Waterways of Cheshire

Day 1

We depart our home area and after making a suitable comfort stop, we travel to Lichfield for free time and lunch to be obtained. Lichfield is a historic city with streets lined with museums, independent shops, and mouthwatering restaurants. Take the opportunity to visit the stunning medieval Lichfield Cathedral with its three spires. We continue afterwards onto our hotel with time to relax and unpack before our evening meal.

Day 2

After breakfast we travel to the charming city of Chester and enjoy a 30-minute leisurely cruise on the river Dee. We will head upstream, under Queen's Park Suspension Bridge, past the Boathouse Inn, through the picturesque suburb of Boughton. As we follow the seeping bend of the Meadows, you'll see stunning riverside homes and gardens and hear about the fascinating history of the river Dee and its surroundings. The remainder of the morning is yours free to explore the old city with the opportunity to visit the Rows, a fabulous shopping district in Tudor style half-timbered buildings. Take a walk along the city walls and see the Eastgate Clock, one of the most photographed in the world. In the afternoon we head to the Wirral Peninsula and visit the award-winning Ness Botanic Gardens where you will discover plants, wildlife and breath-taking scenery spread over 64 acres. There is a year-round colour and outstanding collection of Rhododendrons, Camellias, and lots more. Opportunity to purchase refreshments in the café before returning to our hotel.

Day 3

Today, we journey past Ruthin before travelling over the spectacular Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. This lovely little town, situated on the banks of the river Dee and seated at the foot of the Berwyn Mountain range is renowned for its spectacular scenery. We will spend some free time to wander around this delightful town and purchase lunch in one of the many cafes before we head to Froncysylite to join a canal cruise on a brightly coloured narrowboat, where you will sail across the Pontcysylite Aqueduct, or 'Stream in the Sky', then through the beautiful Vale of Llangollen. An interesting commentary will be given whilst sailing along. Afterwards we return to our hotel.

Day 4

This morning, we travel past the lovely lakes of Ellesmere to the market town of Nantwich, home to a delightful array of independent boutiques, charming cafes, quaint shops, and traditional pubs, making it one of the best places to live in Cheshire. Today is market day, so take the opportunity to browse the market stalls. We have time here for lunch to be purchased before our afternoon ride on the magnificent Anderton Boat lift. There is a comprehensive visitor center which houses an exhibition focusing on the lift's history together with its control center so you can get close to the action! We return to our hotel with time to relax before our evening meal.

Day 5

We depart from our hotel and travel homeward stopping at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Its objective is to honor the fallen, recognize service and sacrifice, and foster pride in the British Armed Forces and civilian community. We have time here to purchase lunch and to look around the large gift center.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included