Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

W onders of the W aterways

Explore the wonders of the waterways on this fantastic tour starting at the very heart of the industrial revolution and discovering the masterpieces of Victorian engineering with boat trips and steam trains galore. Cruise remarkable canals, tunnels, and aqueducts, visit famous locations and fascinating museums, and steam nostalgia on scenic railway journeys.

DAY 1 Journey from your home station to Telford and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Valley Hotel, our hotel for the next two nights. We enjoy an orientation walk with a local guide before meeting for our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 Today, we continue our tour of Ironbridge with a visit to Blists Hill , a recreated Victorian town and time capsule of a bygone age. Afterwards, we enjoy a steam excursion on the Severn Valley Railway through 16-miles of beautiful countryside closely following the River Severn from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster before returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal together. (B,D) Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 9 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 light refreshment ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Visit the magnificent Ironbridge Gorge ★ Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a Victorian town at Blists Hill ★ Steam on the scenic Severn Valley Railway ★ Discover 2,000 years of history in the beautiful city of Chester ★ Enjoy relaxing river cruises in Chester and Liverpool ★ Explore Liverpool with a hop-on/hop-off bus ticket included ★ Cruise across the breathtaking Pontcysyllte Aqueduct ★ Enjoy a nostalgic ride along the Llangollen Railway ★ Cruise the first true canal of England, the Bridgewater Canal ★ Travel from Bury on the scenic East Lancashire Railway ★ Visit the Weavers’Triangle and walk part of Burnley Embankment ★ Discover Queen Street Mill, the last surviving 19th century steam powered weaving mill ★ Enjoy a boat trip into Standedge Tunnel ★ Ride the unique Keighley & Worth Valley Steam Railway ★ Walk the canal lock staircase at Bingley Five Rise Locks ★ Visit the industrial village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Fares From £1875

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River Dee

DAY 3 After breakfast this morning, we travel by train to Chester and transfer to the Mill Hotel, our hotel for the next three nights.We take an afternoon stroll along the ancient city walls to the River Dee for a relaxing river cruise enjoying charming views of the town before returning through the attractive city centre for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 4 Today, we experience one of the most iconic waterfronts in the world as we travel to Liverpool and make our way to the Royal Albert Dock where we board our river cruise explorer and learn the fascinating history of the city and its waterway connections.Afterwards, we enjoy free time to explore the historic and celebrated sights of this vibrant city using our included hop-on/hop-off bus ticket before returning by rail in time for our evening meal together. (B,D)

DAY 5 After breakfast, we make the short journey by road to the Llangollen Canal for a breathtaking aerial cruise across one 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. 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 returning to the hotel in time for our evening meal. (B,D) DAY 6 Today, we enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Bridgewater Canal, constructed over 250 years ago and considered to be the first true canal in England. Our route takes us through Morton, Patricroft, and Barton before crossing the Manchester Ship Canal via the famous Barton Swing Aqueduct and we enjoy an afternoon

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Bingley Five Rise Locks

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

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