Chester Roman Amphitheatre CH1 1RE
Free for everyone
Open: Seasonal - See website
Reviews: 0

About:
Chester Roman Amphitheatre was built in the late first century AD, when many such buildings were being constructed throughout the Roman Empire. It lay just outside the south-east corner of the Roman legionary fortress, and was probably used both for entertainments and for practising troop manoeuvres and weapon training.
Only about two-fifths of the oval amphitheatre is visible; the rest lies unexcavated behind the brick wall. In the excavated part, two entrances have been exposed – the larger lies on the long axis to the north, while the smaller lies on the short axis to the east. Lining the arena is the original stone wall, although, owing to later removal, some sections are missing and there is modern concrete backing. Excavations in the 1960s suggested that the building was originally constructed entirely of wood, but further archaeological investigation in 2001 cast doubt on this theory. The stone structure seen today had an outer wall 9 feet (2.7 metres) thick, marked out by concrete slabs set in the grass. Inside it ran a corridor linking the entrances that led to stairways taking the spectators up into the seating area.

Dog Friendly:
Dogs allowed on lead.

Entry Charge:
Free for everyone

Parking:
Pay and display Car parking in the city centre

Facilities:
None on site but plenty in the city centre

Notes:
In a city centre. Small site so no good for a long day out, but nice for visiting if you are in the area.

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181