Chester and North Wales Tour

This nine-hour tour covers Chester's Roman walls (built AD 79), the famous two-tiered shopping rows called The Rows (dating to the medieval period), and a drive into Snowdonia with views of Welsh castles. You'll walk the 1.2-mile circuit of Chester's city walls, explore a Roman amphitheatre, browse shops in 500-year-old buildings, and drive through Conwy Valley toward North Wales' mountains. The route finishes near Conwy Castle's turrets visible on the horizon - the castle itself (optional entry, £9) sits on a rocky outcrop protecting the Conwy Estuary. Best for history and architecture fans. This is a moderate activity lasting 9 hours. Group size: 2-45. You meet at Manchester Coach Station. Key highlights: Complete walk around Chester's intact 1.2-mile medieval walls, The Rows - unique two-tiered medieval shopping arcades, Chester Cathedral with Norman cloisters.

Price: £45

Duration: 9 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-45

Best for: history and architecture fans

Best time: May to September for clear views of Welsh mountains and open attractions. September-October offers fewer crowds. Winter mornings are dark; avoid November-February.

Meeting point: Manchester Coach Station

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

8:00am Coach departs Manchester Coach Station - Approximately 45 minutes to Chester; sit on right side for early views of the Cheshire Plain.

9:00am Arrive Chester; guided walk of city walls - 1.2 miles around the complete circuit; mostly flat with views of River Dee, cathedral, and city rooftops. Approximately 45 minutes; optional 20-minute break halfway.

10:00am Visit Chester Cathedral and town centre - Cathedral entry is free; 500-year-old cloisters and Norman archways visible. The Rows shopping arcade (medieval two-storey buildings) borders the city centre square.

11:15am Free time in Chester High Street and The Rows - Ninety minutes to shop, eat, or visit Chester's Roman Museum (£7 entry, optional). Most visitors browse The Rows' boutiques and sample local cafés.

12:45pm Coach departure toward North Wales - Drive approximately 30 miles north through agricultural Cheshire toward the Welsh hills; views of the Clwydian Range ahead.

1:30pm Stop in Conwy town and lunch break - Two-hour break; multiple restaurants and fish-and-chip shops (meals £10-20). Conwy Castle visible across the estuary; optional entry £9.

3:30pm Drive through Snowdonia foothills - Scenic route past Llanrwst and along the Conwy Valley; commentary on Welsh history and geography. Views of slate mountains and small villages.

4:30pm-5:00pm Stop near Llyn Crafnant or viewpoint - Photo stop overlooking North Wales countryside; approximately 20-minute break for photographs or walks.

5:15pm Return journey to Manchester - Approximately 2.5 hours; arrive Manchester Coach Station 7:45pm.

The whole experience takes 9 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Manchester Coach Station.

• Complete walk around Chester's intact 1.2-mile medieval walls
• The Rows - unique two-tiered medieval shopping arcades
• Chester Cathedral with Norman cloisters
• Chester Roman Museum (optional entry)
• Drive through Snowdonia foothills with mountain views
• Conwy Castle glimpse and estuary landscape
• Accessibility: Chester city walls have steps and are not wheelchair accessible. Coach access to walls is limited. Conwy town centre is compact and accessible.

What is included: Coach transport from Manchester, Guided walk of Chester city walls, Chester Cathedral entry, Guided route and historical commentary.

Not included: Lunch and drinks, Chester Roman Museum entry (approximately £7), Conwy Castle entry (approximately £9), Shop purchases. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes (walls have uneven surfaces), Waterproof jacket, Layers - exposed walls offer no shelter, Camera for wall views and castle vistas, Cash for lunch and museum entries, Sunscreen and hat. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: May to September for clear views of Welsh mountains and open attractions. September-October offers fewer crowds. Winter mornings are dark; avoid November-February..

Tip: Comfortable walking required

Tip: Camera essential

Accessibility: Chester city walls have steps and are not wheelchair accessible. Coach access to walls is limited. Conwy town centre is compact and accessible..

Operator: Rabbie's | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: +44 131 226 3051

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Manchester Cathedral (Return to Manchester city centre walk)
• Manchester Art Gallery (Return to Manchester city centre walk)

This activity is run by Rabbie's.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 5 days before tour; £8 fee for 2-5 days; non-refundable within 2 days.

Accessibility: Chester city walls have steps and are not wheelchair accessible. Coach access to walls is limited. Conwy town centre is compact and accessible..

Best time to go: May to September for clear views of Welsh mountains and open attractions. September-October offers fewer crowds. Winter mornings are dark; avoid November-February..

Are Chester walls completely flat?

Mostly flat with some uneven sections and four short climbs (approximately 15 steps each). Not suitable for severe mobility issues. The walk is 1.2 miles and takes approximately 45 minutes.

Is Conwy Castle worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy medieval architecture. Entry costs £9 and takes 1-2 hours. The castle sits on a rocky headland with estuary views. Most tour participants visit it during the lunch break.

What's special about The Rows?

The Rows are unique two-storey medieval shopping galleries dating to the 13th-14th centuries. Upper floors have shops and galleries; lower floors contain restaurants and boutiques. This design is found nowhere else in Britain.