Chester's City Walls form virtually a complete 2 mile (3 km)
circuit around the city centre. They provide an enjoyable route to
see many of the city's key heritage sites.
Here we provide an account of the key features on or near
the walls together with an explanation of selected views.
These are organised by convenient sections in an
anticlockwise direction from the Eastgate. Click above to start the
tour or choose a section below.
Accessibility
Downloads
Introduction
Chester's Walls form the most complete circuit of walls in
Britain so that Chester is quite rightly renowned as 'The Walled
City'. They are a scheduled ancient monument; a designation which
recognises their archaeological importance and ensures that they
are protected for the future. They originate from Roman times
although they have experienced a rich history since including:
Saxon and medieval rebuilding and extensions, Civil War conflict
and Georgian elegance. By taking a walk on the walls, you are
stepping in the footsteps of bygone defenders of the city and
strolling on a promenade (and 'viewing platform') considered as
being most fashionable in the 18th century.
Experiencing the Walls
The Walls form a remarkable 2 mile (3km) circular walk around
the historic city. There are numerous entry and exit points. Using
them is free and, as a public thoroughfare, they are open at all
times. They can be experienced as a complete walk or in shorter,
convenient sections. A walk around the complete circuit takes about
an hour but may take longer (perhaps two hours or more) if you want
to stop and take in the sights.
There are also opportunities to access other areas of the city
(within and without the Walls) permitting a visit to the city's
varied selection of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars; or an
exploration of other attractive near-by areas of Chester such
as the Rows, Cathedral, Roman Gardens, Roman Amphitheatre, Groves,
River Dee, Castle, Old Port and Canal.
A stroll on the Walls can be an invigorating outdoor adventure.
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. There
are also (from the Western Walls) spectacular panoramas across to
the Clwydian Hills of North Wales.
Print off these web pages (which provide a map of the Walls, an
outline history and identify key sites) to help you enjoy your
visit. Also, look out for panels around the walls which provide
information on directions and distances, and present information on
the history of that particular location.
Please note: There are no seats, toilets or catering
establishments directly on the walls.
Information Panels
As you explore the Walls watch out for the metal panels
that tell stories about different parts of the route and help
identify where you are. These panels have been designed to fit with
the walls status as a scheduled ancient monument. They are intended
to be sympathetic to the fabric and appearance of the Wall. Also,
they are there to be touched. Visitors (especially youngsters) are
encouraged to bring paper and crayons to take rubbings of their
raised text and illustrations.
Further Information
For other information on the History of Chester visit the
Grosvenor Museum, and Chester History and Heritage. Books, including
those by local historians, which provide further detail, can be
purchased from these venues, the Tourist Information Centre at the
Town Hall, and most city centre bookshops. Also visit Virtual Chester (External
Link) for a virtual tour of the city.