Get back to nature, enjoy laidback boat rides and spot Roman monuments while visiting the River Dee. Watch the world go by from a quaint esplanade and walk with free-roaming cattle in a sprawling meadow. The River Dee stretches for 68 miles (110 kilometers) from the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia, forms a natural border between England and Wales and empties out into the Irish Sea. During the Roman occupation of Chester, a bend in the river was used as a harbor.
Historic bridges cross the section of the river that cuts through Chester. The 14th-century Old Dee Bridge stands on the site of a millennia-old bridge and is the oldest in the city. Note the varying sizes of the seven arches. There are superb views from here and Queens Park Bridge. Grosvenor Bridge overlooks Chester Racecourse, built over the one-time Roman harbor.
Do as locals do and walk down The Groves, a riverfront promenade lined with cafes, ice cream kiosks and a bandstand. Sit on a bench and gaze across the water to the affluent Queens Park neighborhood. On the southern banks, Edgar’s Field houses Minerva’s Shrine, a 2nd-century shrine dedicated to the Roman goddess of the arts, handicrafts and professions. Join dog-walkers, joggers and picnickers in the Meadows, an area of wild water meadows home to grazing cows and nesting birds.
See the river from a different perspective on a ferry cruise and hear about Chester’s fascinating history via onboard commentary. Choose between short sightseeing trips, party cruises, private charters and themed outings such as afternoon tea. Boats depart between March and November from The Groves. Alternatively, rent motor, paddle and row boats and travel at your own pace.
The River Dee is easy to access on foot from Chester city center. Metered parking is available adjacent to Grosvenor Bridge. Chester Castle, Chester Racecourse and Grosvenor Park are other city attractions located close to the river.
