← Back to ChesterHistory & heritage
The Rows
Chester · city centre
Explore Chester’s distinctive shopping galleries, where timber-framed buildings carry covered walkways above the street-level shops.
Plan your visit
The galleries span two levels; consult the linked access information when choosing a route.
Indoors & outdoorsFree admission
30–60 minutesOur suggested time hereSuggested visit length: editorial estimate for a walk through the galleries, excluding extended shopping or meals. Allow extra time for travel and meals.
- Admission
- The covered shopping galleries are free to explore; purchases and individual businesses' activities are separate.
- Access & terrain
- Upper galleries have steps, low beams and changing floor surfaces. The official access map identifies alternatives via Hamilton Place, Godstall Lane, Grosvenor Shopping Centre and Pierpoint Lane; the Weaver Street passage is narrow.
- Dogs
- Check the official visitor guide for current details.
- Parking
- New Market Parking on Hunter Street is one council-operated city-centre option and charges for parking.
- Public transport
- Chester Railway Station and Chester Bus Interchange serve the city centre. The city-centre bus connects them with Foregate Street, from which the shopping streets continue west.
Sources & checked details
Checked 2026-09-19. Opening, admission and access arrangements can change; check the official guide before travelling.
Visit Cheshire — accessible Rows routes ↗Visit Cheshire — Rows trail and surfaces ↗Visit Cheshire — free city-centre walks ↗Cheshire West and Chester Council — New Market Parking ↗Visit Cheshire — getting here ↗WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Around Chester
These stops can be combined on foot from Chester city centre.
Journey labels start from the town centre. If you are at an outlying landmark, plan the journey from there separately.
A little wander
City walls and Eastgate
Walk from the town centreChoose a short section of the raised walls for views of the cathedral and streets. Expect steps and narrower sections; check current closures.
Time for a pause
Chester Market
Walk from the town centreThe Exchange Square market near Northgate Street offers food stalls and shared seating; check the chosen trader's opening days.
Another discovery
Grosvenor Museum
Walk from the town centreContinue to Grosvenor Street for Roman collections and local history. General entry is free; upper galleries have no lift.
Sources & checked details
Checked 2026-09-19. These are suggestions, not turn-by-turn routes. Check opening days, access and any admission requirements before setting out.
Official visitor information ↗Official visitor information ↗Official visitor information ↗A little closer
Look around
- Black-and-white timber-framed frontages
- Open upper-level shopping gallery
- Street-level stone undercrofts and shop entrances
Drag to turn the miniature, or zoom in to explore its details. An artistic impression of the place and its setting.
