Cheshire & Wales Rails & Sails

Holiday Itinerary

Day 1 Once we have completed our pick-ups we head north making our way to Chester arriving at the Queen Hotel with time to settle in before our evening meal.

Day 2 We spend this morning at leisure in the historic city of Chester which has the most complete city walls and largest roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1,000 year old cathedral and 700 year old unique shopping rows. In the afternoon, we head to the beautiful River Dee for a relaxing boat trip, taking in the pretty scenery and views of the ancient city from a different perspective.

Day 3 We spend this morning exploring historic Arley Halls' gorgeous ornate garden. There are more than 15 acres of gardens to admire, including 8 acres of formal gardens and 7 acres of woodland gardens. Having been created over the last 270 years, we discover a stunning blend of traditional design and modern additions. After lunch, we visit the mighty Anderton Boat Lift, a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. We enjoy a 30 minute voyage in a glass covered boat to experience how the lift works- by raising us 50ft into the air! Afterwards we have a relaxing 45 minute cruise along the river.

Day 4 This morning we head to Wales and the Llangollen Railway, which is primarily a steam hauled heritage railway. Our 90 minute return journey begins beside the Dee River Bridge in the town centre and continues for 10 miles upstream to Carrog station, from where we enjoy spectacular views over the river Dee. We enjoy some free time at Carrog station before we board our train back to Llangollen. Steeped in myths and legends, we enjoy the afternoon at leisure here for lunch and to explore the ancient Welsh town with the River Dee running in its heart.

Day 5 We depart after breakfast wending our way back through the Peak District, stopping in Bakewell, before our return to Essex for early evening.