The River Dee starts its journey in the heights of Mount Snowdonia in Wales and its passage through the stunning city of Chester is where it makes the biggest impression.
For those that visit the River Dee in Chester, for a walk or other hobby activities, there is much to see and do. The fact that there is so much to enjoy at the River Dee keeps everyone wishing to return time and time again.
Chester Weir
One of the main attractions to the River Dee is the Chester Weir. The weir was initially a site of access across the river. In 1093 Hugh Lupus, first Earl of Chester constructed a sandstone weir in 1093 to enable the harnessing of the water’s power and facilitate it use in driving the waterwheels which ran the millhouses.
After the millhouses were no longer in use the power of the weir was still taken advantage of, between 1913 until the start of the Second World War, by a hydro-electric power station run by Chester City Council.
The Grosvenor Bridge is another wonderful sight to behold for visitors ambling along the river whether it is by foot or boat. The Grosvenor Bridge is a single span arch bridge that serves as a road bridge across the river.
The Grosvenor Bridge
The Grosvenor Bridge was designed by Thomas Harrison and building started on the impressive structure in 1827. When finally finished in October of 1832, after six years of work, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Queens Victoria’s mother, opened the bridge to the public although it was not used as a road-bridge for traffic until the following year.
At the time of its building Chester was one of the major cities home to shipbuilding and so it was that the Grosvenor Bridge was constructed with largest arch in the world.
Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge
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Queen’s Park Bridge is another great sight to see whilst travelling along the River Dee. The Queen’s Park Bridge was built in 1852, under instruction of Enoch Gerrard Esq, and is a suspension footbridge that joins the Groves with the up-market Queen’s Park area of the city over the river.
The bridge that we see today was actually built in 1923, and designed by Charles Greenwood, after the demolition of the original bridge was ordered by the newly responsible Chester Corporation in 1922.
The Groves
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The Groves is a fantastic Victorian recreation area at the side of the river. Building of the area began in 1725, with a second stage being added in 1880. The Groves is found at the road bearing the same name.
The Groves has a wonderful old Bandstand and benches to sit at while enjoying the water. There are many cafes, restaurants and bars located close by to enjoy a rest after your long walk or cruise.
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Activities down by the River Dee
Showboat Cruises
Cruises are available throughout the year, at half hourly intervals from the Groves at the boarding station, towards Handbridge. For those who wish to book a special cruise special evening functions are available.
Fishing
If walking or travelling by cruise is not your type of enjoyment then fishing is another great pastime to enjoy at the River Dee in Chester. The River Dee is famed for its Salmon and Trout which can be caught in Chester seasonally during fish migration.
Fishing can be carried out along the whole length of the River Dee in Chester although a valid Environment Agency Fishing license and is required. This can be bought at the post office or any licensed fishing tackle shop for fishing on private land. To fish on Council-owned land a further Prince Albert Angling Society (PAAS) license is required which can be obtained by contacting the council at the address below:
Chester City Council
The Forum Buildings
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2HS
01244 324324
Regular Annual Events
The North of England Head of the River Race, held in March has been held here since 1935 and was the first of its kind to be held outside of London. Â
This is followed in June; by the Chester Rowing Regatta; which is the oldest of its kind in the world.
For a fun day by the river visit the Dragon Boat Festival, also in June. Teams fight it out to win races and raise money for charity. The course is short but the entertainment levels are immense!
Making the most of the summer months, the River Dee also sees the River Carnival and Raft Race, in July.
Visiting the River Dee
To visit the River Dee by car it is advisable to park at the Pepper Street car park by following the A483 towards Wrexham on the city ring road and turning off on the A5268 Grosvenor Road which leads to Pepper Street. The River Dee is accessible at The Groves by walking east down Pepper Street and turning down Souter’s Lane which takes about three minutes.
By Public transport the River Dee is easily accessible from the local Railway station where it is located within a fifteen to twenty minute walk.