Coach holidays to Chester
Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
Historic Chester is one of England's best preserved medieval cities. As well as walking the Roman walls and marvelling at the Norman cathedral, here you'll find the medieval Rows, a uniquely tiered series of shops on covered levels that combine to make the city's most famous landmark.
As well as trendy bars and its commendable Zoo, Chester is also the gateway to North Wales. Its handy proximity to the country means that coach trips to Chester often include excursions to Snowdonia or the Peak District which are also on the doorstep.
Chester is also a favourite addition on coach breaks to Tatton Park Flower Show, one of the highlights of the gardening calendar. The show makes a wonderful alternative to Chelsea if you're in the North and don't want to travel the distance. Come the winter, Chester Victorian Christmas market is also a draw for visitors, with its festive food and medieval looking stalls.
Tourist office
For further information about Chester you can visit the official tourist board at visitchester.com
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Things to do
Here are a few places to visit in and around Chester:
Chester Cathedral
This wonderful Cathedral has been attracting visitors for over 2000 years, who are often left in awe at the beautifully decorated interior and carefully crafted exterior. The Cathedral has free admission, however you will most probably be asked for a donation by your tour guide. You can also visit the cafe or the Cathedral shop for a souvenir of your visit.
Trentham Estate
The gardens of the Trentham Estate, possibly the finest in England, are bursting with colour throughout the year. Take a gentle stroll around the lake or adventure through the woods and parklands. If that doesn't take your fancy, indulge in some retail therapy with a visit to the Trentham Shopping Village and Garden Centre.
Arley Hall and Gardens
One of the most fascinating stately homes in the North West with its elaborate interior decor, Arley Hall is a visitor favourite. The Hall was built between 1832-1845 and proudly shows off Victorian Jacobean styling. The gardens are best known for its herbaceous border, the first of its kind planted in Britain.
Chester Racecourse
Located in the heart of the City, Chester Racecourse is thought to be the oldest racecourse in England. This 65-acre racecourse is just a short stroll from local bars, restaurants and shopping. Fixtures are normally held over the weekend throughout the summer months.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Chester, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
For the latest information and travel advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), please click here
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.