Chester's City Walls (Self Guided), Chester

Chester City Walls are the oldest, longest and most complete (missing only just about 100 meters) historic defensive structure in Britain. Walking the full circuit of this ancient fortification provides wondrous views, wherever you choose to go, down into the city, and offers a fantastic insight into Chester's rich history.

First built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago, the Walls were extended and developed during the Saxon period (10th century), and then further modified in the 12th century by the Normans. Eventually, through various additions and alterations, they had formed a complete circuit around Chester, making it one of the most protected and strategically important city in the country, back in the middle ages.

One of the reasons the Walls have survived until present is that since the 18th century they had ceased being used for defense and been adapted to become a fashionable walk and public amenity. The main access onto the Walls is via four major gateways: Northgate, Eastgate, Watergate and Bridgegate. There are also many steps along the Walls, such as Recorder's Steps, some having accessible ramps; plus a number of towers, including Water Tower, Phoenix Tower, and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower.

If you wish to travel back in time down the ancient Walls of Chester and learn about its eventful past, take this self-guided walking tour.