Chester is one of the most visited cities in England.Despite its small size, the city preserves a significant number of monuments that tell about the 2,000-year history of the city - from the time of the Romans, who laid the first stone of the military camp here, to the present day.
WEATHER
The climate of the city is moderately maritime, with cool summers and warm winters.The average temperature in July is +16.5 °C, in January +4.5 °C.
HOW TO GET
From Liverpool by bus number 1 (journey time), or from London from Euston station (the journey will take about 2 hours).
ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTS
You can start your acquaintance with Chester with a walk from the ancient city wall, the construction of which dates back to the 14th century.It offers a picturesque view of the city and the River Dee.The route takes about an hour, covering all of Chester.
The walk begins at the Eastgate (Eastgate), the top of which is crowned by the clock, which is the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben.Walking further along the wall, closer to the New Gate, be sure to run along the "stairs of desire", or Corner stairs, built in 1785. According to legend, if you make a wish and run from the bottom to the top and back, while holding your breath, the wish will definitely come true!
Chester Cathedral is perhaps the main attraction of the city and one of the most impressive monuments of the English Middle Ages.It was built back in 907. the church was rebuilt several times, and therefore its architecture is a mixture of styles from different eras.Today, the cathedral is the center of the Anglican Diocese of Chester and a favorite meeting place for parishioners.The previously red, but now pale pink walls of the temple conceal a wonderful interior decoration: gray-green mosaics, stained glass windows, oak choirs of the 14th century.The tour takes place to the sounds of the organ, which emphasize the grandeur of the cathedral's atmosphere.
In the Chester Cathedral, a unique icon "Madonna and Child" is kept, it is made not on ordinary canvas, but on a web.The creators of this art are Tyrolean peasants who collected cobwebs from garden trees.It was cleaned, stretched on cardboard and impregnated with milk for durability.As if woven from thin air, Chester painter Elias Prunner's Madonna and Child is the world's oldest surviving web print, approaching 200 years old.
Chester Castle was built in 1245. by order of Henry IV, and is also of historical interest.Since it was built mainly as a defensive structure, the appearance of the building is somewhat unfriendly and harsh.
The special pride of Chester can definitely be called medieval half-timbered houses - houses with projecting attics, connected galleries, long rows - Chester Rows.There are souvenir shops and shops on the first floor, and private apartments on the second floor.Often these houses are called "magpies" because of their white and black color.
Chester Museums
The Grosvenor State Museum will introduce you to the history of the city.In a separate hall at the entrance, you can watch a video about Chester with subtitles.Three floors of the building are dedicated to the main milestones in the life of the ancient city and present interesting expositions, among which the collection of jewels deserves special attention.As with all public museums in England, admission to the Grosvenor Museum is free.
Chester Zoo (Chester Zoo) is one of the largest in England and is rightfully considered the best in the world.It was founded in 1934.and today the number of its inhabitants is approaching 7 thousand. animals, and this is more than 400 species!In the zoo, you will find the cheerful brothers of feline lemurs (a whole island is dedicated to them), a unique black rhinoceros (there are only 7 of them in the world) and such rare species as koat, tuatara and guanaco.
If you have time, be sure to visit Chester Racecourse, Grosvenor Park and Edgar's Field, as well as the Roman Amphitheater.There are two information centers (tourist information) in the city, where you can get free brochures about all attractions with useful information about operating modes, costs, etc. etc., as well as get souvenirs.
HOLIDAYS AND EVENTS
During the last two weeks of July, the city hosts the Chester Summer Music Festival, during which townspeople and tourists alike enjoy classical and alternative music.An annual foodie celebration, the Chester Food and Drink Festival is preceded by a fun Cheese Rolling Championship. Teams roll Cheshire, Stilton, and Lancashire cheeses and bypass complex obstacles to the loud cheers of fans.The tradition of cheese rolling is natural for Chester, as the city has been famous for its cheese factories since the Middle Ages.
SHOPPING
World brands are represented in the main shopping center of Chester - Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet - this is 140 stores, many cafes and recreation areas.The market in the heart of the city offers delicious Chester cheese, produce, clothing and of course souvenirs featuring the smiling Cheshire cat "who has taken up residence" on all of Chester's memorabilia.
