Out of the Lake District and on to Wales on this grand tour of England!  We had pegged Chester as a good stopping point on a short driving day and we were not disappointed.  This ancient walled city is right on the border.  After a quick lunch at a spot on the second floor that looked out onto the street, we did a little shopping, which it seems is what Chester is known for these days.  The “rows” as they are known are two floors of shops that line the main streets of the town.  No cars allowed so it is relaxing to wander, marveling at the timber architecture amongst the modern retailers.  Couldn’t help but take a picture of the Starbucks!

We ended with the Cathedral: just amazing!  Beautiful stained glass windows tucked into soaring arches.   A wonderful escape from the commercial buzz outside.  We took the audio tour and got lots of great details about the cathedral that dates back to 1092.  You can view more photos, mostly of the cathedral, here.