Addleshaw Tower

Chester Cathedral's bell tower, a Grade 2 listed building designed by George Pace, opened in June 1975. It is a free standing structure set within the cathedral's gardens and houses all the cathedral bells, apart from two that remain in the cathedral's belfry - which you can see up really close if you go on the highly recommended tower tour. This is the first free standing bell tower to be built by an English cathedral since the 15th century.

This modern free standing bell tower (named after the dean who authorised its construction) was built because it was no longer considered safe to house the cathedral bells in their original tower. It dates from 1975, its design recalling the watchtowers that once guarded Chester's ancient Roman wall. The memorial garden in which it stands has plenty of seats and is a beautiful and tranquil place to sit in the summer months. Next to the bell tower, there's an easy access point to the city walls, from where you can get a great view of the cathedral and its grounds.