Chester

Chester has a population of around 80,000 and although many of its black and white half-timbered buildings have an appearance harking back to medieval times, most are in fact Victorian.

The original fortress city of Deva (named after the River Dee) was built by the Romans to keep out the Welsh barbarians and, although the Romans left in the 5th century, it wasn't until the 1300's that the Welsh were considered to be less of a threat. The Dewa Roman Experience is amongst Chester's many Roman attractions.It has the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, the Roman Garden and Minerva's Shrine.

Chester became northern England's most prosperous port in the Middle Ages until taking King Charles I's losing side in the Civil War resulted in an 18 month siege of the city. In the 18th century, after its walls were rebuilt, Chester became an early tourist attraction. The Grosvenor Museum and Heritage Centre are good ways to explore Chester's past.