Here is a selection of self catering cottages just outside Chester, one of the jewels in Britain's crown. Chester provides the unique experience of combining great shopping in the Rows - 13th century covered walkways, with a walk along the city walls and a visit to the Norman Cathedral or the zoo. By selecting one of our self catering cottages Chester and its many attractions can be discovered.

Chester is one of the oldest and most complete walled cities in the UK. The wall was originally built in Roman times, altered and extended during the Middle Ages and today more than two miles of it is a pleasant walkway, with elevated views of the city.

One of Chester's most distinguishing features is its Rows. Originally built in medieval times these are galleried walkways that run along four streets. These magnificent old black and white half-timbered, galleried buildings, raised above street level, are reached by flights of stone steps. Today they house shops, restaurants, little museums and the occasional pub. They are the only known example in the world although no one is sure why they were built in this way.

Chester has a rich and important history. It was founded by the Romans who developed it into a busy port. It eventually became a Norman stronghold and William the Conqueror founded Chester Castle, the remains of which stand on a low hill within a bend of the River Dee, just a stone's-throw from the border with Wales. The cathedral was built in the 11th century and has been much restored, although part of the original structure has survived. In the Middle Ages Chester was the most prosperous port in the north of England. However in the 18th century the River Dee became silted up, trade declined and Chester's days as a port were over. The magnificent red sandstone Gothic-style town hall with its tall tower is a fine example of Victorian architecture and today is the starting point for Chester's Millennium Trail, a good sightseeing route to take when visiting. The Eastgate Clock is a famous four-faced clock tower. Created for the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria, it is said to be the most photographed clock in Britain, after Big Ben.

Chester Zoo is the second biggest in the country with over 400 different species of animals kept in conditions as near to their natural environment as possible. It covers over 100 landscaped acres including moated islands and award-winning gardens.

When it comes to self catering cottages Chester has a good choice nearby on the fertile Cheshire Plain. This is a rural, predominately farming area famous for its dairy herds, pretty half-timbered towns and villages as well as historic houses and gardens. A popular destination for those seeking to stay in self catering cottages Chester and its surroundings offer the chance to enjoy the best of an historic city and quintessentially English countryside.

For enquiries, availability or to book over the phone please call: 0844 561 8329
Opening Hours: Mon, Tues 9am-7pm, Wed-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm