Visit Chester’s Camera Obscura
Sun 24 May
|Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower,
Installed as a tourist attraction around 1840 on top of a medieval tower, Chester’s camera obscura now serves this purpose again.
Time and Location
24 May 2026, 11:15 – 13:15
Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower,, City Walls, Chester CH1 4EJ
About the Event
One of only 21 camera obscura’s in the UK sits on top of Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower on the North-West corner of Chester City Walls.
Climb the spiral staircase, enter the darkened chamber and see an image of an area beyond the tower on a horizontal plate. There will be one of Heritage Chester’s volunteers there to explain more.
Groups of eight visit the camera obscura approximately every ten minutes. Please expect to queue at busy times. Note also that the Water Tower will not be open during this event.
FAQ
Where is the venue?
Bonewaldesthorne’s Tower is located at the North-West corner of the City Walls. What3Words Location: wires.matter.ruled
Is the venue fully accessible?
No, this is a historic building only accessible by steps including an uneven spiral staircase to the camera obscura.
Is this event suitable for children?
This event is not suitable for young children who can’t climb the spiral staircase or may not wish to listen to the presentation about the camera obscura.
Is this event dog friendly?
Unfortunately, we are not able to welcome dogs on this event.