Chester is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, and although we're biased, we're sure you'll agree.

Steeped in history with its ancient city walls and a cathedral that is more than 1000 years old, you're guaranteed some breathtaking scenery, and there are some fantastic things to do while you're here.

Here’s our run down of must-dos if you're visiting Chester:

Get a selfie with the Eastgate clock

Cheshire will experience unseasonably warm weather this week

The country's second most photographed clock (after Big Ben) is Chester's Eastgate Clock, a stunningly ornate landmark that was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's 1897 Diamond Jubilee.

It is arguably the most prominent landmark in the city and every day visitors can be seen standing beneath it having their picture taken.

Walk the ancient city walls

Chester's historic City Walls
Chester's historic City Walls

The city walls are the oldest, longest and most complete in Britain, with some parts up to almost 2000 years old.

Chester is the only city in Britain that retains the full circuit of its ancient defensive walls and walking the complete circuit gives incredible views down into the city and a great insight into Chester's long history.

Visit Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is officially the best zoo in the UK, and the third in the entire world - so it's definitely worth a visit.

There are so many wonderful things to see at Chester Zoo, including over 21,000 animals and more than 500 species of rare, exotic and endangered wildlife. Our handy guide tells you all you need to know if you're planning on visiting.

Catch a performance at Storyhouse

Storyhouse looking its best as night falls in Chester

Chester is privileged to be home to Storyhouse, a multi-award winning £37m theatre, library, cinema and restaurant complex.

Officially opened in 2018 by Her Majesty the Queen and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle on her first ever official royal visit, this stunning 1930s building which was restored from the former Odeon cinema, houses an 800-seat auditorium and plays host to the best UK and international touring performances of dance, opera, drama, comedy and music.

The stunning library which weaves its way across the entire building is also a place you can enjoy some quiet time, surrounded by a world of information.

Explore Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral

Journey through centuries of history and explore the most complete set of monastic buildings in the country at Chester Cathedral.

You can take a ground floor tour or climb up to the top of the tower where you can peer down the 14th century quire stalls and get stunning views of Chester and North Wales.

Dine in the 13th Century Monks Hall Refectory and browse the gift shop to bag a souvenir of your visit.

And if that's not enough, pay a visit to the cathedral's Falconry & Nature Gardens where you can meet and greet stunning birds of prey.

Entry to the cathedral is free but donations are welcome. Charges apply for activities like tours and Falconry.

Place a bet at Chester Racecourse

Ian Cooper

Chester Racecourse, also known as The Roodee is according to official records the oldest racecourse still in use in England and possibly the whole world.

Horse racing in Chester dates back to the early 16th century with the first recorded race held on February 9 1539.

The current racing calendar takes place between May and September but there are events held at the racecourse all year round and the two restaurants on site are open all year round.

1539 restaurant has a stunning roof terrace that gives breathtaking views of the racecourse and you can relax by a log fire at gastropub The White Horse.

Get a history lesson at The Grosvenor Museum

Grosvenor Museum

Learn about the history of Chester through fascinating displays on Roman life in the city at the Grosvenor Museium which attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

There are two Roman exhibition galleries, with a changing programme of events and displays so you will need to check online to see what's on before your visit.

Follow a timeline of the history of Chester over the past 2000 years and learn about the history of the city's geology, local wildlife and the Victorian naturalists who studied it.

Take a boat trip on the River Dee

The Mark Twain boat on the River Dee, Chester

Sail along the stunning River Dee by taking a half hour city cruise or an afternoon tea cruise through the Duke of Westminster's Estate.

It's a different way of exploring Chester - and you can sit back and completely relax, letting someone else do the driving!

Make sure you bring your camera though - the routes are full of interesting things to see.

Explore the Roman Ampitheatre

Chester Roman Ampitheatre

Chester boasts the largest stone-built Roman Ampitheatre in Britain, which was also the scene of the largest excavation in Britai back in 2005.

In use through much of the Roman occupation of Britain, the amphitheatre fell into disuse around the year 350 and was was only rediscovered in 1929, when one of the pit walls was discovered during construction work.

The ruins currently visible are those of a large stone amphitheatre, similar to those found in Continental Europe, and although it was long believed that a smaller wooden amphitheatre existed on the site beforehand, excavations since 1999 have shown that the wooden grillage is the base of the seating.

Today, only the northern half of the structure is exposed; the southern half is covered by buildings, some of which are themselves listed.

Have dinner by the waterside

There is something wonderful about dining by the waterside, and nowhere more so than in Chester.

We've chosen eight of the best places where you can make the most of a sunny day and get some stunning views of the city by enjoying a meal on the waterfront.

Go shopping on the historic Rows

The Rows, Chester by Sara K Bishop

Totally unique to Chester, the Rows consist of two storey medieval style buildings that house shops on two levels.

There's nothing else quite like this, so it's no wonder thousands of tourists always flock to The Rows whenever they visit Chester.

Larger retail stores are generally on the ground, with smaller unique boutiques on the Rows above. You'll almost certainly uncover a hidden gem!

Get a slap up breakfast

First and foremost, you're going to need a full tummy to explore all there is to see. Luckily there are some fabulous places to get a breakfast that will set you up for the day and get you raring to go.

Consult our handy guide here.

This was originally published as 'Our bucket list: 22 things to do in Chester before you kick it' but we have since updated it.