Off the beaten path - Chester, England

 

 

My first off the beaten path experience was by way of Chester, England. Not many people that have visited England have traveled to Chester, let alone heard of it. If you're looking for a quiet, charming, quaint English town this is it.

Chester is perfect for a weekend getaway. Take one of the amazing walking tours around the town to learn the history and traditions of past and present Chester, visit the astounding cathedral, or take a stroll along the River Dee.

Chester was founded by the Romans and you can still see evidence of that. The largest Roman amphitheater in the UK is located here and the city walls which surround Chester are built on top of the old Roman walls. The wall completely surrounds the town center so put on your walking shoes and pretend you are a Roman soldier on the watch for enemies.

Go down to Watergate street for some shopping and admire the Tudor style buildings that Chester is known for. While you’re down on Watergate street make sure to check out the Eastgate Clock which was erected in 1899 in honor of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.

 

 

A trip to Chester wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Chester Cathedral. It is truly a site to see. Take a look around the picturesque grounds before entering the medieval cathedral. You will be amazed by what you find inside from the stained glass to the beautiful woodwork. Enjoy its splendor during the day and come back for the nightly evensong. It gets better… there’s no entrance fee to enjoy this beautiful place!

 

 

 

            Grosvenor Park is a nice sized, beautifully gardened park that has amazing views. Take a book and a blanket or a picnic and enjoy the scenery of this lovely park. With a town this charming a walk down the River Dee is a must. Watch old steamboats pass on the river and stop by the promenade ‘The Groves’ and grab a bite to eat or hear the band play on the gazebo overlooking the river.  

 

 

You can take a tour bus to the different landmarks in Chester or you can take a variety of walking tour such as ghost tours and the 'hidden Chester' tour which takes you to places that is off limits to most tourists. Wrap up your day with a stop in one of the many pubs that Chester has to offer like The Old Boot Inn which is the oldest pub in Chester.

When traveling, cities like London, Paris, and Rome are usually on the agenda. Visiting large cities is great, but it is also important to see small towns and villages that most people have never been to or heard of. In these places you will really experience the cultures of the country. I encourage you to venture outside of the box and pick a place on the map that you have never heard of. If you are in England and looking for a new place to explore or if you need a time out or a relaxing weekend Chester is the perfect place to go.