Cheshire Waterways

Once at the very heart of Britain's industrial revolution and now providing opportunities to get out on the water

“Canals changed the map of Britain; they were the motorways of their age” – so considered by TV’s John Sergeant. Built in the fire of world changing industrial events yet set within gorgeous scenery they are bursting with undiscovered history. This interesting tour covers the network of waterways that developed in Cheshire and adjacent North Wales during the industrial revolution. As a consequence the region has been bequeathed a rich legacy of heritage attractions, delightful waterside settings, flotillas of historic boats and magnificent Victorian architecture.

ITINERARY

Monday - Morning departure from Dorset to arrive Chester in time for dinner. Porterage included

Tuesday - Our first stop today is the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, set in 50 acres in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. Hear how these majestic animals contributed to the development and success of the canal network - pulling the narrowboats on the waterways. There are up to 30 horses for you to meet here. Afterwards travel into Chester city centre and board a short cruise on the tranquil River Dee to view the sights from the water. Later there will be time to make your own discoveries in this charming and ancient city.

Wednesday - Visit the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port. Included is a guided highlights tour of this 200 year old historic dock which transferred cargoes between Liverpool and the inland waterway network. You will learn about the lives and work of the canal families. Later we drive onto the Wirral Peninsula and the award wining Ness Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1898 by Arthur Kilpin Bulley, a cotton merchant with a passion for plant collecting, they offer lovely views across the Dee estuary to the Welsh mountains.

Thursday - A leisurely scenic drive past Ruthin into North Wales, travelling over the spectacular Horseshoe Pass to Llangollen. Enjoy time discovering the pretty village before a short transfer to Frontcysyllte to board a canal cruise on a brightly coloured narrowboat. Make the epic traverse of the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or "Stream in the Sky" - 126 feet high, 12 feet wide and 336 yards (18 stone arches) long - breathtaking and awesome! A commentary offers an insight into the history of the canal and the area.

Friday - Homewards bound with a stop at Sandwell Valley Park near West Bromwich - heritage centre, gardens, café. Resuming to arrive back in Dorset early evening.

B, D

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Mercure Abbots Well Hotel, Chester

A superb modern 4 star hotel located within landscaped gardens just 2 miles from Chester city centre. Bedrooms are comfortable and provide private bathroom, hairdryer, television, phone, tea tray and free wifi - all bedrooms are ground or first floor (no lift). Public areas are bright and attractive places to relax and socialise and the restaurant provides a variety of quality meals with personal service. There is a fully equipped leisure club with indoor pool, jacuzzi and sauna.

TOUR PRICE: £619.00 Per Person

Single Room Supplement: £120.00

Price Includes: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, Entry to Cotebrook Shire Horses, River Dee Cruise, Entry to National Waterways Museum, Entry to Ness Gardens, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct cruise.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
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