Chester vs York
 

Dear Fodor members,

I am staying for six nights in Manchester and I would like to organise a day trip, but I have to decide between Chester or York?

Can you help out

Thanks

Noel

Chester's nearer, and it's good. But I honestly think York is better. Some nice places en route too - Holmfirth of "Last of the Summer Wine" fame, and Fountains Abbey & Ripon if you go that way, plus Haworth, home of the Bronte Sisters.

Of the two have only been to York but I was faced with the same dilema before that trip. From my research York looked more interesting so I choose that and I really did love York. But Chester looked great too. Maybe you could find the old post where I asked that same question, the answers were intersting. But it was almost two years ago. Anyway York was wonderful so I don't think you could go wrong going there.

Not what you asked but if you are a foodie, don't miss eating at Juniper. It's in Altrincham but you can get a tram there. If you are feeling adventurous, have the 'menu surprise' which is billed as 12 courses but actually comprised about 32 when we went :-)

Between these two, York wins hands down.

The journey across the Pennines is a great deal more exhilarating, whether you're driving or training, than the commuter route across Cheshire.

Maybe it's prejudice, but the sandstone of Chester's cathedral doesn't hold a candle to York Minster's spectacular majesty and acres of medieval glass (sadly all too rare in England: York probably has about half the square footage of all the medieval glass anywhere in Britain).

Technically, Chester's walls are better preserved - but there's not a lot to it. Chester's Rows are more architecturally impressive than York's Shambles - but the shops in the Shambles are a lot better.

Ultimately, Chester's spent the past 1900 years as a minor provincial city: for much of that time, York's been the capital of Northern England, producing Roman Emperors, Guy Fawkes, St Helena and all sorts of other important influences on the world's history.

The difference shows.

BUT don't forget that neither of these cities are UNESCO-endorsed World Heritage sites

Liverpool is - and is nearer Manchester. Not only a great deal more fun than the two Roman mausolea. But MORE conservation-grade listed buildings than either of them (or indeed than any other city in Britain except London). MORE art in its museums than either (or indeed than any other...). The world's wittiest (and most modest) people. The world's most beautiful pubs. And a football team that's ahead of Man Utd in the Premiership (though the Liverpool team's OK as well).

What more could you possibly want?

Flanner_UK.....you wouldn't be a scouser by any chance would you??

My recommendations are made in the purest spirit of objectivity.

Hmmm. There is certainly a lot more to see and do in York, and if you asked about a place to go for a couple of days the answer would be York, without question. But for a single day trip? And from Manchester? I think Chester is the answer.

If they serve lunch at Arkle at the George Hotel (or stay for dinner at night)-- that remains one of my favorite meals of all times.

I would endorse flanneruk - as far as shops and architecture then Chester has it (Minster apart). But overall, York takes the biscuit, and despite being a little more further afield a day trip is feasible (just be selective). If you have a car, there are some delightful villages you could visit en route, but of course this would complicvate a day trip.

I like both cities and both would be well worth a visit. I must declare an interest as I live just outside Chester. To me it has far less of "Ye olde touriste tatte" than York. It is the main shopping centre for much of Wales and the North West and so seems more "normal" as a shopping city.
As far as scenery is concerned, you can literally walk to North Wales from Chester.
For food, try the Blue Bell or Franks.