Holiday cottages, airbnb and bed and breakfast in Chester

Visit Chester, a vibrant Roman kingdom!

With a history that dates back to the year 79, when this city was one of the three Roman fortresses in the UK, Chester remains strong, but a nonetheless beautiful destination, which has preserved its rich past, while offering all the amenities of a contemporary city. Evidence of Chester's age-old past is shown through The Roman amphitheatre, Minerva's Shrine and the famous city walls, which surround the city, and are the most complete walls than anywhere else in the country. There is no better place to choose a holiday apartment rental than in amongst these timeless streets, so whatever your price bracket or group size, and however long your duration of stay in Chester may be, you can find the perfect accommodation online today.

When to visit?

The climate in Chester primarily reflects that of the rest of the UK, with moderate temperatures in the summer, and a relatively frequent chance of rainfall. The hottest time falls between late June to September, so if you want to maximise your chance of sunshine, opt to visit between these months. With the races season and the school holidays, this warm season is likely also to be the busiest, so be sure to book tickets and rent holiday accommodation in advance. If you would prefer to visit during a quieter time, and you don't mind a cooler climate or a bit of snowfall, there is no more wonderful time than December, when you can visit the Christmas market which takes over the square surrounding the town hall.

How to get there

Nestled on the north-west coast of England, in the beautiful county of Cheshire, Chester can be reached fairly quickly by rail, road or air from all corners of the UK. You can be in the heart of Chester in under two hours by catching a direct train from London Euston to Chester train station and under four hours from Glasgow, including a change in Warrington Bank Quay. Journeys from Birmingham take an hour and a half, from Leeds it takes 2 hours, and from Manchester Victoria, this quaint city is only one hour away. If you are driving to Chester from the south, you will travel up the M1, whereas you should take M6 from Scotland and further north. From the east, your best bet is to take the M62 west across the country, before eventually merging onto the M6 for the final leg of your journey. If you are visiting from the furthest points of the UK, it may be quicker to fly to Liverpool airport, which takes under an hour from Belfast, 40 minutes from the Isle of Man, and one hour from Newquay in Cornwall. If you are flying into the hometown of The Beatles, you are only 40 minute drive/ train ride away from the centre of Chester, but this Merseyside city is worth a visit in itself, so why not check out some holiday apartments in Liverpool where you can immerse yourself in the beat of this musical city, before relaxing in the historic city of Chester.

Where to stay

Chester City Centre/ Grosvenor Precinct

When looking for accommodation in Chester, there is no greater place to start than with this beautiful historic city centre. Stay in a holiday apartment with a view overlooking the Victorian Eastgate Clock which is a staple monument in the centre. Begin your day by walking around the Roman walls, then leave time to visit the captivating Chester Cathedral, which has been the seat of the Bishop of Chester since the early sixteenth century. Whether you want to shop in the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, or you want to treat your tastebuds in one of the exquisite restaurants on the high street, you are never too far from a contemporary cosmopolitan experience in an ancient surrounding in Chester.

Great Boughton

Located just one mile east of Chester, Great Boughton is the ideal place to choose a holiday cottage in Chester if you want to live like a local in the most residential area near the city. The ancient parish of Great Boughton has withheld a quaint village spirit, with its Caldy Nature Reserve, the Boughton Hall Cricket Club, and the Brewers Fayre Twirl Of Hay, the tried and tested local, where residents and visitors alike enjoy a pint and fill up on some traditional home-cooked food. What more could you want from a Cheshire village?

Handbridge

There is no better location to choose a holiday home with a garden than in the organic haven of Handbridge, the idyllic waterside district which has stood on the edge of River Dee since the Iron Age. Wake up in a bedroom with a view of the Old Dee Bridge which has arched over the river, and continue to enjoy the exquisite peaceful atmosphere which Handbridge exclusively delivers.

Westminster Park

Any horse racing enthusiast will immediately recognise Chester for its ‘Roodee', the famous Racecourse, which is the oldest in England. Racing has shaken up the Roodee since the sixteenth century, so it is unsurprising that the city is renowned for this century-old sport. If you are hitting up the races, then reserve an apartment in Westminster Park which is big enough for your group of friends, then enjoy the day, safe in the knowledge that you won't need to walk too far back to your bed after wearing your heels all day!

Upton Heath

When it comes to zoos, there is no name quite like Chester, which at 125 acres is one of the largest in the country. Chester Zoo has attracted tourists since the early 1930s, and with more than 1.9 million people descending on the zoo in 2018, it is the most-visited wildlife attraction in Britain. It would not be surprising if you were visiting this city for the zoo alone, so if this is the case, choose a holiday home in Upton Heath, which has enough room for the whole family, and is the same neighbourhood as this nationally recognised attraction.

Little Stanney

The small, but incredibly sweet village of Little Stanney is the ideal district to secure a holiday cottage in Chester, which is close to Chester Oaks Designer Outlet, the first European designer outlet village. With shops including the likes of Burberry, Karl Lagerfeld and Kate Spade, staying in accommodation in Little Stanney is a shopaholics dream. Little Stanney is also the best location to choose a self catering holiday apartment, as Chesire Oaks is brimming with restaurant's which have sometthing to fill every desire, from the Latin American kitchen of Las Iguanas, to classic Italian food, you can eat away your night in Little Stanney.

What to do in Chester

Gaze upon Chester Cathedral

As the most iconic structure in the city, the magnificence of Chester Cathedral has towered above the city since the sixteenth century when it first became the seat of the Bishop. Nearly 500 years later, and the Cathedral is still the primary artery in this historic haven. This grade I listed building is a heritage site which stretches from its main church to former monasteries to the north of the site.

Walk along the city walls

Surrounding and protecting this age-old city for nearly 2000 years, Chester's city walls are the only walls remaining in Britain which still has the full circuit of its original structure, and the best part is that you can walk along this iconic stoney Roman defence for free, at any time. Perhaps the epitome of the Chester city wall experience is the walking underneath the Eastgate Clock, which stands above the entrance to the Roman fortress of Deva Victrix.

Explore Chester Zoo

Over 20,000 animals and 500 species call this zoo their home, making it one of the biggest zoos in the country. The best part is that the zoo is entirely ethical, as this institution is making biodiversity moves across the globe, with its Act For Wildlife campaign, which every visitor can get behind. The zoo prides itself on its educational and conservation aspects, making it a great day out for families and big kids with a love for animals alike.

Visit The Grosvenor Museum

Known officially as the Grosvenor Museum of Natural History and Archaeology, this attraction is unmissable for those who are visiting Chester to delve deep into its fascinating history, while offering a little slice of culture on the side. The museum is primarily focused on the Roman military which is so evident in this city, though the period house date back from the 17th century to the roaring 20s.

Catch a horse race at Chester Race Course

It is unsurprising that Races day is so popular at Chester Race Course, as this sport has been attracting masses of racing enthusiasts, families and friends who all want to enjoy the adrenaline and guaranteed good time which racing brings. The season begins with the distinguished May festival and contains 15 races which run through to September, so remember to book accommodation in Chester in advance in these late spring and summer months.

Shop and dine in Cheshire Oaks

From Burberry to Mulberry, and 140 other names in between to choose from, Cheshire Oaks is a label lovers utopia. You don't have to be an avid shopper to enjoy this designer outlet, however, as this park is home to a host of restaurants which are guaranteed to get your tastebuds excited. From breakfast in Cafe Rogue, to a Lebanese dinner in Comptoir Libanais, you certainly won't leave Cheshire Oaks feeling hungry.