What to do in Chester
Founded as a Roman fortress in the first century AD, Chester is a city full of historic treasures. Explore the city’s Roman walls, built over 2,000 years ago to protect the city, visit the UK’s oldest racecourse, see the Roman Amphitheatre which once held gladiatorial contests, and visit Chester Cathedral – built over 1,000 years ago.
Get up close to your favourite animals at Chester Zoo, just 3 miles from Chester city centre. Home to 20,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
If shopping is on the agenda, then you won’t want to miss out on 700-year-old Chester Rows, a street of half-timbered galleries which are now home to shopping arcades, independent boutiques and high street stores.
While perhaps best known for its heritage and zoo, Chester is also celebrated for its dedication to good food. Foodies can rejoice in the vast number of award-winning restaurants, bustling food markets, cafes serving afternoon tea and cakes, and cosy pubs.
Plan a day trip in Chester
Chester is located close to many interesting places that make a great day trip from the city. If you’re planning to travel a little further in your hire car, discover these gems of England’s northwest:
North Wales
The North Wales Coast and Snowdonia National Park make for a picturesque day trip from Chester. Offering a wide range of attractions and activities, visit ancient castles, and areas of outstanding natural beauty. This area is a paradise for walkers, climbers, swimmers and nature lovers. Snowdonia is also home to miles of stunning coastline and Blue Flag beaches.
Manchester
The city of Manchester is only 40 miles north of Chester. Visit one of the UK’s most popular northern cities with its quirky shops and heritage attractions. If you enjoy music, culture or sport, Manchester will not disappoint. Take a tour of the Manchester United stadium, go shopping in the trendy Northern Quarter, visit Chetham’s Library or check out Manchester’s live music scene.
Peak District National Park
Less than one hour from Chester lies one of the UK’s most popular national parks. While it may be the most visited, spanning 555 square miles, you don’t need to worry about it being overrun with people. This beautiful corner of the UK is home to extraordinary landscapes and a wide variety of birds and other wildlife.
Avis Van Hire in Chester
What do you need to shift? Our van rental fleet spans small hire vans, perfect for that weekend DIY project; medium vans, well suited to hauling rolls of carpet, heavy floor tiles, or moving the kids to university; and large vans to accommodate some or all your worldly goods.
Avis vans are now available from a selection of hub locations across the UK.
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Chester FAQs
What is Chester famous for?
Chester is famous for its wealth of historic landmarks, notably its medieval city walls (the most complete in the UK), Britain’s oldest racecourse, a large Roman Amphitheatre and ancient two-tier timber buildings, now home to galleries of shops.
Is Chester a safe city?
Chester is a safe city to visit, making it an ideal weekend getaway in the northwest of England.
How far is Chester from London by hire car?
If you are travelling from London to Chester by car, you should allow approximately 4 hours (210 miles).
How far is Chester from Birmingham by hire car?
The distance between Chester and Birmingham is 76 miles (approximately 2 hours).
How far is Chester from Glasgow by hire car?
If you plan to travel from Glasgow down to Chester, the distance is about 240 miles (approximately 4 hours’ travel time).
How much is the price of fuel in Chester?
- The average price of petrol in Chester is 137.0p/litre.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Chester?
- The type of car you choose depends on what you plan to do and the length of your rental. If you are travelling independently or as a couple, you might find our range of compact cars, economy cars or minis will suit your needs, while if you plan to explore further, a mid-size or luxury vehicle could provide the added comfort and additional luggage space you need. If you are travelling as a family, check out our range of SUVs from the Prestige range, or our spacious family saloons that will keep everyone comfortable.
Where are the best places to park in Chester?
There are several car parks in Chester city centre, including the NCP Car Park on Pepper Street, Delamere Street Car Park and Brook Street Car Park near to the railway station. If you are heading to the racecourse, there’s the Chester Racecourse Car Park, which is also only a short walk from the city centre.