LOCAL AREA

Walk about 10 minutes from the hotel and tour Chester Cathedral for free. It dates back to the 10th century and features carved stonework architecture, soaring buttressed ceilings and intricate stained-glass windows. The magnificent, multi-story pipe organ still leads chorale performances. If you've got kids along, they'll marvel at the work-in-progress LEGO scale model.

Chester Castle dates from 1070 and on its grounds lies the Chester Military Museum, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It chronicles the history of local army regiments, including Chester's, from the 17th century onwards. Intricate dioramas depict battle scenes and the life-size trench models and medal, uniform and weapons displays hurtle you right to the battlefield.

Don't miss out on the Grosvenor Museum, a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The intricate brick structure was built in 1885 and is bordered by the 17th century "Period House" with dioramas depicting Edwardian, Georgian and Victorian life. Admission is free and you can catch exhibits on Roman artifacts, art and natural history. Dress-up re-enactments pit you against a live Roman soldier.

Shop and sightsee at the Chester Rows, dating from the 13th century, a short stroll from the hotel. Black-and-white, multi-story Tudor buildings with balconies and stained glass windows house shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. You can walk on the street or under the covered walkways if the weather's bad. Street entertainers in period costumes add to the centuries-old atmosphere.