Chester Castle

Chester Castle
Chester Castle
Chester Castle
Chester Castle
Chester Castle


Take a guided tour of the tower and ruins of this 11th-century castle, which served as a Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War.

Chester Castle is an ancient royal fortress located at the edge of Chester city. Guided tours of the castle offer a glimpse into its 900 years of history. Wander between the ruined castle walls, visit a chapel, admire wall paintings and enjoy panoramic views from the battlements.

William the Conqueror ordered the construction of an earth and timber fortress on this site in 1070. Building of the stone structure began in the 1100s and continued into the late 1200s. It was home to dukes, earls and kings. Both Henry III and his son Edward I started invasions of North Wales from the castle. Royalist leader John Byron held his headquarters here in the Civil War of the 1640s and it later became a military garrison.

The surviving medieval features of the castle are in the inner bailey, which is the fortified enclosure. It also contains barracks and a weapons room. Read information about the castle in the former guardroom.

Rising above a corner of the inner bailey is the 12th-century Agricola Tower. This was once the main entrance to the castle and is notable for the vaulted ceilings on the ground floor level. Climb to the tower’s second floor to find a chapel dedicated to St. Mary de Castro. The chapel’s walls are adorned with murals.

Steps lead from the tower onto the castle walls, from where you can enjoy superb views of Chester. Spot the Old Dee Bridge, which is the historical river crossing into Wales, and a defensive gun platform built to ward off attacks launched by Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The castle is a short walk from Chester’s city centre and other major attractions such as Chester Cathedral and the Grosvenor Museum. Parking is available for a fee near the castle.

Chester Castle is open for guided tours on the first Tuesday and third Friday of the month between April and October. Ask at the Town Hall Visitor Information Centre for details of other opening hours.

Plan a trip to see Chester Castle

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Things to do near Chester Castle

When visiting Chester Castle, there are plenty of enjoyable activities to explore, including relaxing spa treatments, delightful shopping experiences, and scenic boating trips. Don't miss the opportunity for a charming tea tasting session, and consider taking a day trip to fully appreciate the rich history and vibrant surroundings of this magnificent landmark.

Shopping

Discover The Rows of Chester, a charming shopping area only 186m from Chester Castle, offering a delightful mix of city and family vibes. Chester Market, located 249m away, provides a vibrant atmosphere with local goods. For a broader selection, Vicars Cross Shopping Centre is 1.2km away, featuring a variety of shops.

Recreation

At Chester Golf Club, only 373m from Chester Castle, enjoy a round of golf amidst picturesque landscapes. For sports enthusiasts, Racecourse Ground, situated 6.2km away, hosts thrilling events. Experience live music at William Aston Hall Wrexham, located 5.6km from the castle, offering vibrant entertainment.

Adventure

At Manley Mere, 3.7km from Chester Castle, enjoy exhilarating water sports surrounded by vibrant outdoor vibes. Hike the scenic Sandstone Trail, located 5.6km away, for breathtaking views and adventure. For family fun, visit Wild Shore Delamere, 6.8km away, a thrilling waterpark packed with entertainment.

Nightlife

In Chester Castle, enjoy the thrilling arcade adventures at Crocky Trail, just 2.5km away, perfect for family fun. For a touch of culture and romance, head to Chester Music Theatre, only 621m away, or catch a film at the charming Woolton Picture House, 8.1km distant.

Find the best attractions near Chester Castle

Chester Castle offers a rich blend of history and culture for every type of visitor. Explore the medieval castle and surrounding historic sites, or enjoy the urban parks for a delightful outdoor experience. Don't miss the nearby Chester Cathedral and other local attractions. Reviews of Chester Castle highlight its significance and charm, making it a must-visit destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike.

  • Chester City Walls: These remarkable historic fortifications encircle the city, offering a unique glimpse into Chester's past. Walking along the walls provides stunning views of the city and allows you to explore various towers and gates that date back to Roman times.
  • Chester Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Chester Cathedral boasts intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass. Visitors can enjoy peaceful grounds, fascinating exhibitions, and the serene atmosphere of this working place of worship.
  • River Dee: This picturesque river provides a lovely setting for leisurely strolls or boat trips. With lush greenery lining its banks and opportunities for outdoor activities, the River Dee is a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.

Best time to go to Chester Castle

The best time to visit Chester Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Chester Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Chester Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.4°F (15.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chester Castle

To save money on your visit to Chester Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January, February, or August, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best deals, and aim for a Monday stay, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's tools to filter for budget-friendly options and sustainable hotels. Additionally, explore package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for potential savings. Don't miss out on exclusive offers to further cut costs during your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chester Castle are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Chester Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Chester Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Chester Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Chester Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.