Just over an hours drive southwest of Manchester, Chester has a reputation for being one of the most elegant towns in the United Kingdom. The city is famous for its Tudor-style buildings and extensive Roman history, but don’t pass on the bustling nightlife and growing culinary scene either. Plenty to love, plenty to get done if you choose to visit as a day trip from Manchester.

It couldn’t be much easier to get to Chester. If you’ve got your own wheels then just head south out of Manchester towards the M56, passing Stockport and others before moving onto the A56, where Chester will be waiting. Using trains? There are direct trains from Piccadilly every hour or so, with the journey taking just over an hour. There are no direct bus links at the time of writing, but why worry about that when you get the lovely train?

Chester is one of the most architecturally alluring cities in England, but there is more to this place than an abundance of Tudor-style houses. The cathedral is one of the most celebrated in the country, and the presence of the Welsh border nearby gives the town a vibrant character that many English towns seem to lack. The city walls are positively oozing with history, while Grosvenor Park and Chester Zoo are musts for anyone looking for a hefty slice of nature.

The town is also blossoming on the culinary front, with a growing number of top quality restaurants making their presence felt in the centre of the city. The Bear & Billet is a must for anyone after some fantastic pub grub, while Simon Radley’s stint at The Grosvenor has brought plaudits and Michelin Stars alike. The Alchemist offers a periodic table of cocktails, and we’ll never ever get tired of such gimmicks.

Chester is a joy, a cherub, a beautiful city with history by the bucketload. Those fascinated by the long and storied tale that is England will be all sorts of engaged here, as Tudor and Victorian times alike both come to life with a decidedly modern twist. Combine historical architecture with contemporary cuisine, you can’t really go wrong.