Chester, Cheshire West and Chester

Chester is one of the most remarkable and best-preserved historic cities in England, situated in Cheshire West and Chester in the North West, close to the border with North Wales. Founded by the Romans in 79AD as a fortress called Deva Victrix, it was once the largest Roman settlement in Britain and today retains more of its Roman heritage than almost any other city in the country. With a population of 79,645 and an area of 43.6 square miles, Chester consistently ranks among the most desirable places to live in the North West.

At the heart of the city stand the famous Chester City Walls — a two-mile circuit of Roman and medieval stone fortifications that remain almost completely intact, offering elevated views across the city rooftops on one side and towards the distant Welsh mountains on the other. Walking the walls is free and one of the finest things to do in the city. Within the walls, The Rows are Chester's most unique architectural feature — medieval two-tiered galleried walkways lined with shops, cafes and restaurants running along Bridge Street, Watergate Street, Northgate Street and Eastgate Street. There is nothing else quite like them anywhere in the world.

Chester Cathedral, begun in 1092 and not completed until 1535, dominates the city skyline and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in Britain. Nearby, the Eastgate Clock — erected in 1899 to mark Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee — is said to be the second most photographed clock in the country after Big Ben. The Roman Amphitheatre on Vicar's Lane is the largest discovered in Britain and was used by the 20th Roman Legion for military training and public entertainment.

Chester is home to the Roodee Racecourse, established in 1539 and recognised as the oldest racecourse still in operation in the world. Set on the banks of the River Dee, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Chester Zoo, located just north of the city in Upton-by-Chester, is one of the most visited wildlife attractions in the UK, spanning 126 acres and home to over 12,000 animals from 400 species, including Sumatran tigers, black rhinos and orangutans.

The city's cultural life is anchored by Storyhouse, a striking arts venue combining a theatre, cinema, library and restaurant under one roof. The nearby villages of Christleton, Rowton, Tattenhall and Waverton offer a quieter rural alternative within easy reach of the city, while Upton-by-Chester and Boughton are popular residential suburbs with good schools and strong community ties.

For commuters, Chester is well connected — direct rail services reach Liverpool in 45 minutes, Manchester in under an hour, and London Euston in approximately two hours. The M53 and M56 motorways provide easy road access to the wider North West, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport is around 22 miles away. House prices average £285,000, making Chester considerably more affordable than comparable historic cities further south.