Roman Chester: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

1. 1

   Eastgate

   Start under the famous Eastgate clock — you're standing on the site of the main eastern gate of the Roman fortress, the porta principalis sinistra. Climb onto the walls here.

2. 2

   Eastern walls & Roman masonry

   Walk south along the wall top. Look down at the base of the wall on this stretch for sections of original Roman stonework beneath the medieval rebuild.

3. 3

   Roman Gardens

   Descend to the Roman Gardens, a landscaped strip displaying reassembled columns and hypocaust (underfloor heating) pillars gathered from across the Roman city.

4. 4

   The Amphitheatre

   Just beyond the gardens lies the star of the tour — the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain. Walk into the excavated arena and read the boards reconstructing the full oval.

5. 5

   Newgate & the wall views

   Back up onto the walls at Newgate for a high view over the amphitheatre, then continue the circuit toward the river.

6. 6

   Bridgegate & the Old Dee Bridge

   Leave the walls at Bridgegate and cross the Old Dee Bridge into Handbridge — the Roman suburb and quarry district on the south bank.

7. 7

   Minerva's Shrine, Edgar's Field

   In Edgar's Field, find the weathered shrine to Minerva carved into a rock face — the only Roman rock-cut shrine still in its original position in Britain. A quiet, atmospheric finish.

Prefer a guide?

A local guide adds the stories the boards leave out — and a costumed Roman soldier tour is a memorable option for families. Here are bookable tours that cover this ground: