Waterways of Cheshire and North Wales

With so many attractions on offer in Cheshire and North Wales, it is difficult to decide which to visit first. This itinerary explores the region's waterways, illustrating the important part it has played in our nation's heritage.

River Dee Cruise • Ness Botanic Gardens • Pontcysllte Aqueduct • Llangollen • Anderton Boat Lift

Day 1 Travel to Cheshire with a recommended stop in the Potteries.

Day 2 Begin the day in charming Chester with a tranquil, 30 minute cruise on the River Dee including commentary. The remainder of the morning is at leisure to explore the pretty medieval streets and city walls. After lunch, travel north to the Wirral Peninsula and the award winning Ness Botanic Gardens. Founded in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley, a cotton merchant with a passion for gardens and plant collecting.

Day 3 Travel to Northwich for a ride on the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift. Originally built in 1875, the structure lifts passengers aboard the elegant Edwin Clark boat from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal high above. A comprehensive visitor centre houses an exhibition focusing on the lift’s history together with its control centre, so visitors can get close to the action. On then to the pleasant market town of Nantwich, before returning to the hotel via the lovely lakes at Ellesmere.

Day 4 A leisurely drive past Ruthin before travelling over the spectacular Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. Enjoy time at leisure here before a short transfer to Froncysyllte to join a canal cruise on a brightly coloured narrowboat, where you will sail across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or 'Stream in the Sky', then through the beautiful Vale of Llangollen. An interesting commentary gives visitors an insight into the history of the area and other canals in the UK.

Day 5 Homeward journey.

All tours are tailored to your requirements and can be adapted for travel by coach and/or air as you prefer. Occasionally itineraries change. Please see our current brochure or contact us for the latest version.

Mercure Chester Abbotts Well

This 4 star hotel is located within landscaped gardens just 2 miles from the beautiful city of Chester. Bedrooms are comfortable and many overlook the courtyard. The open plan lounge-bar offers a place to relax after a busy day's touring. The city Park & Ride service is located next to the hotel, which provides independent travel to the city centre.

• 4 star • 126 bedrooms

• No lift, but plenty of ground floor rooms

• Leisure centre

• Indoor swimming pool

• Coach parking

Your tour includes:

• 4 nights half board near Chester with;
Porter service
Full English breakfast
3 course dinner with choice and tea/coffee

• 30 minute River Dee cruise

• Admission to Ness Botanic Gardens

• Canal cruise across Pontcysllte Aqueduct

• Ride on the Anderton Boat Lift

For a quotation, or to enquire about this tour, fill in our online form, send us an email or call us on 01432 277666.