The City Walls

The roughly two-mile walk along the top of Chester's walls is the single best way to grasp the shape of the Roman fortress. The northern and eastern stretches sit on the line of the original Roman defences, which began as a turf-and-timber rampart and were later rebuilt in stone. The western and southern sections were extended in the medieval period down toward the river and the castle.

Where the fortress gates stood

The four main gates of modern Chester sit close to the positions of the Roman fortress gates:

• Eastgate — the Roman porta principalis sinistra, the main eastern gate; the ornate clock above it is Victorian.
• Northgate — over the porta decumana on the north side of the fortress.
• Watergate & Bridgegate — closer to the river, reflecting the medieval expansion of the walled town.

Roman features to spot on the walls

• Stretches of original Roman masonry visible at the base of the wall on the northern and eastern sides.
• The Roman Gardens, just below the south-eastern walls, displaying columns and hypocaust pillars.
• Views down to the amphitheatre from near Newgate.

Walking the circuit

The full loop takes about 1½–2 hours at an easy pace, with steps up and down at the gates. It's free and open at all times, though some steps can be slippery in wet weather. For a Roman-focused route that links the walls with the amphitheatre and the Minerva shrine, see our self-guided walking tour.