Cheshire & North Wales Waterways

Discover the charm of Cheshire and North Wales on this relaxing five day holiday, combining scenic landscapes, historic towns and memorable attractions and enjoy a perfect blend of heritage, culture and leisurely sightseeing.

Sunday 27th June – Thursday 1st July 2027

Tour Price £760.00
Single supplement: £159.00

o Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast

o Admission to Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

o River Dee cruise

o Guided tour of National Waterways Museum

o Admission to Ness Botanic Gardens

o Pontcysyllte Aqueduct cruise

o Fully escorted

o All coach travel

SUN  This morning, we make our way to Cheshire, stopping at the National Memorial Arboretum en route. Discover the serene beauty and powerful stories of remembrance at this peaceful 150-acre landscaped site in Staffordshire, where over 400 memorials honour the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces and civilian heroes. We then continue our journey to the fantastic Crewe Hall Hotel, where we arrive in time for this evening’s meal.

MON  Today we step back in time at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, home to one of the UK’s largest collections of magnificent Shire horses, set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Meet these gentle giants, learn about their important role in Britain’s rural heritage, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this unique family-run attraction. Afterwards, we travel to charming Chester for a tranquil cruise on the River Dee – the perfect way to take in the river and historic city. Listen to stories from Chester’s fascinating past as you take in the fabulous views before you have time to explore at leisure.

TUE  We begin the day at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. Our guided tour highlights how this part of a 200-year-old historic dock, originally designed by Thomas Telford, was a major transhipment point for cargoes travelling between the port of Liverpool and the inland waterway network. You will also learn about the lives and work of the canal people. We then move on to the Wirral Peninsula and we explore the beautiful Ness Botanic Gardens, where colourful seasonal displays, rare plants and peaceful woodland walks overlook the stunning Dee Estuary. This award-winning garden offers a tranquil setting to relax and admire an impressive collection of plants from around the world.

WED  This morning we take 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. The interesting commentary will give you an insight into the history of the area and other canals in the UK. We then head back to our hotel for our final evening meal.

THU  We head for home today, stopping on the way in Oxford where you will have time to explore and have lunch before completing our homeward journey.