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Things to do |
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CHESTER is the most fascinating of English cities for in no other is there such a
remarkable concentration of the intriguingly ancient and the alluringly modern. The city, which was once a military
fortress of great strategic importance has wonderful relics of Roman times which compete for attention with the
stately architecture of the Middle Ages, legacies from Elizabethan days divide the honors with the beautiful public
parks and an entrancing river. No matter at what season of the year you visit Chester you cannot fail to be captivated by this enchanting city, for among English towns it is unique. No Englishman can be said to know England who does not know Chester, and no visitor from overseas dare think a tour complete from which Chester has been omitted. |
PUBLIC PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
GROSVENOR PARK.
These attractive gardens, given to the citizens by the second Marquis of Westminster, are situated between Foregate
Street and the river. The main entrance is at the end of Grosvenor Park Road, and there are other gates at frequent
intervals on all sides. With its gay flower beds and well-kept lawns, and, above all, its superb avenue of hollies,
it is an ideal spot for visitors to spend a restful hour. The terrace on the south side commands an excellent view
of the river and The Meadows.
THE GROVES
Chester's beautiful river frontage and boating centre extending from the Old Dee Bridge to Grosvenor Park, has
an almost Continental atmosphere. Facing south, it enjoys the maximum of sunshine while at the same time avenues
of trees provide welcome shade.
THE MEADOWS (Earl's Eye)
A large expanse of green grass to the west of Queen's Park (enclosed within a loop of the river), are open to the
public as playing fields.
EDGAR'S FIELD
Is a pleasant open space facing the Castle on the Handbridge side of the river, and the reputed site of King Edgar's
Palace (circa A.D. 970) from whence Edgar was rowed to St. John's and back by eight tributary kings. The rock which
stands in the centre of the field is known as Edgar's Cave, and by the entrance to the cave is a rough carving
of Roman date, representing Minerva and her Owl. These have been scheduled as ancient monuments.
EATON HALL
The palatial country seat of His Grace the Duke of Westminster, is situated on rising ground four miles south of
the city. it is separated from the Dee by magnificent gardens containing a large ornamental lake.
There are six approaches through Eaton Park to the Hall, and the favourite route from Chester is by motor launch
along the River Dee to Eccleston Ferry, from whence it is an easy walk via the Eccleston approach. The public are
permitted to pass through the Park during the daytime (cycles and horse-drawn carriages are permitted, but not
motor vehicles). The Hall is not open to the public, but visitors can view it at close quarters from the "
Golden Gates," and are occasionally allowed to roam through the ducal gardens on payment of a small fee in
aid of local charities, on special days, which are from time to time announced in the local press.
