With the launch of Stagecoach’s new £5 Chester in an hour tour I decided to give it a try to see how things had changed since my last tour bus ride back in 2014.
Setting off from the bus interchange on the familiar colourful red bus, the new ticket offer allows residents the chance to experience their city as a tourist and perhaps discover some aspects of Chester they weren’t aware of.
The recorded commentary points out the living roof on the bus station ( 2017) and describes the origins of the city as it travels down the shared space of Frodsham street. Buildings such as the black and white timbered Lee Louise (1571) are pointed out as well as landmarks in the distance including the Shot Tower, and its associated history. In this section of the tour you can also note a pub with 2 construction dates on the front and also learn Charles Dickens’ opinion on the state of his accommodation during his visit to Chester.
Looping past the Train Station we learn about Thomas Brassey’s exploits, with the very recent new statue if the Railway legend understandably missing from the commentary. Heading back to the roundabout the Super Trees are highlighted- another new addition (2019) with the commentary stating that over time the foliage will completely cover the metal framework. It was pleasing to see modern additions such as this mentioned alongside the historical references.
“That Beer Place is just there Brian, next to Subway!” says an American tourist as the journey continues. Turning the corner past the City Baths, I notice an intricate swirled chimney stack design which must just have passed me by all these years. The bus travels down Souter’s Lane for a brief stopover – where bus riders are told about the Chester Mystery Plays, the Zoo as well as famous people from the area- including Russ Abbot ! We were also told about the 25 year commitment that soldiers made to the Roman Legion as well as a very interesting fact about how they were paid.
Along Pepper Street I noted the variety of architectural styles and noticed further details not usually visible in many of the buildings. The bus tour then takes in the racecourse, Overleigh cemetery, Handbridge are all covered , before the journey takes us back into the city centre- Who knew that the Magistrates Court was built in the style of a Roman villa ?
Arriving back at the bus station after an informative hour, the inexpensive trip offers historical facts and knowledge as well as the unique viewing perspective. The commentary is packed with detail that would encourage further exploration and is up to date with Storyhouse (2017) but could maybe do with an addition mentioning the Northgate development and Market. I would definitely recommend the bus tour
For ticket info visit :
The Chester blog 