Chester Cathedral

Vicky Andrews
Chester Cathedral
Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.

Chester Cathedral has moved with the times to become a spiritual and cultural hub in the city, hosting a packed programme of events throughout the year in a truly unique setting.

A visit to Chester Cathedral is a snapshot through the centuries of old Deva where you can follow in the footsteps of Benedictine monks, Roman soldiers and even Georgian gentry. Don’t forget to look up – there’s a hidden gem round every corner, from the vaulted ceiling of the Lady Chapel to grimacing gargoyles peeking out of window arches and walls.

The story of the dissolution of the monasteries, when Henry VII transferred the building to the Diocese of Chester for a cathedral, is told in the glass of the Chapter House windows. The most striking architecture reflects the period when the Romanesque look went out of fashion in favour of Gothic height and light, with ribbed ceilings and pointed arches. The guided Tower Tour is a brilliant way to learn more about the cathedral’s history and get a panoramic view of Cheshire, well worth the 216 steps up to the top.

It’s also worth seeking out some of the modern art here, including the late Ros Grimshaw’s Millennium Window, a dramatic stained-glass work in the west wall of the refectory which shows God as the creator, infused with personal imagery of the artist’s struggle with Parkinson’s disease. A focal point of the cloister garden is the permanent sculpture Water of Life, an intimate and touching piece by Stephen Broadbent who also created the Celebration of Chester sculpture just over the road outside Chester Town Hall.

Chester Cathedral is many things to many people, a beloved place of worship that also hosts concerts, exhibitions and family events, including the hugely popular Christmas Tree Festival. Highlights include the Moonlight Flicks series of outdoor films curated by Storyhouse, and the cathedral’s Chapter House recently hosted a powerful modern slavery exhibition by Syrian artist, Sara Shamma.

The cathedral trust is keen to promote contemporary arts and 2020 also saw the launch of the first Young Poet competition, overseen by Poet in Residence, Julia McGuinness.

St Werburgh StChesterCH1 2DY View map
Telephone: 01244324756 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Tuesday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Wednesday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Thursday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Friday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday11:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday12:30pm - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Chester Cathedral

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On the other side at FACT

‘On the other side’ at FACT presents the work of three artists, thoroughly examining themes of authority, power and control.

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Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions

Where to go near Chester Cathedral

Whitmore & White
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Whitmore & White

Whitmore & White is an award-winning deli and independent wine merchant in the heart of romantic Chester serving a plethora of charcuterie, cheeses and confectionery.

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Metronome Jazz Bar

This small and atmospheric bar is a cosy venue with a resident Jazz pianist, fantastic staff and a record player filled with, naturally, iconic jazz.

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Clarendon Fine Art

Contemporary art on display and for sale in Cheshire. Come and browse their varied collections and converse with knowledgeable staff.

Simon Radley, Chester Grosvenor
Chester
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Simon Radley, Chester Grosvenor

Experience ‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ – an award-winning restaurant named after renowned Executive Chef, Simon Radley. The restaurant has held a prestigious Michelin star since 1990 and has been awarded 4 AA Rosettes.

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Chester Visitor Information Centre

This is the meeting point for Tours Around Chester who offer a variety of tours ranging from food walking, running and themed running (including beer or gin).

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Chester Visual Arts

Chester Visual Arts has brought pop-up exhibitions to Chester’s most iconic buildings, including The Old Library and Chester Cathedral.

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Chester Rows

Renowned for some of the most elegant shopping streets in the world, Chester Rows has historic appeal and is one of the best of its kind.

Chester Indoor Market
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Chester Indoor Market

Recipient of the Best Small Indoor Market at The Great British Market Awards 2020, Chester Market offers foods from around the world.

Weasel and the Bug, Chester
Chester
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Weasel and the Bug

Weasel and The Bug believe that you should buy well and pass on, and that toys should be powered by children, not batteries. Taking care of the planet is a priority for many parents and pleasingly, Weasel and The Bug only stock products which are sustainably sourced.

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