Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

C anals , S team & H istoric C hester

Explore the industrial age of waterways and railways on this fantastic tour based in historic Chester featuring one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Canals’. Discover the world of canals at Ellesmere Port, cruise across the fantastic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, visit the beautiful Arley Hall & Gardens, and enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Llangollen Railway.

DAY 1 We arrive in Chester and make our way to the Mill Hotel & Spa located alongside the canal. In the afternoon we enjoy time to explore our new surroundings and can take a stroll to the ancient City Walls or Roman Gardens before our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast today, we travel by road to Arley Hall & Gardens where we explore their lavish gardens.The gardens are regarded as one of the finest in Europe and have been created over the last 250 years, offering an interesting blend of history, design, and modern ideas. We return to Chester in the afternoon and enjoy a cruise on the River Dee followed by time at leisure in the city’s charming streets of black-and white houses, Roman museum, beautiful Cathedral, and famous Rows.You can walk below the towering walls, marvel at the ingenious Northgate Staircase Locks, or idle away a moment watching the boats in Chester Basin before reconvening for our evening meal. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Explore the world of canals at Ellesmere Port ★ Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the River Dee ★ Visit the lavish Arley Hall & Gardens ★ Cruise across the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct ★ Enjoy a nostalgic ride along the Llangollen Railway ★ Discover 2,000 years of history in the beautiful city of Chester ★ Wander along waterside paths and ancient city walls ★ Visit Port Sunlight and explore the Museum and Gallery ★ Stay in the heart of Chester Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 cream tea ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Fares From £735

5 DAYS

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

© Shutterstock

DAY 3 Today, our private coach takes us to the Llangollen Canal for a breathtaking aerial cruise across another of the ‘Seven Wonders’, the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Crossing 126ft above the River Dee, it is the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain and a World Heritage site, and we indulge in a sumptuous cream tea on our journey. Afterwards, we continue by road to Llangollen with time to look around the delightful town before a thrilling return train ride along the beautiful Llangollen Railway through the Dee Valley to Corwen. (B,LR,D) DAY 4 After breakfast, we travel by train to Port Sunligh t, the village that William Hesketh Lever built for his Sunlight Soap Factory workers in 1888, where we enjoy free time to explore the many attractions including the Port Sunlight Museum and Lady Lever Art Gallery. After lunch, we continue to Ellesmere Port to discover the colourful world of Roses & Castles at the National Waterways Museum. We enjoy a guided tour of the large collection of narrow boats, other canal craft, and recreated workshops and there is time for further exploration at leisure before we return to Chester by train. (B,D) DAY 5 After breakfast, we bid farewell to beautiful Cheshire as we make our way homeward. (B)

DEPARTS

Tuesday 13 May 2025 Tuesday 08 July 2025 Tuesday 16 September 2025

FARES

ACTIVITY LEVEL

FARE REGION London: Euston Greater London South of England East Anglia South West Midlands Yorkshire North East North West South Wales North Wales Heart of England

FIRST* £979 £995 £1039 £1075 £1005 £899 £809 £905 £999 £899 £1015 £849 £975

STANDARD

£845 £865 £895 £909 £865 £799 £779 £829 £885 £815 £855 £779

HOTEL Mill Hotel & Spa, Chester Situated along the side of the Shropshire Union Canal, the Mill Hotel is a comfortable hotel with facilities including a gym, spa, and sauna plus guests can enjoy dining in the beautiful canalside restaurant or relaxing in bar and lounge. The stylish bedrooms offer a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. Scotland £849 £5 tour discount for holders of National Railcards Join & Leave at Hotel £740 Single Room Supplement £250 *Please Note: Some local and regional train services are Standard Class seating only and First Class ticket holders will travel in standard class accommodation for these sections of their journey. 4 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 cream tea Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class) Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described All excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

Llangollen Railway

© AdobeStock

Chester

Port Sunlight

© Shutterstock

© Dave Gibson

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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