 700-yr old two-tiered covered shopping area which gives you two high streets in one, a unique feature to Chester. I’m not sure if there’s any other high streets here in England with something like it.
Chester Cross was my next stop, it’s a junction where streets meet in the centre of the city. During summer, a town crier dressed in elaborate Medieval costume carrying a handbell will be here at mid-day to give some announcements – I would love to see it because I’m curious what they announce these days. Lol. Town criers are Medieval England’s news source since many of the public couldn’t read nor write at the time. Proclamations could either be royal news, local laws or advertisements during those days. What could they possibly announce these days that won’t be available online? I guess I must go back during the summer to find out.
From here, I walked towards Queens Park Bridge over the River Dee. It’s a suspension bridge and is the only footbridge to cross the river. It is also here where I would spend most of my lunches in the next coming days, the river had a big pull on me specially because I was blessed with a great sunny weather on both days that I was there. It was really lovely!
I stayed at Townhouse Hotel for two nights and while the location is perfect, it wasn’t really remarkable. I’d choose another hotel if I ever go back or maybe request a room in the newer part of the hotel, it might be better?
Chester is a great day trip from London, maybe even a weekend if you’re planning to explore some of the areas outside of it which looks stunning! I know it will be added in my to-do list in England which seem to never end.
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Oh, now I remember you are in the UK. That’s a beautiful city, Chester. I’ve never been anywhere in the UK or Scotland so photos from these places are interesting for me. Not sure if I will get a chance to go there but at least thru blogs I can visit it. Cheers stay safe!
Thank you, yes Chester is a beaut! 🙂
thanks, I try to:)
two nights each time. different place first night. in 1990 – a converted hospital, B&B Bawn Park outside the walls.
A converted hospital, that sounds very interesting! 🙂
Hey Noemi
You didn’t EAT while there, where are your photos and description of the gourmet???
I twice spent two nights there, in 1990 and 1993. A beautiful place so serene and a miniature York.
Brian x
I ate of course, hahaha! You know how much I love to eat but didn’t quite get around to writing it yet. :p I have never been to York so I’m glad that I had a mini preview of it through Chester. 🙂
Oh this is a real charming destination. It’s so pretty. Hopefully we all can resume our daily lives, including hopping on a train, bus, or plane and travel.
In the meantime, keep safe.
I hope you’re keeping well too! 🙂
what a beautiful town!
It is Tanja, 🙂 I hope you’re keeping well. 🙂