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Never Seen a Roman Settlement? Visit Chester
History is one of the strongest suits of England’s tourism, but when it comes to telling the story of its people, no one does it better than the streets, walls, and architecture of Chester. This picturesque town is a small pocket of history that introduces England in a whole new way. You never will know what Roman England is about until you have walked the streets of Chester. From red sandstone walls that organise Tudor and Victorian structures, to the shopping streets in the town centre, you will find bits and pieces of England’s past in grand fashion.
Chester’s most recognisable places are historic structures that depict England during the Roman settlement. Aside from the city centre, the River Dee that runs through the city is one feature you can’t miss. The river runs through Grosvenor Park, one of the first public parks in Britain. Another delightful open space is the Groves. The Groves is part of a long Roman wall in the bank of the river. As the river gives life, so it gives trade. This section was full of leather craftsmen that worked on shoe trade, and before that, the Groves was a quarry where stone walls were constructed.
When you swing by the River Dee, you can explore the city in its historic form with traditional boating trips along the river. The river passes through the heart of the city. Once you have explored the Dee on Chester, you can alight near the city wall and take walks around the medieval city. The city walls are the most intact wall structure in Britain. You can walk on the footpath atop these walls, and go around the city to view its majesty. After touring the city walls, head to the best shopping outlets in Chester’s city centre.
Chester has a select roster of excellent food choices that one can enjoy on their stay there. One of them is the Watergates Wine Bar on Watergates street. The bar dates back to the 11th century, making it an attraction just for its age. The Piccoline in Pepper row serves quite a collection of Italian dishes that will surely satisfy the remote tourist. You can hit the local pubs and bars in Chester to take in the atmosphere of this party place. Chester still holds very traditional cultures – a throwback to the deep past that old English thrived on. Even though there are contemporary and international restaurants ready to satisfy you, the old favourites of Chester are still the best places to go.
Chester has a spectacle of sports events and art exhibits that will fill up your day holiday in the city. For local football, you can watch the FC Chester in action. The football club plays in the Coca-Cola 2 league, a 4th-tier league in the English football scene. You can also watch the Chester Roman if you want a taste of American football. Chester also has a strong tradition of rugby, winning the Cheshire Cup several times. Local pubs and bars have their TV sets pointed to the Chester Racecourse where you can bet on horse and dog races.
Chester is a history in the pocket, a place where tourists both foreign and locals go to know more about England’s beginnings. Where modern shopping outlets abound in addition to the quaint river; Chester has all the subtle features in place.
About the Author
Graciela Saltise is a freelance travel writer and enjoys travelling around the UK. She is formerly a Chester model, having spent years as a Manchester VIP model and for a Manchester model agency.
Victoria Wood shoe shop sketch