We explore Roman Ruins and Cheshire Castles by Narrowboat! A slideshow - visit to Chester, UK

Описание: Welcome to Vineyards and Villages – Weekly Slideshow, Episode 11, where slow travel, history, village life and a good glass of wine all come together.

This week we cruise into Chester by narrowboat, travelling the Shropshire Union Canal aboard our home-on-water, Spirit of Sproglet. She’s a 1979, 40-foot Hancock and Lane cruiser-style narrowboat. Old, comfortable, full of character, and equipped with a wood-burning stove that gets plenty of use thanks to the famously unpredictable English weather. Sunshine, showers, wind, calm… sometimes all in one day. Canal boaters are always prepared.

We begin with a beautiful mooring near the Shady Inn, a classic canalside pub with one of the best views you could ask for—straight across to Beeston Castle. Perched high on its rocky hill, this English Heritage site dates back to the 13th century and offers breathtaking views across the Cheshire countryside. We walk the bridle path up to the castle, soak up the history, and (purely for research purposes) sample elderberry wine and mead from the castle shop.

On Sunday we take a short Uber ride to Tarporley, one of Cheshire’s most charming villages. The Makers Market at The Swan is in full swing, with stalls selling crafts, pies, honey, spices, wine tastings (again), and tiny handmade leather hot-air balloons. Christine adopts one for the boat. We stop for tea and coffee at Ginger and Pickles, where the toasted banana loaf with brown butter and berries is as good as everyone says. A stroll through the village reveals the striking Tudor-style former police station, once home to the county constabulary.

Back on the canal, we cruise on to Tattenhall Marina for a few peaceful nights. We walk into Tattenhall village for tea and cake at Allison’s Country Kitchen, then enjoy a pint at The Letters Inn, a traditional pub that has been welcoming travellers for centuries. We visit the church, wander through the old graveyard reading historic headstones, and end the day watching an old-school cricket match at The Flacca. Whites, polite applause, and timeless English charm.

Next, we moor near Eggbridge by the Cheshire Cat for a longer stay and explore Christleton on foot. The village is full of character, with a beautiful church and a very enthusiastic set of bells. When they start ringing loudly, we attempt to hide in the local pub—only to discover it’s called the Ring of Bells. Naturally. Coffee and an excellent toasted sandwich come to the rescue at Koow Coffee.

Then it’s time to explore Chester, a city rich in Roman history. Once a major Roman fortress and harbour, Chester still proudly displays its past. We visit the Roman amphitheatre, the Roman gardens with reconstructed relics, and walk over the iron bridge spanning the River Dee. We stroll the famous city walls, explore Chester Cathedral—a magnificent former abbey—and enjoy a truly special evening listening to famous opera arias performed inside the cathedral.

Chester is also home to the oldest horse racing track in England, and race day is something to behold. Costumes, busy pubs, lively streets, and plenty of very happy people. Despite its history and size, Chester still feels friendly and human. Eastgate and Northgate Streets impress with their unique medieval double-storey Rows, creating one of the most distinctive shopping streets in England.

After full days of exploring, we return to Spirit of Sproglet for a well-earned rest.

🍷 Sip of the Week – Ghost Owl White Wine (Dinglewood Vineyard)
This week’s Sip of the Week is the Ghost Owl White from Dinglewood Vineyard. Light, refreshing and aromatic, with crisp apple notes and a lingering grapefruit finish. It’s easy-drinking, affordable, and tastes like summer holidays—even when it’s raining outside. Made from Solaris grapes, it pairs beautifully with chicken, seafood, pasta, light cheeses and charcuterie. A friendly, no-nonsense wine we’re very happy to revisit.
Sip of the Week Link: https://allaboutwinechat.com/2026/01/...
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