Why go
Frequently ignored in favour of its larger neighbours Liverpool and Manchester, Chester flies under the radar. But people who make it to the racing town will find a thriving city that wears its record proudly. This is a town started by the Romans, after all, whose legacy can continue to be witnessed in the amphitheatre, and there are traces of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture packed into its cobbled streets. Acquire in the sights from the effectively-preserved town walls, or amble via the historic centre, peering into curiosity retailers, in advance of grabbing a drink in 1 of its creaky-beamed pubs — you could even hear of the ancient bylaw that states it is lawful to shoot a Welshman on a Sunday inside the town walls (so long as it is immediately after midnight and with a crossbow). But for all its historical highlights, Chester has embraced its modern side, too, with a thriving unbiased scene, from pop-up supper spots to a stream of yr-spherical festivals.
What to do
Lace up your trainers and strike the ground operating. Tours About Chester provides 5km or 10km jogging tours of the city for nimble-footed readers to get in all the essential sights, like Chester Cathedral, Eastgate Clock, the Roman amphitheatre, Chester Racecourse and the castle, with commentary from founder Gareth Boyd. Alternatively, sign up for 1 of Boyd’s meals tours around its speedy-chunk places and indie spaces, from fiery curries at 9 Elephants to a glass of vino at Spanish wine bar Vinological.
Gazing at the cavernous nave of the city’s cathedral is a will have to, but for an added bonus e book a powering-the-scenes tour, slipping away from the crowds and in direction of the church’s hidden curiosities. Get started off in the bell-ringing chamber and admire the advanced stained-glass home windows, in advance of wandering along the darkly magical corners of the galleries. The climax is a 200-action staircase up to the lookout tower, wherever you can scan the town from on superior and, on a obvious working day, capture sight of the Welsh countryside throughout the border.
The place to take in
Locals appreciate Joseph Benjamin, a Spanish-influenced restaurant whose co-founding brothers also very own the place subsequent door, Porta, an additional culinary hotspot in Chester with offshoots in Altrincham and Salford. Straightforward, basic tapas dishes dominate the quick and focused menu, underpinned by seasonality and Iberian flavours.
Alternatively, head to Sticky Walnut, a first-price neighbourhood place in Hoole from chef Gary Usher, known for his crowdfunding campaigns to kickstart his cafe business enterprise, Elite Bistros. Go for the featherblade of beef and spherical off with the resplendent rosewater ice product.