Chester, the home of the Duke of Westminster, will be in the spotlight this summer when the city plays host to the wedding of Hugh Grosvenor, the 7th Duke, to Olivia Henson (7 June). It’s set to be the wedding of the year, with a list of over 650 prestigious invitees expected to include King Charles, Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales as well as movers and shakers from high society’s social circles. Don’t be dismayed if you didn’t receive an invitation, there’s no better time to get ahead of the A-list and book a grand getaway to Chester.
Chester Cathedral, with its long association with the Grosvenor family, will play host to the ceremony. An archaeological treasure founded in 1092 as a Benedictine Abbey, and subsequently rebuilt in a Gothic-style – it boasts the most complete set of monastic buildings in the UK, and includes Europe's finest example of medieval carvings, a Georgian square, a series of streets and plenty of green space within the walls. The reception will take place in the grounds of the Grosvenor family’s ancestral seat Eaton Hall, located just a few miles outside the city. It’s possible to visit both on a trip to Chester. Chester Cathedral is a popular attraction with various events and exhibitions taking place throughout the year – don’t miss the Cathedral at Height tour to climb to the top of the tower for fabulous views over the city and beyond. While Eaton Hall itself is a private residence and not accessible to the public, each year, during the summer months, the Eaton Hall Gardens welcome visitors for three charity open days (2024 dates tbc).
WHAT ELSE There’s much to see and do in the ancient city of Chester. Chester has the oldest, longest and most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus the 1,000-year-old Cathedral and the one and only 700-year-old The Rows, the city’s medieval network of covered galleries. Northgate Street is home to the new multimillion-pound Chester Market, which opened in November 2022 with an array of high-quality retailers, including street food outlets with a communal food hall. There are also stores galore offering the hottest fashion and a vibrant cafe culture where outdoor dining and ‘people watching’ go hand in hand.
Other highlights might include:
• Seeing the city from the water on a cruise with ChesterBoat, opt for the Iron Bridge Cruise to enjoy a cruise through the Eaton Estate (available May to September). Adult tickets cost £18.50 and child tickets are £7.50. • Joining a walking tour of Chester Walls to complete the full two-mile circuit of the city. Adults will learn about Chester’s 2,000 years of history, while kids can take part in a mini treasure hunt. £10 for adults, accompanying children go free. • Making time for a trip to Chester Zoo, the most visited UK attraction outside London and home to 21,000 animals from 500 different species in acres of glorious gardens. Tickets from £30 per adult and £23 per child.
WHERE TO STAY
Visitors to Chester are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation options. There’s something for everyone - be it living it up like a Duke on a country escape, or staying bang in the heart of the action of Chester’s city centre in the Duke’s own hotel – The Grosvenor.
The Chester Grosvenor, owned and named after the Grosvenor family, is a Grade II- listed 5-star hotel in the heart of Chester, overlooking the famous Eastgate Clock which is one of the most photographed clocks in England. Rooms from £180 per night including continental breakfast.
Rowton Hall Hotel is a beautiful country house hotel set in eight acres of gardens and grounds, just 10 minutes from the centre of Chester. With just 40 rooms, a spa, health club and restaurant, it’s the perfect base for those seeking a luxury, but private stay. Rooms from £104 per night, B&B.
Macdonald New Blossoms dating back to 1650 and set in Chester’s historic centre near to the Roman Amphitheatre, this is a great base for exploring the sites. Rooms from £71 per night.
For further information head to www.visitchester.com
