Car Hire Chester

Set on the northern banks of the River Dee, Chester’s city centre is encircled by a ring road, known at various points as St Martin's Way, St Oswald's Way and Vicar Lane. The cobbled streets at its heart add character, with some pedestrianised areas, and speed limits of 30mph and 20mph (48km/h and 32km/h) are typical on the roads.

Four park and ride options are conveniently located in the suburbs (at Boughton Heath, Upton, Sealand Road and Wrexham Road), and are useful if you want to explore on foot. To park closer to the centre, there are sites on Pepper Street, Grosvenor Road and York Street.

Situated at the foot of the picturesque Wirral peninsula, the natural beauty of North Wales is within easy reach with a hire car in Chester. The Welsh border is extremely close to the city walls, and the North Wales Expressway, also known as the A55, takes you towards seaside resorts such as Prestatyn and Rhyl in just under an hour. Plus, the magnificent Loggerheads Country Park is around half an hour’s drive away over the border.

Where the A55 and other A roads are dual carriageways, the speed limit will usually be 70mph (112km/h), unless signs say otherwise. The same is true on motorways, such as the M56, which heads east to Manchester from Chester in just over an hour. If you leave via the Mersey Gateway to Liverpool, there’s a small toll to pay online if you cross the bridge.

Wrexham, the largest town in North Wales, is just 20 minutes’ drive from Chester via the A483. Many Welsh roads in rural areas can be narrow and single-track. Though they may have the national speed limit of 60mph (96km/h), it’s advisable to drive steadily.

Chester has a well-deserved reputation as one of the UK’s most attractive cities, thanks to its array of magnificent historical buildings. Tudor and Victorian influences abound, with black and white timber-framed buildings surrounded by the striking city walls.

It's a distinctive place with its own unique character, and makes for an excellent visitor experience. With a hire car, you can see it all.

Cathedral city

Located in the heart of Chester, the spectacular cathedral offers an impressive sight. Most of the building was constructed in the 12^th century, while it also enjoyed an external facelift during Victorian times.

You can walk around at your leisure, gazing up at the high ceilings and intricate details. Take one of the guided tours, which last 30 minutes or an hour, to learn more about the fascinating history of Chester's most significant building. You can book the tours in advance online or by phone.

Chester Cathedral is a Grade I listed building that boasts carvings from medieval times, while its extraordinary bell tower looms tall. Take the opportunity to climb to the top for some of the finest panoramic views of the city below.

Roman remains

Once you've parked close by, walk the historic walls for the best way to get your bearings and take in the city's central sights, including the iconic Eastgate Clock.

Preserved for centuries, the raised path loops around most of the northern areas, including an attractive stretch overlooking the River Dee.

Just across the river meanwhile you'll find the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, an arena that used to hold up to 7,000 people and is thought to be the largest structure of its kind ever discovered in the UK. In the summer months, outdoor performances are still held here, so check the events calendar online before you arrive.

Shopping, dining and animal magic

Another key feature in Chester is The Rows, a series of arcade-style buildings containing stylish shops and luxury restaurants. Built around the Central Cross site and including Northgate, Watergate, Bridgegate and Eastgate Streets, many of the buildings date back to Tudor and Victorian times.

Flanked by these distinctive, half-timbered structures, the area is well worth exploring. Among the slew of independent boutiques, you'll also find some excellent cafes and restaurants, perfect for a spot of relaxation after a busy day sightseeing.

Around a 15-minute drive north of the city centre, along Liverpool Road, you’ll reach Chester Zoo – one of the most popular visitor attractions in the region. It boasts more than 20,000 animals across 125 acres of sprawling gardens. Showstoppers include the big cats, bears and elephants, but you'll discover many more on your visit.

The zoo runs plenty of activities aimed at youngsters – and it's worth looking at its website before your visit, as you can also book tickets in advance to save time queuing.

All these attractions are within easy reach with car hire in Chester. Book direct online now and start planning your trip.