15/08/2015
Alarm clock very early and at 8,22 we get in the train. 9,31 arrival time. We walk toward the city centre. First thing you can notice is the number of shops. The strange thing is that most of them take place in 2 storeys, which is a trait typical of Chester. They are called 'the Rows'. That's why a lot of people come here to have a 'different' shopping. We climb up the Town Walls, On the way you'll see the Rufus Court, a little 'independent' district.. Just beside its entrance there's a tiny, beautiful second hand bookshop. At noon, try to be at the Cross: here, every Thursday and Saturday takes place the Proclamation, a tradition retained just in Chester. Of course it's not like centuries ago, but a funny version. The proclaimer involves people in a quiz with postcards as prize. Before lunch, the Cathedral (free entrance): it's not the typical church we usually visit. Inside there's an exhibition about Alice in Wonderland with fantastic scenographies. In a theca they are building up the model of the Cathedral made of Lego bricks! I guess it'll take a lot of time, but the result is going to be astonishing. There's a well equipped cafè where you can have lunch or just a break, as we do drinking a cup of tea.
We climb up the Town Walls again and we reach the river, where we have lunch: there's a lot of people and here you can buy some food. You can also decide to have a boat trip on the river or rent a little boat on your own. The Grosvenor park is big green area very close to the centre. You'll surely meet grey squirrels on your way. Here there's a miniature railway where children can have some fun. Close to the park there's the Military museum (entrance for student 2£). If you like war and history stuff, have a look! Roman gardens and the amphitheatre (both free) are the last two sites we decide to visit, even if there's almost nothing interesting to see. If there is one thing I can't really understand, it's why the shops close at 5.5.30 pm. We still have time to get in 1 pound world, When wandering around the city, we notice an alley - Godstall lane, the Chester's romantic heart. It's now 6,30 pm, our feet hurt but we keep on walking, looking for a place where to have dinner. We opt for Missoula restaurant, attracted from the sign '2 meals 8.95£'. Nothing to say for the price we pay: fish and chips is excellent and the BBQ chicken melt is not bad. We take a pint of ale at the Red Lion pub and now it's time to come back. So, SO tired but very happy! If you are close to, you can't miss this city.
Alarm clock very early and at 8,22 we get in the train. 9,31 arrival time. We walk toward the city centre. First thing you can notice is the number of shops. The strange thing is that most of them take place in 2 storeys, which is a trait typical of Chester. They are called 'the Rows'. That's why a lot of people come here to have a 'different' shopping. We climb up the Town Walls, On the way you'll see the Rufus Court, a little 'independent' district.. Just beside its entrance there's a tiny, beautiful second hand bookshop. At noon, try to be at the Cross: here, every Thursday and Saturday takes place the Proclamation, a tradition retained just in Chester. Of course it's not like centuries ago, but a funny version. The proclaimer involves people in a quiz with postcards as prize. Before lunch, the Cathedral (free entrance): it's not the typical church we usually visit. Inside there's an exhibition about Alice in Wonderland with fantastic scenographies. In a theca they are building up the model of the Cathedral made of Lego bricks! I guess it'll take a lot of time, but the result is going to be astonishing. There's a well equipped cafè where you can have lunch or just a break, as we do drinking a cup of tea.
We climb up the Town Walls again and we reach the river, where we have lunch: there's a lot of people and here you can buy some food. You can also decide to have a boat trip on the river or rent a little boat on your own. The Grosvenor park is big green area very close to the centre. You'll surely meet grey squirrels on your way. Here there's a miniature railway where children can have some fun. Close to the park there's the Military museum (entrance for student 2£). If you like war and history stuff, have a look! Roman gardens and the amphitheatre (both free) are the last two sites we decide to visit, even if there's almost nothing interesting to see. If there is one thing I can't really understand, it's why the shops close at 5.5.30 pm. We still have time to get in 1 pound world, When wandering around the city, we notice an alley - Godstall lane, the Chester's romantic heart. It's now 6,30 pm, our feet hurt but we keep on walking, looking for a place where to have dinner. We opt for Missoula restaurant, attracted from the sign '2 meals 8.95£'. Nothing to say for the price we pay: fish and chips is excellent and the BBQ chicken melt is not bad. We take a pint of ale at the Red Lion pub and now it's time to come back. So, SO tired but very happy! If you are close to, you can't miss this city.
Trains to Chester from Bangor: 8£, Virgin trains, booked in advance
Megabus from Chester to Bangor: 4£, not in service anymore. Have a look on the Virgin train website (here)
What we have done:
- Town Walls
- Cathedral (free entrance)
- Grosvenor Park
- Riverside
- Military museum (2£ student ticket)
- Roman gardens
- Roman amphitheatre
- City centre
- Proclamation at the Cross (Thu and Sat 12.00)