Romantic things to do in Chester

North of The Cross, along Northgate Street, rises the neo-Gothic Town Hall, whose acres of red and grey sandstone look over to the cathedral, a much-modified red sandstone structure dating back to the Normans. The atmospheric East Cloister leads to a gorgeously tranquil garden. The Cathedral at Height tour, an enjoyable rootle around the building’s previously hidden spaces, takes you up onto the roof for panoramic views over five counties - you’ll even spot Liverpool’s cathedrals. Enjoying this lovely view with your partner is one of the best couply things to do in Chester.

Immediately to the east of one of the old city gates, Newgate, a footpath leads into the Roman Gardens (open access), where a miscellany of Roman stonework - odd bits of pillar, coping stones and incidental statuary - is on display. Footsteps away, along Little St John Street, is the shallow, partly excavated bowl that marks the site of the Roman Amphitheatre (open access). It is estimated to have held seven thousand spectators, making it the largest amphitheatre in Britain.

East of the cathedral, steps provide access to the top of the city walls - a two-mile girdle of medieval and Roman handiwork that’s the most complete in Britain, though in places the wall is barely above street level. You can walk past all its towers, turrets and gateways in an hour or so. Find the fifteenth century King Charles Tower and the Water Tower. You’ll also find the Roodee, England’s oldest racecourse, laid out on a silted tidal pool where Roman ships once unloaded wine, figs and olive oil from the Mediterranean, and slate, lead and silver from their mines in North Wales. Races are still held here throughout the year.

One of the most romantic things to do in Chester is to stay at one of its top hotels. The Chester Grosvenor Hotel is a superb luxury spot in an immaculately maintained Victorian building in the centre of town. It offers extremely comfortable bedrooms and a whole host of facilities, not least a full-blown spa and posh chocolatier Rococo on site. A continental breakfast is included in the price of your stay. Oddfellows is another romantic spot to stay in. It’s a trendy boutique hotel with some fine touches.

Chester is a great place to enjoy some fantastic food. Head to the La Brasserie for one of the best meals in the area with your loved one. In the same hotel as the Michelin-starred Simon Radley’s, with an a la carte menu on offer, it’s a much more affordable yet smart brasserie that serves inventive French and fusion cooking. It’s also a great place for coffee and a pastry. Another top place to eat is Chez Jules which serves a classic brasserie menu.