Chester

England’s immersive Roman ruins

Close to the border with Wales, Chester is a historic gem just waiting to be discovered. On your tour across Britain, stop here to wander ancient ruins amongst modern English life.

The city’s strategic location was chosen by the Romans to become a fort in 79 CE. The first settlement that would become Chester was a military base, protected by strong walls. After its construction the fort quickly became a bustling civilian town.

Today, you can visit the substantial remains of the Roman city walls, built from a red sandstone. There’s also an impressive Roman amphitheatre, the largest ever discovered in Britain, which you can explore for free. There’s often military reenactments here in the summer.

As well as the Roman ruins, you won’t want to miss the Chester Rows. These are medieval and Victorian-era shops and homes preserved for centuries. Most have several levels, including crypts and vaults, and are an awe-inspiring sight on the city streets.

On top of all this history, you’ll find Chester is a modern city bursting with shops, cafés and restaurants to enjoy. Pick up some unique souvenirs to remember your time exploring Roman Britain.