What's on in the area

Chester Amphitheatre

Daily

Cost: Free (Amphitheatre & Chester Visitor Centre)

Hours: Open all day
Chester Visitor Centre Mon-Sat 9am-5.15pm; Sun 10am-4pm

The UK's largest uncovered arena, Chester Amphitheatre has been extensively excavated. Just beyond the city walls, digs have turned up impressive finds, like a Roman glass beaker segment. Pop into the Chester Visitor Centre next-door to find out more.

It wasn't until 1929 that anyone in Chester realised there was an ancient amphitheatre in their midst. Renovation work to a house uncovered a large curved wall, part of the original arena. Following this discovery, parts of the rest of the walls and entrances were uncovered in the early 1930s.

Chester's amphitheatre had four entrances, between which were two doorways that led to a corridor around the building's exterior. Staircases led spectators up to the tiers of seats.

The Amphitheatre Interpretation Centre has taken over the first floor of Chester Visitor Centre. Visitors can view an exhibition which details some of the finds.

Chester Amphitheatre