Chester Castle
Grosvenor St, Chester, England
A little piece of history in the center of town, Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror back in 1070, as a motte-and-bailey fortress. While it might not be the grand Norman castle it once was, the site’s Agricola Tower and some ruins remain, offering visitors a glimpse of Chester’s past.
The basics
Set at the southwest side of Chester City Walls, the castle ruins are easy to find if you’re in the center of town. Take a peek inside the 12th-century Agricola Tower, which was the castle’s early stone gateway; then head up the stairs to the first floor, where the St. Mary de Castro Chapel awaits, and you can see wall paintings that date back to medieval times. Guided tours, offered by the English Heritage organization, give you the lowdown on the paintings’ restorations, which are in progress.
Self-guided tours of Chester—as well as scavenger hunts—via smartphone apps sometimes include the site on their routes, and provide information about the castle in its glory days.
Things to know before you go
Aim to spend around an hour at the site to climb the tower, or a little longer if you join a tour.
Entry is free, though donations are always welcome.
If you venture to the castle walls, note that they are slippery when wet; wear sneakers with a good grip.
How to get there
Chester Castle is on Grosvenor Street in Chester city center, and you can find ample parking in the Little Rodee or Assizes Court parking lots. By bus, there are several different lines that pass by, such as the frequently running Arriva line #1 in the direction of Wrexham. Hop off at the Chester Bells Coach stop, which is closest to the castle.
When to get there
The Agricola Tower is open in peak season from April through October on weekends only, with doors open to visitors from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Outside of these times, it’s possible to arrange a group tour directly with English Heritage, which oversees castle visits. There are occasional openings for special events around Halloween and Christmas.
Chester City Walls
Leave the tower and climb onto the walls to get a sense of how the castle once guarded the city. While the walkable route doesn’t completely circle the old city, the site offers a pleasant stroll through time, with some parts of the walls dating back about 2,000 years. Exit when you want, using the different steps and ramps, including the four main gateways of Bridgegate, Northgate, Eastgate, and Watergate.
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