Chester is a historic city in Cheshire, England, with around 93,000 people in the built-up area. It was founded by the Romans in AD 79 as the fortress of Deva Victrix and became one of the most important military centres in Roman Britain. Much of Chester’s long history remains unusually visible: its defensive walls form the most complete surviving circuit of city walls in Britain, while the remains of its Roman amphitheatre are the largest yet discovered in the country. The compact centre is also known for the Rows, distinctive two-level medieval shopping galleries found along several of the main streets, as well as Chester Cathedral and the elaborate Eastgate Clock. The River Dee passes beside the old city, and Chester Racecourse claims to be the oldest racecourse still in use in Britain. Chester Zoo, one of the country’s largest and most visited zoos, lies just outside the centre. The city is particularly easy to explore on foot, with most of its historic sights concentrated inside or close to the walls.

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