Car Rental Chester

Although packed full of places to explore, Chester is a modest-sized city that’s simple to navigate. It sits on the north banks of the River Dee, with the Chester Canal intersecting its central areas. A ring road traverses its outer districts, known as St Martin’s Way to the north and Nicholas Street further south. Vicar’s Lane and the A5268, meanwhile, run broadly parallel to the River Dee.

When it comes to parking, you’ll find plenty of options in and around the city centre. Market Place Car Park on Princess Street and the NCP site on Pepper Street are two popular options. Delamere Street also offers parking in a central location.

Take the A483 south out of Chester and join the North Wales Expressway, which takes you to Wales, with its spectacular mountain scenery. The A450 north travels along the equally picturesque Wirral peninsula. Discover attractive towns like Neston along the way, as well as the seaside charm of West Kirby.

Chester also enjoys easy road connections to Manchester and Liverpool thanks to the M56, also known as the North Cheshire motorway. This route runs north-east out of the city towards Warrington and provides a link to the M6 motorway, which continues north towards the cities of Preston and Lancaster.

When driving in Chester drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits in built-up areas are normally 30mph (49km/h) unless marked, while the national speed limit of 60mph (97km/h) usually applies on country roads. The speed limit on motorways is 70mph (113km/h), unless otherwise signposted.

Compact and captivating Chester is famous for its Roman heritage, while its cathedral and famous Rows galleries add to its unique charm. There's plenty on offer for those fond of animals, including Chester Zoo and the Blue Planet Aquarium. With a rental car, it’s all yours to explore.

Roman remains

Chester is encircled by well-preserved Roman walls that provide impressive views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Once you've parked near the Town Hall, take a 90-minute guided tour of the walls, with a plethora of landmarks explained for you.

Chester also boasts the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain – just outside the city walls, off Pepper Street as you approach the River Dee. Once capable of holding up to 10,000 people - and rumoured to have been the site of King Arthur's fabled round table - today it hosts a variety of open-air shows in the summer.

Animal magic

Take a drive north of the city along the A41 for Chester Zoo, which houses more than 500 species of endangered animals. Big cats and large mammals sit alongside more than 1,000 birds and one of the world's largest lizards. Opening hours vary, so check the zoo’s official website before you set off in your rental car.

Along the M53 towards Ellesmere Port is the Blue Planet Aquarium, home to Europe's largest collection of sharks. Back in the heart of the city, Chester Cathedral Falconry and Nature Gardens offers a fantastic facility where you can see an array of birds of prey flying high up close.

Shopping sprees

Chester is a city that puts a unique slant on retail therapy. Located within the walls, the Rows are a historic and architectural marvel. This series of half-timbered galleries house a selection of independent and chain shops, with attractive Victorian and Tudor style facades adding to the charm. Some of the buildings date back to the 13th century.

Drive out of Chester along the M53 northbound for around 10km for the Cheshire Oaks, a stylish designer shopping outlet packed with discounts.

Cathedral city

One of the highlights of Chester is undoubtedly its magnificent cathedral. Dating back to 1092, it’s located in the centre just off Northgate and backing onto the city walls. It was founded as a Benedictine abbey and now boasts Roman, Norman and Gothic architectural influences.

While you can stroll around the cathedral at your leisure, the guided tours come highly recommended. These even take you up to the top of the panoramic bell tower, providing an impressive view of the city below.

All this and more is within easy reach when you rent a car in Chester.