About Chester

I’m sure many visitors to this website will have already heard of Chester. And, maybe even visited at some time. Anyway, for those that already know about Chester or complete newbies, have a read about Chester here on this page and have a look at the rest of my Chester Lifestyle website. Plenty of information for you to have a look at. I’ve added just a few links for you to have a look at below as well. Enjoy and thanks for visiting!!!

The Beautiful City Of Chester Brought To You By

Chester Lifestyle

The Beautiful City Of Chester from Frank Pasinski on Vimeo.

About Chester

Chester Lifestyle – A Beautiful Historic City In The North West Of England

Chester Lifestyle - Places To Visit - Chester Riverside

Welcome To Chester Lifestyle – Chester Riverside

Welcome to our Chester Lifestyle website. In case you didn’t know, you will discover that the beautiful city of Chester, with it’s population of approximately 77,000, is situated in northwest England and was founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century A.D. It is so well known for it’s historic and extensive Roman walls made of local red sandstone. Any visitor to this famed and historic city centre will see the very distinctive Rows shopping area distinguished by 2-level covered arcades and Tudor-style half-timber buildings.

A Roman amphitheatre, with ongoing excavations, lies just outside the old city’s walls. Like so many parts of Chester, it is a very popular tourist attraction.

Chester has so much to offer for both local residents and visitors alike. Attractions like the aforementioned shopping Rows and the world famous Chester Zoo to name just two. Chester also boasts the oldest racecourse in the country known as the Roodee. The Groves river front with it’s idyllic boat river cruises attracts thousands of visitors. Any visit to Chester should include taking in a tour of the historic Chester Cathedral.

We must not forget the city’s many bars, restaurants and hotels offering a wide range of amenities.

Anyone visiting Chester will also find that the city centre and surrounding areas are very close to a network of motorway links to all major UK towns and cities.

Continue reading for some fascinating snippets about Chester and a bit more information on the famous places mentioned above.

Some Interesting Snippets About Chester

Yes indeed, Chester is a fascinating city full of history and character. I suppose you could say that as of today, it is also full of characters. You know who you are!!!

A few interesting snippets about Chester in case you’re interested.

Did you know for instance that, Chester’s racecourse, the Roodee, is Britain’s oldest sporting venue in continual use. The very first race at the Roodee took place in 1539. Horse racing replaced the particularly violent and bloody traditional local football game which was played there. The switch from a violent footie match to horse racing was the brainchild of the Mayor, Henry Gee. As a consequence, it is thought that this is where the term ‘gee-gees’ (to refer to horses), comes from. How about that. Who’d have thought an internationally known term for horses originated from Chester.

Don’t Shoot!! – I’m Not Welsh

This snippet about Chester is incredible really. Look away if you are a Welsh visitor to my website. A Tudor law dictated that Welshmen were not allowed in the city of Chester between sunset and sunrise. No wonder the last bus to Saltney is leaving a bit earlier!!!

Another law in place, apparently stated that it was legal to shoot a Welshman with a bow and arrow within the city walls after midnight. Now here’s a really crazy bit, there is no record of this law ever having been repealed! So, to be on the safe side, if you are heading back to Saltney and you are illegally still in the city approaching midnight, then it’s best to have your last bevvy in somewhere like, Wetherspoons on Foregate Street. Or Number 15, or the Queens Head. That way, enjoying a pint outside the city walls should see you safe from flying arrows.

About Chester And Some More History

Did you know, our famous Roman Amphitheatre is the largest in the country. In its day, it had seating for no less than 7,000 spectators. Just imagine if “Off The Wall” was around in those days. After an evening at the Amphitheatre, a quick dash across the road to Off The Wall for last orders.

If this law still exists? It was still law as recently as 2014 it seems. As far back as 1208, a law was passed in Chester stating that there cannot be another market within 6 and two thirds miles of Chester Market. In 2014 this law was used to prevent a car boot sale being held at Tescos. As many Cestrians will know, there are quite a few car boots going on (in normal circumstances it must be said) well within that range. Hopefully, people are reasonable and flexible enough nowadays to consider whether or not not to rely on such a law. I must check to see if this is still a law. Anyone know?

The Famous Walls

Chester is famous for it’s culture, entertainment and history of course. This historical note is very noteworthy. Chester is home to the best surviving Roman Fortress Wall in Northern Europe (near Northgate). It actually dates as far back as to Roman times. Founded as a fort in 79 AD, and apart from a small 100-metre section, the listed Grade I walls are all still standing today. A walk around The Walls means that your stroll would cover about 1.8 miles.

Still on the history theme, Chester is also famous for its covered walkways at the first floor in each of the city’s four main streets, which allows for a rather unique looking, double level shopping option. This rare architectural feature dates back to at least the 13th Century and is unique not only in Britain, but around the world. We call this fabulous piece of history, The Rows.

A more recent bit of history sees Chester proudly recognised by our cousins across “The Pond.” In a 2013 poll by a “USA Today” poll, Chester was named the fifth prettiest city in Europe. Some achievement and something to be so very proud of I’m sure you will agree. In achieving this accolade, Chester beat picturesque tourist hotspots such as Prague, Budapest, Bruges, Santorini and Venice.

My Name Is Bond……James Bond

Also well worth a mention are the many famous people from Chester. Too many to give a shout to in this post, so I’ve created a “Famous People From Chester” page. You can see how many and who they are by having a look HERE.

You can’t speak about Chester without mentioning the world famous Chester Zoo. So much goes on there, it also needs it’s own space on my Chester Lifestyle website. In fact Chester Zoo has two of it’s own spaces. There is a dedicated page to it HERE and for regular, news snippets and updates, it also has it’s own blog category HERE.

On Chester’s Doorstep

Liverpool, the home of the Beatles, is a mere 15 miles away by road. A regular local Merseyrail train service also operates every 15 minutes into Liverpool city centre.

Also close by is North Wales, where visitors will find plenty to see and do in this picturesque, historic part of the world.

Chester most certainly has so much to offer. Whatever you are looking for, whether that be Chester restaurants, Chester pubs or shopping facilities, or taking a quick day trip out to neighbouring Liverpool and North Wales, we are sure you will find something that takes your fancy.

We hope you enjoy taking a look around our Chester Lifestyle website and enjoy your Chester experience.

Here is another quick video where you can see one of the events currently being held at one of Chester’s jewels in their crown. I am, of course talking about Chester Zoo…….

It is the aim of Chester Lifestyle to bring to you a website to provide you with news, views and information about our beautiful City. In short, it is to be a website not only about Chester, but also for the people of Chester.

Chester Lifestyle is brought to you by local Chester resident, Frank Pasinski. Any contributions, suggestions or comments gratefully received. Love to hear from you.

Things To Do In Chester

Chester is a beautiful city as already stated and as a result, there are plenty of things to do in Chester. Check out a few places to visit by clicking HERE

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