Water Tower and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower
Historic towers on Chester's complete city walls, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into medieval defenses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos
Water Tower and Bonewaldesthorne's Tower
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic towers on Chester's complete city walls, offering picturesque views and a glimpse into medieval defenses.
"A striking waypoint on the walls, offering great views and a chance to see steam trains!"
Walk the Walls First
Explore the Chester City Walls for the best external views of both towers. :athletic_shoe:
Visit Water Tower Gardens
Enjoy picturesque views of the Water Tower from the gardens below. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bonewaldesthorne's Tower
Chester City Walls
A striking medieval gateway and tower, offering a glimpse into Chester's past defenses.
Water Tower
North-western corner of Chester City Walls
Once a crucial part of the city's defenses, now a picturesque landmark near the river.
Steam Train Views
Near Water Tower
A charming bonus: catch a steam train chugging past these historic towers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Towers
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walk the Walls First
Explore the Chester City Walls for the best external views of both towers. :athletic_shoe:
Visit Water Tower Gardens
Enjoy picturesque views of the Water Tower from the gardens below. :camerawithflash:
Look for Steam Trains
A unique sight! Keep an eye out for steam trains passing by. :steam_locomotive:
Interior Access Limited
Note that you usually can't go inside these towers. :informationdeskperson:
Tips
from all over the internet
Walk the Walls First
Explore the Chester City Walls for the best external views of both towers. :athletic_shoe:
Visit Water Tower Gardens
Enjoy picturesque views of the Water Tower from the gardens below. :camerawithflash:
Look for Steam Trains
A unique sight! Keep an eye out for steam trains passing by. :steam_locomotive:
Interior Access Limited
Note that you usually can't go inside these towers. :informationdeskperson:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
These historic towers along the Chester City Walls are appreciated for their picturesque views and historical significance, especially when seen from the walls or gardens. While interior access is limited, the visual appeal and the unique chance to see steam trains passing by add to their charm.
"One of a number of towers located along Chester City Walls, this one houses two floors inside, though isn't normally open to visitors and lacked the information boards of the some of the other towers. Nonetheless, a striking waypoint as you walk around the walls."
Andrew Thomas
"One more of the many gatehouses and towers along the wall of Chester. This one once led to the Water tower which once stood a few meters into the river."
In your vicinity
"Located in the north western corner of the city walls. The tower is still for the most part intact but you are unable to go inside. Good view of it from the city walls itself and also from down in Water Tower gardens."
Ian Fry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
These towers are best accessed by walking along the historic Chester City Walls. You can join the walls at various points around the city. The Water Tower is located in the north-western corner. :world_map:
There are several car parks in Chester city centre, a short walk from the city walls. Consider Market Street Car Park or Grosvenor Shopping Centre Car Park for convenience. :car:
Chester train station is within walking distance of the city walls. Buses also serve the city centre, making it accessible via public transport. :bus:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need tickets to see the exterior of these towers as they are part of the publicly accessible Chester City Walls and surrounding gardens. :ticket:
Generally, interior access to Bonewaldesthorne's Tower is not permitted for visitors. It's best enjoyed from the outside. :informationdeskperson:
Walking the Chester City Walls is free of charge. Enjoy exploring this historic landmark at your own pace. :moneywithwings:
The Water Tower Gardens are typically open during daylight hours, but it's always a good idea to check local council information for any specific seasonal or event-related closures. :clock1:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the medieval architecture of these historic towers from the city walls and the gardens. They offer a glimpse into Chester's defensive past. :statueofliberty:
While the city walls themselves can be challenging in places, the Water Tower Gardens offer a more accessible way to view the Water Tower. Access to the towers themselves is limited. :wheelchair:
The most popular way is to walk the Chester City Walls, which provides excellent vantage points. Visiting the Water Tower Gardens offers a different perspective. :hiking_boot:
Absolutely! The towers are very photogenic, especially from the city walls and the gardens. Look out for steam trains for a unique shot. :camerawithflash:
Some of the other towers along the walls have information boards, but these two may have fewer details directly on-site. Researching beforehand can enhance your visit. :scroll:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History on Chester's Walls
Adjacent to Bonewaldesthorne's Tower is the Water Tower, which originally stood further into the River Dee, serving as a vital water supply and defense point. Though its position has changed over time due to river course alterations, it remains a significant landmark. Visitors often enjoy viewing these towers from both the elevated city walls and the ground-level Water Tower Gardens, offering diverse perspectives on their architecture and historical context.
While interior access to these specific towers is often restricted, their presence along the walls provides a tangible connection to Chester's past. The experience is enhanced by the surrounding environment, including the occasional sight of a steam train, adding a unique charm to the historical exploration. It’s a journey that combines architectural appreciation with a sense of historical immersion.
Capturing the Towers: Photography Tips
For a different perspective, the Water Tower Gardens offer ground-level views that can be equally compelling. Here, you can frame the Water Tower against the sky or incorporate surrounding greenery. A particularly unique photographic opportunity arises from the chance to capture a steam train passing by these historic towers. This juxtaposition of old and new, industrial heritage and ancient fortifications, can create truly memorable images. Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most striking shots.
Remember that while the towers themselves are the subjects, the surrounding environment plays a crucial role. Look for interesting foreground elements in the gardens or leading lines along the walls to add depth to your photographs. The changing seasons can also offer different photographic opportunities, with spring blossoms or autumn foliage adding color and interest to your shots. :camerawithflash:
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit