A Tale of Two Cities
Manchester vs Liverpool - the classic debate between two of the most iconic cities in the North of England.
Manchester vs Liverpool - the classic debate between two of the most iconic cities in the North of England.
Manchester vs Liverpool – the classic debate between two of the most iconic cities in the North of England. Although only 30 miles apart both have a strong sense of civic pride, fierce identities, vastly differing dialects and a wealth of unique tourist attractions. It can be difficult to choose one of them over the other, so we have included both in this new holiday which showcases their fascinating history, bucket loads of cultural attractions, architectural highlights and a renowned hospitality. We haven’t forgotten the surrounding countryside either and plan to explore the rural delights by means of coach and heritage train giving a richer experience of this unique region.
Itinerary 2025
Monday - Morning departure from Dorset via motorways with comfort breaks as appropriate to arrive Liverpool that afternoon. After checking in enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Tuesday - Liverpool: Experience the city from both land and water! First we are joined by a local guide who will escort a 2 hour sightseeing coach tour of the city highlights, including the Royal Albert Dock, Cavern Quarter, Chinese Arch and Cathedrals. A commentary brings the stories to life. There will be some free time to make your own discoveries around the city afterwards. To end the day we shall board a 50 minute cruise with the iconic Mersey Ferries to take in the incredible view of the world famous waterfront and hear about the city's maritime history and musical heritage.
Wednesday - Manchester: Enjoy a panoramic coach tour of this great city. You will see Britain's grandest town hall, the world's first railway station, Chinatown, Salford Quays, iconic football stadiums, historic cotton warehouses and Coronation Street locations. A local guide will regale us with facts, history and stories. The afternoon is free in the city centre - maybe visit one of 14 free museums the city has to offer?
Thursday - Drive to Llangollen, a pretty and historic market town just over the Welsh Border. There is an attractive panoramic Victoria Promenade and gardens which run beside the river as it tumbles down beneath the imposing bridge. The town museum is uniquely circular in shape and houses a wealth of information and history of the town. A multitude of independent shops and cafes/pubs are available to source some lunch. At 1:30pm we shall make our way to the charming heritage railway station and join a vintage train ride enjoying picturesque views of the stunning Dee Valley. A round trip of 2 hours provides excellent all round views from the wide windows of a 60+ years old diesel railcar specially chartered by Bluebird and for our groups sole use. A day of nostalgia, scenic beauty and tranquillity to contrast your city experiences. (LLangollen Railway replaces origianlly brochured visit to East Lancs Railway, which has changed its schedules and will not be running trains on this day).
Friday - Returning to Dorset by early evening.
Itinerary 2026
Sunday - Morning departure from Dorset via motorways with comfort breaks as appropriate to arrive Liverpool that afternoon. After checking in and porterage of bags enjoy dinner in the restaurant.
Monday - Liverpool: Experience the city from both water and land! First we join a 50 minute cruise with the iconic Mersey Ferries to take in incredible views of Liverpool's world famous waterfront - learn about the city's maritime history and rich musical heritage as you sit back and relax. Later we switch to an open-top double-deck bus which will show us some of the city landmarks, including the Royal Albert Dock, Cavern Quarter, Chinese Arch and Cathedrals. A commentary brings it all to life. There is time to make your own discoveries this afternoon.
Tuesday - Manchester: Enjoy a panoramic coach tour of this great city. You will see Britain's grandest town hall, the world's first railway station, Chinatown, Salford Quays, iconic football stadiums, historic cotton warehouses and Coronation Street locations. A local guide will regale us with facts, history and stories. The afternoon is free in the city centre - maybe visit one of 14 free museums the city has to offer?
Wednesday - Enjoy stunning scenery and traditional market towns as we ride on the East Lancashire Railway from Bury to Rawtenstall and back - 12 miles behind a thundering steam locomotive in effortless elegance and style. Back in Bury enjoy entry to the Bury Transport Museum, a treasure trove of vintage vehicles and other artefacts telling the tale of the people who lived and worked here and how they travelled about. A day of nostalgia, scenic beauty and tranquillity to contrast your city experiences.
Thursday - Returning to Dorset by early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
2025 - Hard Days Night Hotel, Liverpool
A “Fab Four” star hotel – the world’s only Beatles inspired hotel located right in the heart of Liverpool’s Beatles Quarter. Housed in a magnificent Grade 2 listed building dating from 1884 it is beautifully restored and steeped in history. 110 bedrooms provide private bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, television, phone, safe, tea tray, air-conditioning and free wifi - all are adorned with individual Beatles inspired artwork. The Restaurant celebrates the best of British and International cuisine while you take in the unique Beatles prints on the walls. Bar Four is atmospheric and stylish and a great place to socialise with a drink. A lift serves all floors.
2026 - Mercure Haydock Hotel
A 4 star luxury hotel set in a Georgian mansion style building surrounded by landscaped gardens. All of the bright and modern bedrooms provide private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, television, phone, free wifi, safe, iron and tea tray. Beechers Restaurant serves a wide variety of delicious dishes in elegant surroundings, accompanied by an extensive wine list. The Haydock Lounge is a relaxing bar in which to socialise. There are extensive leisure and spa facilities available for guests use, including a large indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. No lift but rooms are only on ground and first floor.
2025 - TOUR PRICE : £599.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £140.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Liverpool guide, Manchester guide, Mersey Ferry cruise, Llangollen Heritage Railway fare.
NB: Adjustment to originally brochured itinerary - Thursday was due to visit the East Lancs Railway, who have changed their schedules and will not be running any trains on that day. We have arranged a private heritage diesel railcar charter on the Llangollen Railway for a 2 hour round trip along the scenic Dee Valley instead.
2026 - TOUR PRICE : £559.00 Per Person
Single room supplement: £130.00
Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Liverpool guide, Manchester guide, Mersey Ferry cruise, East Lancs Railway fare.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
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