Chester has a reputation for being 'a bit posh' in the North West, but in reality it's a small affluent Cheshire town with an interesting history stretching back to Roman times, attractive black and white Tudor buildings and some very nice boutique style shops. Chester Racecourse is a great day out, and there are plently of things to do with the kids, such as the Dewar Roman Experience, river cruises, and the excellent Chester Zoo.
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Chester Zoo covers 110 acres, with new projects and attractions opening
all the time. There are over 500 species of animals, with favourites such as
elephants, giraffes, chimps, tigers and sea-lions, as well as otters,
cranes and smaller creatures including fish and reptiles. They are
grouped by region in large paddocks and can be viewed from a maze of
pathways, the monorail or the water bus.
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The actual Roman fortress of Dewa was established in AD 43 under the
reign of Emperor Claudius and would have housed a garrison of 6000 men.
Although now buried under modern day Chester, it lives on through the
Dewa Roman Experience. There are exhibits of Roman Chester, many of which are 'hands on' type,
where you can handle items such as pottery, try on a suit of Roman
armour, fire the catapult and design mosaics.
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Chester has the most complete circuit of city walls in Britain. By taking a walk on them you are stepping in the footsteps of
bygone defenders of the city and strolling on a promenade considered fashionable in the 18th century. Not only can you encounter a host of historic features (such as the
tower where King Charles is thought to have watched his forces defeated
by Parliamentary troops in 1645), but also discover various vantage
points with striking views across the city and as far as north Wales.
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The distinct and unique black and white timber framed Rows dominate the
City centre of Chester. The two tiered shopping arcade with its
historic façade is the medieval version of today's shopping mall.
Behind the historic façade, the rows are bursting with designer
boutiques, independent stores and high street shops.
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Founded in 1885, the Grosvenor Museum contains Chester's collection
of local and international history. Collections and displays cover 2000
years of life, and are spread over the three floors of this brick and
stone Victorian building. The museum houses the largest collection of
Roman tombestones from a single site in Britain as well as a Victorian
school room and a 1920's nursery.
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There has been racing on the Roodee at Chester for over 450 years and
the thrill of watching a race at Chester unfolding before you from the
sophisticated surroundings of the course’s enclosures or the vantage
point of the City walls is an unforgettable experience. Other events include Polo and show jumping, and there's a selection of six restaurants to choose from.
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One of the most popular places to visit in the North West, Chester Cathedral is the most complete medieval monastic complex still standing in the UK. It was founded as a Benedictine Monastery dedicated to St
Werburgh on 1092 and has
continued as a place of worship through periods of adversity such as the Dissolution of
the Monasteries, the English Civil War and the two world wars. There is also a shop and cafe - the cake is to be reccommended!
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The River Dee runs through the centre of Chester, and offers boating, cruising, alfresco art and riverside cafes and bars. Chester Boats run a variety of cruises from the boating station at The Groves on Scouters Lane. Try the themed evening cruise which ncludes music and a BBQ at the riverside Red House pub, or take the Eaton Estate Cruise- home to the Duke of Westminster.
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Blue Planet Aquarium provides all you need for a truly magical day out.
From start to finish your visit will be a voyage of discovery that will
provide amusement and entertainment whatever your age. Over 450 species will captivate and astound from comical Clown Fish in
Reef Magic to menacing Piranhas in Amasonia or the Batfish in Coral
Bay. There is even have a weird and wonderful collection of tropical
brightly coloured poison dart frogs!
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The largest uncovered amphitheatre in the UK is the subject of a major archaeological project in a partnership between English Heritage and Chester City Council. It was constructed about 70AD by Roman Legion II
Adiutrix and would have seated
about 7000 spectators. It fell into disuse but
was reinstated for a short time around 270 AD, possibly to celebrate a
victory of the rebellious Britons. In the centre foundations of a wooden structure have been found
which may have been a temporary stage where executions were held.
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