Chester Castle Tours

Chester Castle featuring heritage architecture and chateau or palace
Chester Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Chester showing heritage architecture and landscape views
Chester Castle showing heritage elements as well as a small group of people
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 center 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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Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Chester Castle

The Mill Hotel & Spa

The Mill Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Milton Street, Chester, England
The Mill Hotel & Spa
ABode Chester

ABode Chester

4 out of 5
Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, England
ABode Chester
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester

Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester

4 out of 5
St John Street, Chester, England
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, Chester
The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection

4 out of 5
City Rd, Chester, England
The Queen at Chester Hotel, BW Premier Collection
Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG

Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG

4 out of 5
Trinity Street, Chester, England
Crowne Plaza Chester by IHG
The Chester Grosvenor

The Chester Grosvenor

5 out of 5
Eastgate Street, Chester, England
The Chester Grosvenor
Leonardo Hotel Chester

Leonardo Hotel Chester

4 out of 5
Pepper House, Pepper Street, Chester, England
Leonardo Hotel Chester
Oddfellows Chester Hotel and Apartments

Oddfellows Chester Hotel and Apartments

4 out of 5
20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, England
Oddfellows Chester Hotel and Apartments
Hotel Indigo Chester by IHG

Hotel Indigo Chester by IHG

4 out of 5
Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, England
Hotel Indigo Chester by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Chester Castle

When visiting Chester Castle, you'll find a variety of activities nearby, including relaxing spas, shopping, and boating. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the castle through palace and guided tours. Additionally, consider joining city tours or walking tours of Chester to fully immerse yourself in its rich history and charming atmosphere. These experiences will make your trip to Chester Castle truly memorable.

Food and drinks

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Knight's Restaurant, offering a menu inspired by medieval flavors. For a lively evening, check out Chester Karaoke Bars to sing your heart out. Don't miss the charming Chester Wine Bars for local selections and a cozy atmosphere near the historic stone castle.

Shopping

The Rows of Chester, located only 0.3 miles from Chester Castle, offers charming shops and boutiques perfect for gifts. If you're up for a drive, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, 6 miles away, features a variety of designer brands at discount prices.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Anfield Stadium, just 17 miles from Chester Castle, where you can feel the excitement of sports. For a more relaxed vibe, Chester Golf Club, located 0.6 miles away, offers a picturesque golf course surrounded by nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Oulton Park Circuit for an adrenaline-pumping motor racing adventure, located 11 miles from Chester Castle. For water sports enthusiasts, Manley Mere offers exciting activities 6 miles away, while Mersey Go Karting Northwest, 15 miles from the castle, provides exhilarating karting experiences.

Nightlife

Experience Chester Castle's nightlife with a visit to the Chester Music Theatre, offering a blend of culture and romance just a mile away. For family fun, head to Crocky Trail, an adventure arcade only 4 miles away, or enjoy stunning views from the Wheel of Liverpool, 15 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Chester Castle

Chester Castle offers a fascinating blend of history and culture, perfect for travelers seeking family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Explore the medieval castle and its impressive castle walls, or venture to nearby attractions like Conwy Castle. The area also features urban parks and other historic buildings, making it a great destination for those interested in exploring popular castles and immersing themselves in local heritage.

  • Chester City Walls: These ancient, well-preserved walls offer a unique walking experience with stunning views of the city. As you stroll along the 2-mile path, you'll encounter historical landmarks and soak in the rich culture that has shaped Chester over the centuries.
  • Chester Cathedral: A remarkable example of medieval architecture, Chester Cathedral boasts intricate stonework and beautiful stained glass. Visitors can explore its serene grounds, attend services, or simply admire the breathtaking interior that reflects the city's spiritual heritage.
  • University of Chester: With a blend of historic and modern buildings, this university provides a vibrant educational atmosphere. Walk through its picturesque campus and appreciate the cultural contributions it makes to the local community.

Best time to go to Chester Castle

Visitor numbers around Chester Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Chester Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
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 HighAverage
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 LowSlightly Low
December41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Chester Castle

To save money on your visit to Chester Castle, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Chester Cathedral and Gladstone's Library. For accommodation, the best time to visit is between November and January for lower prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia, which also offers package discounts when combining flights and activities. Use the site’s filters to find budget-friendly options and join their One Key membership for exclusive deals and rewards on your bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Chester Castle are November to January, 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Chester Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Chester Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.