Travel & Holidays in later life
Chester's 2000 years of history is tightly packed in layers mostly below ground. See for yourself at the Dewa Roman Experience, which brings the archaeology to life. All the sightseeing highlights are within very short walking distance.
When the Romans set up camp on a hillside overlooking the River Dee, they built solidly
for the future of Chester. Their walls are the best preserved in Britain, and form the
basis of a 2-mile route march around the ramparts, mostly 20 or 30 feet above ground
level. Give it at least an hour, taking time here and there to admire the view and read the helpful
historical markers. The stylish setting
is a huge tourist attraction today, and the city does everything possible to preserve the
charm. The Victorians did their bit, rebuilding parts of the main streets in half-timbered
style. The result was that industrialisation passed Chester by, leaving the city with its history and charm intact. It became a popular pleasure destination, complete with good shopping, theatres and plenty of inns and taverns. Another big attraction was Britain's oldest racecourse, dating from the 16th century. Chester Races are staged on the Roodee, once the site of the massive Roman harbour. Fragments of the harbour wall still remain. Among the other reminders of the past, Chester's richly-costumed Town Crier rings his bell and makes his proclamations every Tuesday to Saturday midday at the Cross from Easter to September. Beyond the city walls, there are other attractions within easy reach. Take a pleasure-boat cruise on the River Dee, or a Restaurant Boat cruise along the canal system with lunch or dinner aboard. ![]() Chester Zoo has an international reputation for animal conservation. A spooky attraction is the dimly-lit Bat House - the largest of its kind in Britain, beautifully constructed. Since the opening in 1998, the very prolific bats have bred well. The free-flight bats zoom around you, en route from hanging upside down from twigs and branches to dining off bananas. It's an added reason for going bats about Chester.
Consider these other destinations in the North West LANCASHIRE COAST - Turning the tide LIVERPOOL- Beyond the Fab Four MANCHESTER - is more than United SHIP CANAL - Cruising on the Manchester Ship Canal "Books to read - click on cover pictures" or click on the links below Roman Chester,
City of the Eagles by David J.P. Mason - A detailed study of the life of the
Romans who were garrisoned in the city. Written by a leading expert who has made a
lifetime's study of the site. Chester: More Than a Guide - a handy guide in the Jarrold City Guides series.
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Visit our Pre-retirement Courses section here on laterlife or our dedicated Retirement Courses site
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