The domestic holiday, or ‘staycation’, is something of a British phenomenon – and one which has seen increased interest in recent years. Indeed, there is something of a global staycation boom, but the UK’s tourism sector has benefited the most out of any country.
Staycations are a fantastic option for UK holidaymaker for a number of reasons. Firstly, they can be significantly cheaper than travelling internationally; and secondly, and perhaps most importantly, the UK is home to countless incredible destinations well worth exploring. Here, we’ll be focusing on just one of the UK’s brilliant domestic locations, to give you inspiration for your summer holiday plans.
Chester is a north-west city on the border between England and Wales, and a popular domestic holiday destination with a rich history to boot. There is so much to see and do in Chester, that makes it well worth a visit – whether for an afternoon or a full week. To help you plan your activities, though, here are some of the best places to stick on your Chester holiday itinerary.
Chester as a Historical Landmark
Chester’s origins can be traced all the way back to 79AD, when it was founded by the Romans as a strategic fort and major installation of Roman army personnel. The city has born the burden of history ever since, being of key importance to the conquering of Britain by the Normans in the 11th century. Today, Chester bears the marks of its coloured history, with well-preserved monuments, artefacts and artworks dating back over the last near-2000 years.
Chester Roman Amphitheatre
One of the oldest monuments in Chester is the Chester Roman Amphitheatre – the largest of its kind in Britain. The amphitheatre was used for all manner of Roman sports and pursuits, but lay undiscovered for more than 1500 years. Today, it can be visited in person – with a mural to illustrate what the complete amphitheatre may have looked like.
Chester Zoo
Perhaps the biggest draw to Chester, though, is Chester Zoo. Chester Zoo forms a defining memory for many a schoolchild in the UK, being one of the most popular zoos in the country and a popular destination for school trips. Chester Zoo is home to more than 35,000 animals and creatures, making for an incredibly engaging day for all the family. If you work in health and social care, it is also possible for you to redeem a Chester Zoo NHS discount – bringing the overall cost of your trip right down.
Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral has been something of a work in progress for the city for generations upon generations; and the cathedral plot itself may have been used for worship as far back as Roman times, but the cathedral structure has its roots in the 10th century. It has been redeveloped, refurbished and expanded multiply over the last 1000 years, standing proud today as a testament to Chester’s long history. The cathedral hosts all manner of cultural events, and is also home to the Chester Heritage Festival – a must-visit if you are in town. Even simply from an architectural prospective, it’s lovely.
Cheshire Oaks
You know it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t talk about shopping. Designer outlet village Cheshire Oaks is just outside Chester and is definitely worth a visit if you are a fashion or beauty fan. With stores from Rituals and L’Occitance, to Coach and Ralph Lauren, there’s something for everyone.
Images via Pixabay
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