Last summer I visited Chester for the first time. I was very excited to attend Media Getaway and explore a city I’ve never been to before. To be honest, I didn’t know much about Chester. My knowledge was limited to the famous Chester Zoo and the fact that the city has an impressive Roman heritage. I arrived one day before the event and stayed a bit longer, so I can explore the city at a slower pace. And this is how this one day in Chester itinerary was born.
I remember arriving in Chester, at the bus station, and walking towards my hotel to drop off my luggage. As I stepped out of the bus station and onto the cobbled streets of the Medieval city centre I noticed how lively the atmosphere was. There was so many people out shopping, at pubs, and at terraces overflowing onto the pavements. At this time, my hometown would be deserted!
Where to Stay in Chester
The Queen At Chester Hotel
For this trip, I stayed at The Queen at Chester Hotel, which turned out to be a great base for exploring the city, especially if you’re only spending one day in Chester and want somewhere convenient but also a bit memorable.
The hotel itself has quite a bit of history. It originally opened in the 19th century and is located right next to Chester train station, which makes it very practical if you’re arriving by rail or planning day trips. Despite being so close to transport links, it is still grand, with that classic railway-hotel charm that you don’t often find anymore.
My room was in the hotel’s second building, and this is where things got unexpectedly interesting. The entire floor was themed around Chinese emperors, and my room was dedicated to Genghis Khan. I have to admit, I’ve stayed in many hotels over the years, but never in a themed room quite like that. It was a fun surprise and it definitely made the talk about my room to a lot of people.
The room itself had recently been renovated, so everything felt fresh and comfortable. The bed was cosy, and I especially liked how bright the space was thanks to windows on two walls, which made it feel airy.
Breakfast was included, and it was very good. There was a full English option as well as a continental selection, so you could go as light or as filling as you wanted before heading out to explore Chester for the day.
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How to Spend a Day in Chester
Visit the Chester Zoo
One of the main reasons people visit Chester is to see the famous Chester Zoo. It’s one of the UK’s most popular attractions and people travel from all over the country to spend a day here. The zoo is home to hundreds of species from all over the world, all set within beautifully landscaped enclosures that feel mimic the natural environment of the animals.
Chester Zoo is popular with families, but honestly, it’s just as enjoyable for adults, as myself.
I happened to visit just as their new African enclosure was opening and was lucky enough to get a special preview. It was fun to walk around with a cocktail in my hand, getting close to elephants, rhinos and giraffes. That was a first I’ve done at a zoo!
If you enjoy wildlife or travelling with kids, this is definitely a highlight to include in your one day in Chester itinerary, and it’s easy to spend several hours here without even realising where the time went.
Lunch at the Chester Market
After a morning of exploring, Chester Market is a great place to stop for lunch, because you plenty of choice in one spot. The market is a modern food hall and shopping space in the city centre that brings together a variety of independent chefs and traders.
Chester Market has an interesting background. It was redeveloped as part of a regeneration project designed to support small businesses and give independent vendors a platform to showcase their food and products without the huge costs of running a standalone restaurant or shop. The result is a vibrant space that became quickly a community hub.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of food stalls serving everything from street food and international dishes to classic comfort meals, so it’s ideal if you’re travelling with someone who wants something completely different from you. There are also traders selling crafts, gifts and local products, which makes it worth browsing before or after you eat.
Some vendors change over time, but you can usually expect a mix of cuisines and creative concepts, which keeps the experience fresh even if you’ve visited before.
Visit the Chester Cathedral
A visit to Chester Cathedral is a must when spending one day in Chester. The cathedral dates back nearly a thousand years, originally founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1092 before later becoming a cathedral during the Tudor period. Over the centuries it has been expanded, restored and reshaped, which is why you can spot a mix of architectural styles throughout the building.
One of the most striking features is the intricate stonework, both inside and out. The cloisters are particularly impressive, with detailed carvings and stained glass windows.
It’s also worth taking a moment to walk around the cathedral grounds, which are beautifully maintained and add to the sense of calm around the building.
Another great thing about visiting Chester Cathedral is that it’s free to enter, making it an easy and worthwhile stop to add to your itinerary without needing to plan ahead or book tickets.
Have a Cheese Tasting at The Cheese Shop
After visiting the Cathedral, I highly recommend stopping at The Cheese Shop for a tasting, because it’s pretty much just next door. Chester is closely associated with Cheshire cheese, one of the oldest named cheeses in Britain, traditionally produced in the county using cow’s milk. It’s known for its crumbly texture and mild, slightly salty flavour, and historically it was made on farms across the region using milk from their own herds.
Authentic Cheshire cheese has protected status, meaning only cheese produced in designated areas and following traditional methods can officially carry the name. Interestingly, today there are only two producers actually making Cheshire cheese within Cheshire itself, which makes tasting it locally feel even more special.
The Cheese Shop is a family-run business that’s been around since 1985.. They stock a wide variety of local cheeses alongside other regional products, including locally produced mead with unusual flavours like elderflower.
You can also visit for a cheese and wine tasting, which is worth keeping in mind when planning your lunch.
