Chester: a heritage port
A walk westwards and down the Northgate Locks takes you to the canal basin, Tower Wharf and Taylor's Boatyard. From there the short Dee Branch Canal links the canal system to the tidal River Dee and the old Port of Chester. It is this stretch of Chester's waterways that form the core of Chester’s ‘Heritage Port’ which was designated in May 2021 and is shown on this map.
The Designation Document, which can be read here, and is the basis for Britain’s first Canal and River System Heritage Port. It is recognised by the Maritime Heritage Trust, National Historic Ships and European Maritime Heritage. The ultimate designation by Historic England is now anticipated.
The Designation Document provides historic background, a review of current issues and a vision for the future whilst the appended gazetteer illustrates very well the major features of Chester Heritage Port, showing it has a wealth of historic features in both its inland waterway and tidal areas, and also how these are intermixed with many modern developments to produce a rich, diverse and unusual multi-level waterway environment. Use this document to explore this area of Chester from your armchair or to guide you to features previously unnoticed as you walk along the canal and old port area.