Chester, York & Bath

Out of your three choices I have been only to York and it is certainly worth to see it.

York is larger with more to see and do, including the famous minster (cathedral) and museums. Haven't been to Chester so can't compare. I loved Bath, only had a day there but enjoyed the Roman baths and the Abbey, lots to see. Not sure what you mean by 'worth it'. Worth it for a multi-day stay - not sure, worth it for a day trip - absolutely, but a lot depends on why you're going there and what you want/expect to see.

Worth depends on what you enjoy.

I love Bath and spent 5 nights there last Fall and 3 nights there in 2013. In particular I enjoy the juxtaposition of the Roman era sites with the incredible examples of Georgian architecture (The Royal Crescent and Circus). I am a fan of Regency era novels and was in Bath during the Jane Austen Festival so it was fun for me to look up and see people in Regency costume walking thru the streets. Others may not see the worth in that as much as I did.

I was in York this Fall as well, on the Rick Steves' England tour, and enjoyed it immensely, particularly the Minster (and very interesting crypt area), the Castle Museum, and yes, walking on the walls.

I haven't been to Chester in so long I would not have an opinion on it.

Chester is more about walking the two-story arcaded walkway and the wall, though I like the town, and shopping. Bit more historical stuff in Bath and York. Tough choice on those two though. Read up on both and go with the one that pulls at you the most.

I like all three towns. However, I would rate York and Bath much higher than Chester. I would give the nod to Bath because of the Roman Baths and beautiful architecture, but you cannot go wrong with either Bath or York. Of course I am assuming a short stay. If you are planning a stay of a few days, all three have lots of day trip possibilities, but I would rank the three towns exactly the same as above for day trips.

The black and white architecture in Chester is mostly 19th century revival and not Elizabethan or Tudor as it appears. Overall I would lean towards Bath for its genuine and complete Georgian feel, and the superior quality of its restaurants, hotels and shops.

I went to York and Bath this past summer but not Chester. I find that while both lovely, York and Bath have a different vibe. When I was in Bath (which I really enjoyed), I felt that I was in Europe with the architectural style of the buildings. I absolutely fell in love with York. To me it seemed to have more of the England "feel" than Bath. I loved walking the walls and going to Evensong at the Minster. I did not have a chance to go to Chester. When I was talking to the owners of the B&B that I stayed at in the Lake District they mentioned that if I loved York, that I would like Chester. I think with it being off the radar, it is probably less crowded than York. I think it is more of what you are looking for in your visit. If you are looking for something more cosmopolitan, then I would chose Bath. However if you want more of the small town, English feel - I would choose York.

We've been to all 3 places. We stayed in Chester twice. As was mentioned it is close to Wales...you can do a day trip out to Conwy. It is also a day trip to Liverpool...which has a lot of things to see..but it was pleasant to come home to Chester. The wall around town has a Roman foundation. It was the fort for the XX legion. There are interesting Roman ruins. There is also a vintage race track. York of course has the Minster and is a day trip to Castle Howard. It also has the Train Museum. It has more tourists. Bath has lovely Georgian Architecture and the Roman Baths plus the Historic Clothing Museum. It definitely has more tourists. Check out all on the National Trust site to see what's available in each area. This might help you make your final choice. Too bad you can't spend an overnight in each place.

If you pick Chester, it's a lovely town. My sister and I spent a couple of days there after a week in Paris this past November. I've been to Bath a few times too but unfortunately never York. Not knowing your interests, time there, or before or after plans, I'm not sure what I would suggest. Chester feels like a mildly touristy town but everyone we met was there for the weekend from England and Wales. The Christmas market just opened. We stayed at The Pied Bull Inn. Loud at night but we are 'if you can't beat them, join them' mentality. After a week in Paris, the best meal I had the whole trip was at The Coach House. Pork and Apple Pie. The cathedral was pretty. They had a Christmas exhibit going on. The absolute highlight was a tour of a smaller church outside the walls next to the roman theatre ruins. There was a guy, probably mid 40s, with a crutch for walking, that was probably the most entertaining docent I've ever met. He was standing outside calling in visitors. If you go and see him, definitely take the 20 minute tour. This little town for the limited time I spent there left quite an impression on me. Not sure why, but loved it. Few places do that to me like this gem of a town.

I have been to all three. York would be my first choice - large and many things to see there. I loved Chester and would definitely consider it. As has been mentioned, many interesting day trips from there. Bath was my least favorite.

Rick Steves is the best forum and I want to thank all that responded with amazing ideas.
JeanH

I have not been to Chester and Bath, but did go to York and loved it. We were only there a day, but I wish it could have been a little longer!