*It’s taken me a long time to post this due to other commitments, so excuse the brief notes and whistle-stop tour. Chester is definitely worth a visit and easily walkable.
The Romans called her Deva. Chester is a great city to visit as there are things to be discovered on most of the city streets. It’s only a small city but was strategically important as a port (until the Dee silted up and Liverpool took centre stage) and as a military and administrative post due to its proximity to north Wales. We were in Chester for a university visit, a great excuse for a number of recent excursions including Aberystwyth and Birmingham. We began at the wonderfully named Little Roodee car park. It’s a short distance from Chester Racecourse and right alongside the river.
This bridge gives great views of the Dee and City. There are pedalos and rowing boats to hire and trips on the Mark Twain (definitely not a good walk spoiled) and Lady Diana riverboats. The university has many of its campus buildings alongside the Dee.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have stories shortlisted a few times in the Cheshire Prize for Literature, so have good memories of walking along the Dee here and sinking a few red wines at the reception. Sarah Hilary, who won the prize a few years back, has gone on to become an established crime fiction writer.
Swapping the Mississippi for the Dee. Close to the river is Chester’s amphitheatre. Britons would’ve slugged it out at the amphitheatre below.
If you’ve seen 24 Hour Party People with Steve Coogan playing Factory Records founder Anthony H Wilson you’ll recognise this bridge and clock from an emotional and celebrated scene in the film.
Above and below these are Chester’s ancient rows – two tiers of shops.
More of Chester’s rows.
It’s well worth walking the walls that once protected the city. At this end there’s a steep drop to the canal far below and tremendous views.
Flattened out a little here but it’s really quite a drop to the cut.
Even higher from up here on the tower.
A mosaic near the baths entrance
After a tour of North Wales skirmishing with Celts a hot bath is in order.
Another view of the Dee
Chester has very distinctive signs too. I love visiting and I hear Chester is busy these days too, bucking the trend of staying at home.
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