st john the baptist's church

Chester's original cathedral, Super friendly, knowledgeable guide came out to meet us and gave us a short history of the church and welcomed us inside. The gardens are wonderful with remains of an older church in the grounds. The grounds lead to the lovely Grosvenor Park and also lead down to the River Dee. Well worth a visit if you love history.

Really nice church and runnis. Little shop and cafe in the chuch. very peaceful. Worth a visit if in the area

Worth stopping by to see the beautiful stained glass window which tells the story of Chester. The ruins on the old cathedral surround the current church and are really atmospheric.

Most people make a bee-line for Chester Cathedral but St. John's is quirkier. There are original Mediaeval wall paintings on a column, some top-notch seventeenth-century sculptures and even rings in the walls left by Cromwell's soldiers when they stabled their horses here! There's some interesting and cheap local paintings on display and for purchase, and a little café that is very inexpensive. The graveyard is very atmospheric too.

Without a doubt my most favourite building in Chester, doesn't seem to receive as much attention as the Chester Cathedral which is a real shame. Was treated to a free tour on our last trip by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide. Living, working, breathing building and historic ruins all rolled into one. You must see this to say you've seen Chester.

This is the Cathedral for Chester before it was displaced by St Werburghs. It is dripping with atmosphere with parts of it dating back to the 7th Century. The organ inside was used at Queen Vics wedding (flat packed to London and then returned again). Legend has it the church was built following a King Aethelred dream later extended by the husband of the daughter of King Alfred.

Went in just to take a little look around, one of the staff offered us a tour and had a lot of interesting things to tell us about the church itself. Would recommend it if you are into history!

Its hundreds of years old with great athmosphere. The old interior is captiviting. At one oclock on Wednesdays there is a free concert and a cup of tea. You will meet lovely people.

We were given a free guided tour so learnt all the history and could appreciate the interesting architecture. A great way to while a way an hour so before catching our train. Definitely worth a visit.

We were lucky enough to have the vicar give us a talk on the church. Some interesting artifacts inside. Worth looking at the ruins outside.

Overflowing with History and atmosphere. Providing plenty of insight into past residents of Chester and providing great architectural heritage to one of the most beautiful cities in the UK!

Lots of ancient history on offer here as this site has had various churches on it for over 1300 years . Very much in the heart of Chester and still a vital building for those visiting the area for the first time like us. Good facilities inside the Church and a nice gift area too for those who like a keepsake . The stained glass is superb and of course it is very peaceful to sit and contemplate life in the front pews . Glad we paid a visit for sure.

A large church with a cosy atmosphere. Has a small cafe area. Well informed volunteers who are happy to give you lots of information if you ask. Fabulous stained glass window with Chester history.

We were offered the free 15 minute tour on arrival by a very friendly and enthusiastic guide. Tea and coffee is basic but all proceeds to a good cause. Lovely setting near the Amphitheatre and Grosvenor Gardens.

In a bid to play tourist over a couple of visits (I live less than 20 miles away) I selected this church first, mainly because it was the first cathedral of Chester from 1075 until the Reformation in 1541 when the Bishops Seat was transferred to the then Abbey of Chester which then became the Cathedral as we know it today. The church is located on a very busy thoroughfare (near the ruined amphitheatre) but once inside it is fairly quiet. Either pick up one of the free laminated guides, talk to a member of staff or pick up a guide book (£2.50) then make your way around the church. Photography is allowed. Several interesting things to see (the stained glass windows which tell the story of the buildings beginnings and some of its history over the years, effigies, a column with various paintings on - faded but you can still make lots of details out, including Masonic markings, the Lady Chapel and the choir to name a few). There is a small cafe (located around the font at the rear of the church) and some books / gifts for sale. There are also tealights if you want to light a candle in memory of a loved one (50p donation). You can also leave a prayer request (both in the Lady Chapel). Toilets are near the entrance.The old ruined Cathedral is outside and you can wander around freely (watch your footing though). There is a wooden coffin embedded within one of the walls but I couldn’t find it (I do remember seeing this many years ago after I’d visited nearby Grosvenor Park). The only downside was that there was a Pride event taking place the day I visited and the music was so loud it could be heard pounding within the lower end of the church (especially in the Lady Chapel). Disrespectful. I still managed to enjoy my visit though. Worth a visit.