From Romans to Rows: The Top Things to Do in Chester

Welcome to Chester, a city where you can walk through two millennia of history. From one of the only Roman Amphitheatres in Britain to the incredible conservation work at the world renowned Chester Zoo, the sheer variety of things to do in Chester is astounding. Where else can you stroll along ancient Roman walls, browse shops in unique medieval ‘Rows’, and then dine at a modern food market in one afternoon?

Whether you’re seeking a history lesson, an outdoor adventure, or a charming weekend break, this beautiful city on the Welsh border has something for every visitor. Let’s dive into our list of the top attractions and experiences you simply cannot miss on your next trip to Chester.

The Roman Walls: Walking Through Time

These aren’t just bricks stacked together; they’re centuries of stories under your feet. Built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago, the walls form a complete loop around the city, making Chester one of the only places in Britain where you can complete a lap of history from above ground level.

The walls were originally built to protect the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix in around 70 AD, but what you walk today is a mix of Roman, Saxon, and Medieval engineering.

The walk itself isn’t too challenging either. It takes around 1 hour at a brisk pace, but is best enjoyed with a few stops for pictures at the various ‘gates’ that make up the historic entrances to the fortress. Be sure to pause at these key landmarks along the route:

• The Eastgate Clock.
• The Roman Amphitheatre from above.
• King Charles’ Tower.
• The River Dee view from the Southern walls.

Key Fact: While the walls are open 24/7, arriving early in the day is recommended for photography, as the pathway gets busy during peak hours.

The Rows: Chester’s Shopping Time Capsule

If you’ve ever longed for a place that blends Diagon Alley with Pinterest worthy shops, The Rows are the spot for you.

Dating back to the 13th Century, these elevated walkways are unique to Chester. A medieval mix of independent businesses and bigger chains stacked on top of one another, connected by stone steps, hidden entrances, and timber beams.

On the lower level, you’ll find more household names, but higher up is where the locals can be found. It’s easy to spend an entire morning getting lost on The Rows.

Storyhouse: A Home for Creatives

Still a relatively new addition to Chester’s tourism scene, the Storyhouse is a lively creative hub that’s designed to immerse you in the community.

Inside, you’ll discover the largest library in the city, a velvet seated theatre, a cinema showing plenty of indie favourites, and a classy café that offers a great place to relax and read.

In terms of events, there are regular touring shows, poetry readings, and workshops throughout the year. You’ll also catch some of the UK’s biggest comedians performing on stage, and the biggest films of the year on screen.

For students with a passion for culture, this will become your home base throughout your studies. It’s where you can meet up, study, and chill, all in one place.

Chester Zoo: Icons of Conservation

It’s one of the most famous zoos anywhere in the world, and one of the most historic.

You may have visited Chester Zoo as a child, but it’s undergone a revolution since you last visited. It is one of the top attractions in the UK and a global leader in wildlife conservation. Featuring over 20,000 animals and sprawling habitats created with care, it’s easy to forget you’re just a few miles from your student home.

There’s something truly mesmerising about meeting tropical animals from all around the world, some of which you may have never seen before. Each enclosure is its own ecosystem and gives the animals space to roam, so you can visit with the knowledge that these species are well cared for.

It’s not the cheapest day out in Chester, but if you bag a student ticket and pack a bag of supplies, it’s well worth the adventure. The sheer scale of the place means you’ll need an entire day to explore.

Get your tickets and learn more about Chester Zoos fantastic conservation efforts on their website.

Chester Market: New Finds and Foods

If you didn’t know already, Chester Market has had a major glow up over the past few years. It was once a traditional market, but now it’s home to a thriving food scene that’s become the envy of many cities.

It’s a vibrant social centre that locals and students love to visit. Aromas of Thai spices, wood fired pizza, and freshly roasted coffee fill the air, and the buzz of people sitting together invites you in.

Beyond the food, there’s a great range of fresh produce available, akin to the old stalls that once stood on the same site. From butchers to delis, you’ll be able to stock up on the essentials while you indulge a few doors down.

Bonus: Day Trips from Chester

One of the best things about finding student accommodation in Chester is that you’re close to a wide range of things to do in the surrounding areas. Chester can be your base, but the North West is also waiting to be explored.

Here are some student favourites worth a short journey:

• Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (20 mins): Big brands and small prices are the name of the game here. It’s one of the most famous outlet malls in the UK.
• Blue Planet Aquarium (25 mins): Walk through the UK’s largest underwater tunnel and come face to face with some huge sharks. Also great for rainy days.
• Liverpool City Centre (40 mins): Connected via the Merseyrail network, you’ll find museums, football and music culture like nowhere else.
• Manchester (1 hour): A bold, buzzing metropolis with street art, indie cinemas, food markets, and nightlife that knows no chill. A lively weekend trip.

Your Chester Story

What makes Chester so special is its compact layout and the fact that you can enjoy most of these great things to do within a short walk.

This is a historic city that looks good in photos, but also in memories.

So, whether you’re planning to live here in the near future, or somebody already here that was in need of inspiration, we know Chester has what you’re looking for.