Chester Castle Wall Walk (Local Guide)

Having walked the wall from one end to another and even jogged it, I’m in a place to offer some advice for anyone visiting the area and looking for some information.

I can also answer some of the more commonly asked questions and give you some insider tips for things to look out for as you’re walking the wall and some nice places to stop and grab a bite to eat or a quick drink.

Firstly, let me start by answering the question… Should you visit Chester and walk the wall?

100% Yes

Chester is located in the county of Cheshire and is known for its rich history, Roman heritage, and well-preserved medieval architecture.

As a city, Chester holds a significant administrative and cultural importance within the region.

It has a lovely holiday vibe to the city, especially within the walls.

For now, let us focus on one of the main attractions in Chester and you’ll understand why I have visited it many times.

The Castle walls

Chester is not the only city in England to have a castle wall. There are several other cities in England that have or had castle walls as part of their historical defenses.

Some examples include:

1. York: York’s city walls are among the most complete in England and encircle the city’s historic core.
2. Durham: Durham has well-preserved castle walls that surround the Durham Castle and Cathedral, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
3. Canterbury: Canterbury’s city walls date back to Roman and medieval times and are a popular tourist attraction.
4. Lincoln: Lincoln’s city walls are partially intact and offer scenic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
5. Exeter: Exeter also has some sections of its medieval city walls still standing.

But to my knowledge, Chester Castle wall is one of the more intact ones and one you can walk the entire length.

For instance, York is a very famous city surrounded by a wall. But parts of it are not accessible to the public. You cannot walk non-stop from end to end like you can in Chester.

How long is Chester Castle Wall?

Chester city walls form a continuous circuit around the city, and the total length of the walk is approximately 2 miles or 3.2 kilometers.

When I last visited, which was July 2023 for my wedding anniversary, all of the wall was open. There are sometimes small areas that are being repaired. But they are usually isolated to a small part.

How long does it take to walk Chester Castle Wall?

This will depend on a few factors. Like, how fast you walk, if you have small children with you and how much you like to stop and take in the views.

It took us 1 hour and 13 minutes when we visited in July 2023.

We stopped off at a few places for Ice Cream (Of Course) and to watch the racecourse over the wall just before you get to the military Museum.

It’s a lovely view!

Where do I start walking Chester walls?

To start walking Chester’s city walls, you can begin from several points around the city centre.

One popular starting point is the Eastgate Clock, which is a famous landmark and one of the main entrances to the city walls.

It’s located near Eastgate Street and Eastgate Square.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

I have never seen anyone on the wall in a wheelchair. I’m sure there must be some points where you might be able to access it.

But it’s an old castle wall with uneven stone paths which would not be suitable for a wheelchair.

Can Prams go on the wall?

If you can lift the pram up to one of the four main entrances, then yes. A pram is a bit more versatile than say a wheelchair. Lighter and more maneuverable.

The path does get a little crowded in places and as it can narrow, I wouldn’t suggest it on Saturdays and Sundays when it can get too busy.

What are the main points of entry to Chester Castle Wall?

1. Eastgate: This is one of the most iconic gates in Chester, featuring the Eastgate Clock, a famous landmark. The clock was added to the gate in 1899 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
2. Northgate: The Northgate is another well-preserved gate and is located at the northern end of the city walls.
3. Watergate: The Watergate is situated at the southwest corner of the city walls, close to the river Dee.
4. Bridgegate: The Bridgegate is located at the southern end of the city walls, near the Old Dee Bridge.

These gates served as important entry points into the walled city of Chester in medieval times and are still prominent landmarks today.

The “Chester Wishing Steps” nickname comes from a tradition where visitors and locals make a wish while ascending or descending the staircase leading up to Eastgate and the Eastgate Clock.

Does the wall close?

No, the wall is open all day every day with free access. Unlike some walls like York that close certain areas at certain times of the night, Chester Castle wall remains open all day every day.

What are the best parts of the wall?

There are many great views from the wall and the wall itself is one of the main attractions. But I’ve listed some stop-off points along the way which we love.

Some you can simply view from the wall and some you will have to stray off the wall for a few minutes but are worth the effort.

