Explore Chester on foot

Chester is a compact city and it is quite possible to explore it without using your car. It is easy walking since it is mostly on the level with some slopes down to the river and canal side.

Walking in Chester

The city walls provide a unique circular walkway, mostly separated from traffic. There are plenty of access points into the city centre. Please note that some sections have steps and are not suitable for wheelchairs or prams (although we have been around with a lightweight buggy and carried it up and down the steps without too much difficulty). Find out more on our city walls page.

The city centre is partly pedestrianised. It features the Rows - two tier shops, cafes and inns in historic half timbered buildings. Although most of the access to the rows is by steps there are some wheelchair / buggy access points, for example, through the Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

Guided walks help you to uncover more of Chester's unique heritage. They include tours led by Roman soldiers in full battle dress, archeology tours around Britain's biggest dig at the Roman amphitheatre and ghost hunter tours. Details from the Chester Visitor Centre in Vicar's Lane, telephone 01244 351609.

Walk books are available from the Visitor Centre as well as most Chester book shops and newsagents. Read about a couple of Cheshire walk books on our reviews page.

Open spaces are easily accessible from the city centre. Grosvenor park is on the banks of the river Dee, just outside the city walls. There are also easy walks along the riverside that take you into the country side within minutes.

Public transport

Buses run around the city centre and link to most parts of Chester. It also has a good park and ride scheme with four large free car parks on the outskirts of the city, including one next to the zoo at Upton. At the time of writing the return bus fare is £1.30.

Guided bus tours run around the city (although they have to miss out the pedestrianised part of the centre). You can buy a 24 hour ticket for the City Sightseeing tour bus and hop on and off to explore different parts of the city. Chester Heritage tours run a 1924 replica vintage open top bus.

River boats

All year round at weekends and daily during the summer season you can take a river boat cruise along the River Dee. There are regular short trips during the day and also longer evening cruises and special themed cruises. You can save money by buying a combined ticket for the City Sightseeing bus tour and a river cruise.