Explore the Rows
One of the most unique things about Chester is the Rows, and they’re unlike anything else you’ll find in the UK. These are two-tiered medieval galleries that run along several of the main streets, with shops at street level and another row of shops above, set back behind covered walkways. No one knows for certain why they were built this way, but walking through them feels like going back to the medieval times.
Today, the Rows are filled with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, which makes them one of the most enjoyable parts of the city to explore slowly. What really struck me is that while many high streets across the UK feel like they’re struggling or losing character, Chester’s centre seems to be thriving. It’s a fantastic example of how cities can adapt and support independent businesses while still preserving their history.
If you have time for a relaxed stop, I highly recommend having a glass of wine at Vin Santo, an independent wine merchant and bar tucked away in one of the Rows. The setting alone makes it worth visiting. It’s located in the cellar of a medieval building where you can still see original architectural features. The cellar is around 600 years old, Grade I listed, and was once used as a brick barrel cellar. You can even spot the old railings that were used to move barrels in and out.
They specialise in carefully curated wines, with a particular focus on British sparkling wines, which are becoming more and more popular. I tried the Bickerton sparkling, named after the road leading to the vineyard. It was a blend of Pinot Noir and Seyval Blanc – fresh, citrusy and slightly nectarine-like.
Walk the City Walls
One of the most iconic things to do during one day in Chester is walking the complete circuit of the Roman walls. These ancient walls surround the city and are among the best-preserved in Britain, offering fantastic views over historic buildings, gardens and city’s rooftops as you go.
The walk is easy to follow and can be done at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your eye. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate Chester’s layout and history at the same time, because you’re literally walking along centuries-old fortifications while looking out over a very modern, lively city.
If you want to add more historical context, you can also join a Roman tour of Chester led by a guide dressed as a Roman soldier. It might sound theatrical, but the guides are incredibly knowledgeable and stay fully in character, which actually makes the experience more entertaining while you visit the city’s Roman sites.
See the Eastgate Clock
As you continue exploring the walls, make sure you stop at the Eastgate Clock, one of Chester’s most photographed landmarks. It marks the entrance to the historic city centre and sits above what was once the original Roman gateway into the fortress city.
Built in 1899 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the clock is both elegant and eye-catching, and it’s surprisingly detailed when you look closely. You can admire it from below as you pass underneath, but it’s also worth viewing it from the walls themselves, where you can get much closer.
Check Out the Roman Amphitheatre
Just outside the city walls, you’ll find the Roman Amphitheatre, the largest of its kind in Britain and one of Chester’s most important archaeological sites. Dating back to Roman times, this was once a place where thousands of spectators gathered to watch entertainment ranging from military displays to gladiator fights. Standing there today, it’s fascinating to imagine how lively and dramatic this space must have been nearly two thousand years ago.
It’s free to visit, which makes it an easy stop to add to your walking route, and there are information panels around the site that help bring its history to life. There are even stories about resident Roman ghosts said to haunt the area, which somehow feels fitting given the amphitheatre’s long and eventful past.
Dinner at Rooftop Social Bar
For dinner, head to Rooftop Social, which is easily one of the coolest casual dining spots in Chester. It’s located on the top level of a multi-storey car park, which might not sound glamorous at first, but once you get up there, it’s a really fun and lively food court-style space with several independent food and drink vendors serving a variety of cuisines.
The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with plenty of choice depending on what you’re in the mood for. My personal recommendation is The Fat Greek. I tried the pork gyro, which was fantastic, but the real star for me was the fried halloumi drizzled with honey. It was sweet, salty, crispy and soft all at once. Just divine.
End the Day with a Ghost Tour
To finish your day in Chester, consider joining a ghost tour. It’s a fun and slightly spooky way to see a different side of the city while learning about its legends and darker history.
With over 2,000 years of history and hundreds of reported ghost sightings, Chester is often described as one of the most haunted cities in Britain. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the storytelling alone makes these tours entertaining. Guides usually take you down atmospheric streets and hidden corners you might not otherwise notice, sharing tales of Roman soldiers, monks, executions and unexplained sightings along the way.
It’s a memorable way to end your one day in Chester itinerary, especially after dark when the historic streets feel even more atmospheric.
Extra: See a Horse Race
If your visit happens to coincide with race day, spending time at Chester Racecourse can be a brilliant addition to your trip. Known as the Roodee, it’s the oldest racecourse still in use in Britain, with races having taken place here since the early 16th century.
The racecourse sits just outside the city walls along the River Dee, and on race days the whole area comes alive with energy. Even if you’re not usually into horse racing, the atmosphere alone makes it worth experiencing. People dress up, socialise, place bets and enjoy the spectacle, turning it into more of a social event than just a sporting one.
It’s a fun, unique experience that adds yet another layer to Chester’s character, showing how this historic city blends centuries-old traditions with modern-day entertainment.
Final Words
Spending one day in Chester is just enough time to fall in love with the city and want to come back for more. What I loved most about Chester is how effortlessly it blends past and present. You can start your day at a Roman amphitheatre, browse independent shops in medieval galleries, sip wine in a centuries-old cellar and end the evening listening to ghost stories. Few cities offer that kind of variety in such a compact space.
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