Best things to see and do on Chester Castle Wall Walk

1. Eastgate Clock: Start your walk from the Eastgate Clock, an iconic landmark in Chester. You can take photos with this historic timepiece and learn about its significance in the city’s history.
2. Grosvenor Park: Just outside the walls, near the Eastgate Clock, you’ll find Grosvenor Park. Take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque Victorian park, which offers beautiful green spaces and gardens.
3. The Rows: As you walk along the walls, you’ll pass over the unique covered walkways known as “The Rows”. These medieval buildings house shops and cafes at street level and a second level accessible by steps. Explore these distinctive two-tiered shopping streets and stop for some shopping or a bite to eat.
4. Chester Cathedral: The city walls pass near Chester Cathedral. Take some time to visit this stunning medieval cathedral, which features impressive architecture, beautiful stained glass, and a rich history.
5. King Charles’ Tower: Near the Northgate, you’ll encounter King Charles’ Tower, a defensive tower dating back to the English Civil War. Climb up to the top for a fantastic view of the city.
6. Chester Racecourse: The walls run alongside Chester Racecourse, making it a perfect spot for horse racing enthusiasts. On race days, you can enjoy the excitement of this historic racecourse.
7. River Dee: From the walls, you’ll have great views of the river Dee flowing through the city. On a sunny day, you might spot rowers and boats gliding along the river.
8. Bridgegate and Old Dee Bridge: The walls near Bridgegate offer a view of the Old Dee Bridge, a historic bridge crossing the river Dee. It’s a picturesque spot to enjoy the river views.
9. Northgate Gardens: The walls near Northgate overlook Northgate Gardens, a pleasant green area with benches, flowers, and open spaces.
10. Photography Opportunities: Throughout your walk, you’ll have numerous photo opportunities. The walls themselves offer panoramic views of the city and its architectural gems.
11. Get yourself an ice cream from my favorite place, Snugburys Cafe next to Queens Park Bridge
12. Queens Park Suspension Bridge: This silver metal bridge was built in 1923. You have to step off the castle wall and walk it.
13. Stop for a drink: My favorite place to stop on the wall is The Cosy Sitting Room that serves delicious snacks, ice cream, teas, and coffee. They even have local beers available. Best of all you can sit outside next to the famous clock tower. The perfect spot for a break. Check out our guide to 4 places to eat in Chester here.
14. Cheshire Military Museum is just a short hop off the wall and built on top of a defensive hill. It’s easy to miss if you don’t know where it is. It’s just past the racecourse and opposite the Abode 4-star hotel.
15. Chester Roman Amphitheatre is worth a stop off. You can see it from the wall, but I would suggest you go for a short walk down and take a closer look. When we last visited there were people dressed as Roman soldiers and giving tours and information.
16. Chester Roman Gardens can also be seen from the wall. There’s not a lot of information on the wall about it. But you can again take the steps down and take a closer look.
17. Moonlight Flicks. This open-air cinema is amazing in summer. It only opens for a few weeks of the year so check the times before visiting. But, from the castle wall, you have a great view.
18. 1539 Restaurant is a very nice place to eat. Located inside the racecourse, just down a few steps from the wall. It’s not cheap! But if you back the winning horse you might want to treat yourself.

Finally, make sure you read all the information dotted along the castle wall walk. There are some amazing stories and information provided by the local authorities.

Like the Tale of the Three Gateways where the saying “Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted” came from.

Chester Castle Wall Facts

1. Ancient Heritage: Chester’s city walls are the most complete city walls in Britain, and they have a history dating back over two thousand years. The walls were originally built by the Romans around the 1st century AD as part of the fortress of Deva Victrix.
2. Walkable Circuit: The walls form a continuous circuit around the city center, approximately 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) in length. This makes it a popular and easily accessible walking route for locals and tourists alike.
3. Medieval Fortifications: Much of the existing structure of the walls dates back to the medieval period, with significant additions and repairs made during the Middle Ages.
4. Unique Two-Tier Design: One of the remarkable features of Chester’s walls is the unique two-tier design of certain sections. These “The Rows” are covered walkways with shops at street level and a second level accessible via steps, creating a distinctive architectural layout.
5. Eastgate Clock: The Eastgate, one of the main gates in the walls, is home to the Eastgate Clock. Added in 1899 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee, it is often referred to as “the most photographed clock in England”.
6. Defensive Purpose: The original purpose of the city walls was defensive, protecting the Roman fortress and later the medieval city from potential invaders.
7. Preservation Efforts: Over the centuries, various parts of the walls were damaged or fell into disrepair. However, significant efforts have been made to preserve and restore them, ensuring their historical significance is retained for future generations.
8. Historic Landmarks: As you walk along the walls, you’ll encounter several historic landmarks, including Chester Cathedral, King Charles’ Tower, and Chester Castle.
9. Scenic Views: Walking the walls offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, including the River Dee, Chester Racecourse, and the picturesque cityscape.
10. Open Access: The walls are freely accessible to the public and walking them is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. The journey provides a unique way to experience the city’s history and architecture.

But don’t just stick to the town center. There are some very interesting places to visit outside the city centre which I have written about here: Things to do in Chester

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