Chester

The world's largest ice cream shop, the unique medical attraction Sick To Death, a Roman amphitheater, and the oldest racecourse in Britain: all of this can be found in Chester.

Admire the ancient half-timbered houses that represent how Old England looked during the Tudor dynasty. Take a photo in front of the Eastgate Clock, which was a gift to the city from Queen Victoria. Stroll across the Old Dee Bridge with its high arches; visit the Roman Garden and try your luck on the Wishing Steps. In the summer, at noon, a town crier performs a theatrical presentation for tourists from the High Cross in the center of Chester.

The historic center of Chester is fascinating when viewed from the height of the Roman walls. These defensive walls made of red sandstone are the oldest in the UK. A must-see is the 10th-century Cathedral, a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. At the top of the cathedral's central tower, there is a viewing platform offering vistas of five counties at once. For a natural retreat, locals frequent the historic Grosvenor Park.

Thousands of tourists visit Chester to explore the Zoo: with 35,000 animals, Europe's largest shark collection, cage-free enclosures, a monorail, river cruises, attractions, and bars with views of the zoo gardens.

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