Cheshire and North Wales Waterways

There's so much to see and do in the region. This tour provides the opportunity to explore Cheshire and North Wales many waterways with visits to illustrate the ingenuity of the19th Century's canal builders and industrialists, whilst delighting in the wonderful rolling green countryside of the area.

Cotebrook Shire Horses • River Dee Cruise • Stream in the Sky • Ness Botanic Gardens

Day 1 Travel to your hotel in Cheshire.

Day 2 First stop is the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, set in 50 acres in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Hear about the Shire horse's contribution to our heritage from pulling narrow boats along the waterways to their agricultural work with up to 30 horses for you to meet. Afterwards, travel to charming Chester for a tranquil cruise on the River Dee. Time at leisure then to explore the city.

Day 3 Begin the day at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. The included 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. On then 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 with lovely views across the Dee estuary to the Welsh mountains.

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 Abbotts Well, Chester

A 4 star hotel found within landscaped gardens just 2 miles from the 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 Park & Ride service is located next to the hotel, offering the option of 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

• Admission to Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

• 30 minute River Dee cruise

• Guided tour at National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port

• Admission to Ness Botanic Gardens

• Canal cruise across Pontcysllte Aqueduct

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