If you’re looking for a weekend city break in the UK and don’t fancy the hustle and bustle of London or Manchester, then Chester is the place for you. It is one of the most culturally rich cities in the UK and features many great places of interest.
The north west city is built on the River Dee and has a distinctly Roman feel about it. The city walls of Chester, which take you past the river at one point, date back to the 1st century and make for a very pleasant walk in the evening. The Eastgate clock is built into the wall in the city centre and is great to see either on or beside the wall.
For a little bit more history, head to Chester cathedral in the city centre. This is truly one of the most stunning cathedrals in England – it is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside. A visit to this amazing piece of architecture will leave you with a great feeling of fulfilment. You can attend weekend services and prayer sessions on Saturday mornings and most Sundays of the month.
Chester Zoo is another must-see attraction. Featuring over 7000 animals and hundreds of species, it is one of the most diverse and dedicated zoos in the country with the most passionate zoo keepers around. With everything from crocodiles to cranes and monkeys to meerkats, it is a fantastic day out for all the family. It is based on the outskirts of the city but can be easily reached by bus or taxi from the centre.
Horseracing enthusiasts from all around the country have Chester Racecourse firmly rooted on their calendar. It is popular amongst the rich and famous, too, with Michael Owen amongst the regular visitors. During the summer months, the racecourse is buzzing weekend after weekend, so it is a sure-fire choice for a great day out. Who knows, you might even come away better off.
The extra cash you could win at the races could pay for a trip to Chester’s main shopping outlet, Cheshire Oaks. This park has a great Vue cinema with all the new films 2011 has on its agenda as well as a number of restaurants offering a range of food to suit your mood. When it comes to cinemas in Birkenhead, Chester and, well, the whole of Cheshire, there is no better place to visit.