Chester is one of the most popular and visited cities in the UK, especially at Christmas.

It is one of the best preserved examples of a walled city in the UK, famous for its Roman heritage; its black and white, Tudor-style buildings lining Eastgate and Bridge Streets; cathedral and castle; racecourse; Chester Zoo and nearby designer outlet shopping centre Cheshire Oaks.

Located on the banks of the glittering River Dee, Chester is visually awash with handsome, timbered medieval buildings, low wooden beams as you walk along covered first-floor galleried ‘Rows’ on each side of the streets, imposing Victorian mansions, shops galore and restaurants with lots of quaint nooks and crannies to explore.

First, step into Chester Visitor Centre next to the Town Hall for information to plan what you are going to see and do. The rest can be carried out on foot as the city is so easily accessible.

Eastgate is the main shopping street with larger retail stores, smaller unique boutiques, gift shops, designer clothing outlets, art galleries and antique shops on the Rows.

The Eastgate Clock, built at the end of the 19th century, commemorates Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Originally, this gate was the main entrance to the city. By the clock, there is the indoor Grosvenor Centre shopping mall.

Chester dates back to the Romans naming it Deva after the spirit of the River Dee, then considered as important as Londinium (London).

They built a fortress as a strategic position at the centre of Roman Britain.

Now buried under today’s Chester, it lives on through the Dewa Roman Experience and collection of artefacts.

Christmas in Chester is a sight to see, with activities every week reflecting its history and culture. However, it is really famous for its shopping

In 1991, archaeologists discovered remains of the fortress on this site and the excavations have been left open for public viewing.

Nearby, the Grosvenor Museum has a permanent Roman exhibition with artefacts, an art collection and gallery showing paintings of Chester, a natural history exhibition and silver collection.

Opposite the museum is Britain’s largest Roman Amphitheatre. Part of the original ramparts remains and the city walls are the most complete in the UK; it can take a while to walk around them.

Christmas in Chester is a sight to see, with activities every week reflecting its history and culture. However, it is really famous for its shopping and people come from afar to purchase gifts.

Throughout December, there are parades, exhibitions, lantern making at the Newstead Gallery in the Grosvenor Museum, Christmas lights and street entertainers.

Chester Christmas Market, based outside the Town Hall but spilling into other central locations, includes more than 70 traditional timber chalets.

These offer crafts, clothing, jewellery, giftware, including hog roasts, mulled wine and hot chocolate, the perfect way to keep warm on a cold winter’s day.

Karamba Samba, a traditional procession of light and sound dating from the 1400s, is the loudest and most colourful parade of Christmas. It hits the streets as the ‘ghost band’ leading a fun parade of skeletons, Christmas cooks, angels and devils as they celebrate the winter solstice.

Winter Wonderland at Chester Racecourse is a festive fantasyland filled with fun for all the family. It includes a traditional Christmas market, fairground rides and amusements, spectacular ice rink, Santa and reindeer.

The black light puppet theatre is one of its newest attractions, enthralling children as singing and dancing puppets come to life via UV lights and music.

Chester Cathedral, originally St Werburgh’s Abbey, is well worth a visit. Dating back to 907, it has been rebuilt three times, the last from 1250.

It is renowned for its 14th century choir stalls, Victorian organ, small doorways, spiral staircases, narrow passageways and high walkways after 216 steps to the top. From up high you will see a panoramic view of the city, two countries and five counties.

The Christmas Tree Festival, with more than 40 majestic pines, transforms the cloisters into tree-lined winter walkways.

Visitors will also be taken on a journey to the magical land of Narnia, as spaces within the cathedral are transformed to bring C. S. Lewis’s classic tale to life.

For day trips, Cheshire Oaks outlet is a must, with a quarter-million square feet of retail space and more than 145 boutiques, restaurants and cafes.

It hosts Britain’s tallest (90ft) artificial walk-in Christmas tree covered with more than 100,000 baubles.

Inside the tree you’ll be able to marvel at its twinkling lights and entertain children with its interactive floor.

Nearby is the Blue Planet Aquarium, home to more than 100 creatures including Europe’s largest collection of sharks.

Chester’s zoo is a must. There are 400-plus species, including some of the world’s most exotic and endangered animals, located in 110 acres of award-winning enclosures and gardens all to explore. About half those species are on the threatened list.

And after all the festive food, aid your digestion with a walk along the banks of peaceful River Dee.

For days out, Liverpool and Manchester are fewer than a 45-minute drive away, or visit north Wales, famous for its castles, amazing Snowdonia scenery and mountain railways within an hour’s drive. You are spoilt for choice.