Alastair Summerfield
Director
Looking for a small city with stunning architecture, a green environment and cultural attractions? Look no further than Chester – one of the North West’s most popular cities.
On the fertile Cheshire plain a stone’s throw from the North Wales border, Chester is a sophisticated small city with a well-preserved history.
The Romans and Tudors may have left their mark, but life in Chester today has a much more modern appeal. Great schools and transport links appeal to families, and the fine restaurants and burgeoning cultural scene make it popular with young couples and retirees.
Here’s why Chester should be on your property radar...
Location, location, location
Chester is one of the best-connected small cities in the UK. There are direct motorway links to Liverpool (40 mins) and Manchester (60 mins) and a fast train service lands you at London Euston in 2 hours – great for part-time commuters.
For international travellers, Manchester Airport (the UK’s biggest airport outside of London) is 35 miles away and Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a good option for European flights.
Chester’s also a great location for outdoor-lovers. Beautiful beaches, sandstone escarpments and rolling hills are within an hour’s drive, and the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia, the Peak District and Lake District can be easily reached for a day or weekend trip.
The River Dee winds its way through the city and there’s plenty of green space in the city itself.
Top of the tables
If you’re a family looking to relocate, schools are often a priority consideration. The King’s School and The Queen’s School are leading independents offering places from infants through to sixth form.
There are also great state schools, including Bishops’ Blue Coat and Christleton High School, plus a raft of outstanding-rated primary schools. They’re often oversubscribed so it’s worth checking admission criteria and catchment areas before you move.
2,000 years of history
Walking around Chester, you can’t help tripping over history. Once the largest Roman military fortress in Britain, the Roman walls and amphitheatre (the largest in the UK) are some of the best Roman ruins in the country. Well-preserved Tudor buildings are scattered between more modern architecture and, of course, there are the famous half-timbered Rows – galleried shopping streets that date back to medieval times.
Culture and fine dining (and lions, tigers and bears)
If you enjoy good food and entertainment, Chester has a lot to offer. A new cultural centre, Storyhouse, opened in 2017 offering two new theatre spaces and a boutique cinema. Chester’s impressive cathedral is also used as a concert and exhibition venue.
From cool coffee shops to Michelin-starred restaurants, Chester has plenty of options for foodies, and the clutter of independent boutiques lining the Rows keep shoppers happy.
Possibly the biggest appeal for the whole family is Chester Zoo. With over 21,000 animals, it’s worth getting an annual membership for easy and fun family days out.
Chester Racecourse is the oldest racecourse in the world and has a packed programme of racing, polo and special events.
Where to buy
The property market in Chester is buoyant and family homes are quick to sell – sometimes not even making it onto the market. Here are some of the more popular areas:
Curzon Park and Queen’s Park
Riverside frontage, tree-lined streets and detached villas make these riverside locations some of the most desirable in Chester.
Handbridge
A mixture of detached family homes and pretty terraced streets, all within an easy walk of the river and city centre.
Hoole
A popular suburb with a mix of period architecture, Hoole is a short walk to Chester station – great for commuters.
Christleton
With Ofsted-outstanding primary and secondary schools and the nearby canal, Christleton is a popular suburb for families.
Surrounding area
If you prefer to live in one of Cheshire’s picturesque villages, Waverton and Mickle Trafford are a short distance from the city. The Eaton Estate (part of the Grosvenor Estate) is located just outside Chester and includes some thriving villages with unique architecture.
Property picks:
- Linden Grove is a Grade II listed Italian-style villa overlooking the river in Queen’s Park.
- Own a piece of history – this 3-bedroom apartment and shop are located on Chester’s famous historic Rows.