Our first time in the UK – Chester made a great first impression!

We arrived in Chester by train from Manchester Airport just after 9 am, feeling excited to explore the UK for the first time. The station was charming, and since we’d packed light, we walked into the city center, just a short distance away. The rain had cleared up, and the air was fresh and crisp—a perfect autumn day.

Our first stop was Chester Cathedral. The Gothic architecture blew us away, and we couldn’t believe how beautifully preserved it was. We wandered through the cathedral, admiring the stained glass and intricate stone carvings, and even climbed the tower for breathtaking views of the city and countryside. It was the perfect introduction to Chester’s mix of history and beauty.

By mid-morning, we were in need of a coffee break, so we headed to Jaunty Goat Coffee—we’d heard it was one of the best cafés in town. The flat white was excellent, and we sat by the window, watching the world go by. It gave us a chance to relax and plan the rest of our day.

After coffee, we made our way to the Roman Walls, where we took a slow stroll around the ancient path. The walls were incredible—so much history to take in! We stopped at Eastgate Clock, which we learned is the second most photographed clock in the UK after Big Ben. Walking along the walls gave us the perfect view of the city and the river below. We could feel the centuries of history surrounding us, which was such a special experience.

For lunch, we decided to try something quintessentially British and headed to The Architect, a lovely pub by the River Dee. We sat outside under a canopy, overlooking the river, and enjoyed fish and chips along with a local ale. It felt like a very British moment, and we took our time, soaking in the atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we continued our exploration at The Rows—those unique, two-tiered shopping galleries that Chester is famous for. We loved browsing the independent boutiques and picking up a few small souvenirs to remember our first day in the UK. We even stopped into a traditional English sweet shop and couldn’t resist trying a few local treats.

Afterwards, we walked over to the Grosvenor Museum, where we learned more about Chester’s Roman history. The exhibits were fascinating, and we especially enjoyed seeing the Roman artifacts, giving us a deeper understanding of the city’s past. The museum also had a few fun Victorian exhibits that gave us a feel for how Chester evolved over the centuries.

By early evening, it was time for a little more indulgence, so we took a leisurely walk to Upstairs at The Grill, a highly recommended steakhouse in Chester. The atmosphere was elegant, and the food was exceptional. We enjoyed a delicious meal, complete with wine and dessert, and the staff was so welcoming, making our first evening in the UK truly special.

After dinner, we wandered through the quiet streets of Chester, which were beautifully lit. The ancient buildings and cobblestone streets gave the city a magical charm in the evening. We headed back to the train station for the ride to our hotel, already planning to return to Chester someday. For our first taste of the UK, we couldn’t have asked for a better day—full of history, great food, and a warm welcome.