The UK Midlands and Wales: My three days in the midlands was because that’s where my daughter KC is living. Leamington Spa seems like a really nice little Regency Town with a beautiful park. Unfortunately the day I had devoted to exploring the town it rained all day long so I can’t say I really appreciated the town.

The following day I went off on a little vacation within my vacation – an overnight to Liverpool, Chester and Conwy Wales. I originally intended to just do Chester and Conwy but a certain Fodorite convinced me Liverpool was worth a look so I added that also. The Liverpool train station (Lime Street) and the building across the street were impressive. Walking towards the waterfront it almost immediately becomes pedestrianized and is one big shopping area. Not picturesque, or impressive buildings, just shopping - some modern, some older. Lots of newish construction glass mini-skyscrapers scattered all over the city. The town does have a nice vibe to it. The Albert Docks were “OK”, clearly mid 19th C, all renovated and turned into museums and shops. The main large buildings on the waterfront, the Liver Building, etc. are quite pretty and I’m sure the image from across the river, on a nice day, is lovely. There was some “landscaping and renovation” going on so a lot of the walkways were closed till next summer.

Although the sun did come out, and I’m glad I saw Liverpool, it certainly isn’t among my favorite places and although I realize there is the historical aspect, visually it doesn’t compare with most UNESCO sites. I Didn’t feel the need to do the Beatles experience, was going to the much larger Tate Modern in London so didn’t do that, and just wasn’t in the mood for the Nautical Museum so headed to my next destination, Chester, a less than 45 minute, £4 train ride away.

Chester I really liked. And only partly because the sun finally came out and there was some blue sky. The city center is just full of black and white half timbered Tudor buildings, not just a small section but blocks and blocks of them. In the very center are the famous “Rows” – galleried buildings with covered first floor walkways, two floors of shops. Some date to the 15th C and others are obviously more recent. The entire town is circled by 2 miles of walls, begun when Chester was founded by the Romans 2000 years ago. The main entrance is Eastgate, with a beautiful Victorian clock (dates only from the 18th C). There are a few buildings of later architectural style but Chester is unusual in that some of it’s buildings from Georgian and Victorian times are also the black and white timbered facades.

Despite the fact that not all Chester’s buildings are from the same time period, the town has a very medieval feel to it and is visually stunning (even with many of the main streets dug up and covered with construction fencing- the “November syndrome” I’m calling it). Behind the beautiful facades are modern stores, in fact there are a couple of whole “malls” hidden well. It’s definitely a real (small) city and not a just a tourist town. In November anyway, the town did shut down at 6pm. It was nicely lit and I’m sure on a warm summer night it’s lively as well as beautiful.

Many people on Fodors debate “Chester vs York”. So now having been to both (York was several years ago) I will weigh in: Overall Chester’s streets/town center is more visually striking, York has a few streets that are more quaint and feel even older (the Shambles). Shopping is better in Chester. The town gates/walls are more interesting in York. Chester’s walls are more complete but less interesting to walk on. York’s Cathedral (Minster) is way better than Chester’s cathedral. Both are far more pleasant and interesting to the average tourist/visitor than Liverpool but neither are UNESCO sites and Liverpool is.

Obviously a town/site has to apply to get on the UNESCO list so some places that I anyway, feel are more historically as well as visually interesting are not on it. Maybe Chester and York haven’t applied (I don’t know this for a fact, just an observation). In terms of both visual and historical interest both NYC and Boston’s waterfronts are “better” than Liverpool’s, yet neither of them are on the UNESCO list.
Back to the Chester –York debate. Both also make good bases for day trips. York has the heather covered moors, the North Sea side towns of Whitby, etc, and old abbey ruins like Riveaux and Fountains Abbey. But you need a car to see them. From Chester you can visit north Wales – Conwy and it’s castle, the seaside town – and these are doable by train.

In Chester I stayed at the Stafford Hotel 39-43 City Road Chester, 50£ single Phone +441244326052 Booking.com www.staffordhotel.com/index.htm [email protected] Very nice hotel in great location. Rated a two star but I think it’s better than that. Less than five minute walk from Train Station, about 10-15 minutes to center of Chester. Room was huge with king size bed (six pillows, fluffy, comfy, duvet etc). Wallpaper etc a bit dated but they had many extra touches that showed they were keeping up. Very nice lobby, great breakfast. No hesitations in recommending this place.

Your photos are amazing! I think the rain was a blessing in disguise as the photos with reflections in the puddles were such a delight. I haven't been to Italy yet, but the pictures of London, Chester, and Leamington Spa brought back wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing.

the photos are just spectacular....agrees with other posters on your wonderful use of the rain and puddles, you have quite an artistic eye

Thanks drchris and denisea. I do have a new appreciation for clouds and puddles that I didn't have before this trip.