Discover the North West Waterways Tour

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

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3 Days From

$1137

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Tour Overview

Embark on the "Discover the North West Waterways Tour" for an unforgettable journey through Britain's historic canals and waterways. Begin your adventure with a welcome reception and a private dinner featuring a talk by TV's Paul Atterbury at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port. Cruise aboard the historic steamship "The Danny" on the River Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal, taking in scenic views and fascinating commentary. Explore the National Waterways Museum and enjoy a river cruise to the Anderton Boat Lift, a marvel of Victorian engineering. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and all entrance fees included, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, relaxation, and scenic beauty. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Talk by TV’s Paul Atterbury

  • River cruise to see the amazing Anderton boat lift

  • Fascinating National Waterways Museum

  • Full day cruise aboard “The Danny” on River Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal

Itinerary

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Day 1:

Location: Ellesmere Port

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port

Meals Included: Dinner

Arrive independently at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Paul Atterbury. Paul has written much on the subject, including his book 'Explore Britain’s Canals'.

Day 2: Full Day Cruise Aboard “The Danny” On River Weaver And Manchester Ship Canal.

Location: Ellesmere Port

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will enjoy a full day cruise aboard “The Danny,” an historic steamship dating from 1903. The Daniel Adamson, known affectionately as “The Danny” will take us on an historic and scenic six-hour cruise from Ellesmere Port to Acton Bridge via Eastham Lock – highlights include the Dutton Horse Bridge, a Grade 2 listed structure, impressive Dutton Viaduct, Sutton Locks and a ten-mile stretch of the Manchester Ship Canal. This atmospheric ship was saved from being scrapped in 2004 and has been restored to its 1936 Art Deco splendour through a campaign assisted by the guest lecturer on this tour, Paul Atterbury, who is the Patron of the Preservation Trust and has a great affection for the ship. On board, there is a bar/café to sustain you through the day and the cruise will be accompanied by a commentary about the route and the ship’s history from the captain of the ship, Dan Cross (who started the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society). To find out more, please visit www.thedanny.co.uk . This evening dinner is in the hotel restaurant.

Day 3: National Waterways Museum And Anderton Boat Lift.

Location: Ellesmere Port

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port

Meals Included: Breakfast

We will spend the morning at the National Waterways Museum, discovering the unique fleet of historic boats, rich collection of artefacts and the archives that tell the story of Britain’s canals and waterways. The historic docks at Ellesmere Port provide the perfect setting on the banks of the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. When we arrive we will have an introductory talk followed by a guided tour. After free time for lunch (not included) we will visit the restored Anderton boat lift where we will enjoy a river cruise along the picturesque Weaver navigation with a commentary regarding the river and this historic monument as well as offering a unique view of the Anderton Lift. First opened in 1875, the lift was fully restored and reopened in 2003 after 20 years of disuse. Throughtout 2022 the lift experienced some closures for repairs but hopes to be fully functional in 2023 once again. While here we will also have time to exploire the visitor centre. Return to the hotel for approximately 16.30.

What's Included

  • Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port

    Includes shared occupancy of a twin/double room.

  • Welcome reception

    A reception to welcome guests upon arrival.

  • First night private three-course dinner with wine and talk

    Includes a private dinner with wine and a talk by Paul Atterbury.

  • Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant

    Dinner provided in the hotel restaurant on the second night.

  • All guided tours, visits and entrance fees

    Includes all guided tours, visits, and entrance fees as part of the itinerary.

  • Coach transfers as required

    Coach transfers provided as required during the tour.

  • Tour manager throughout

    A tour manager will be present throughout the tour.

What's Not Included

Double for sole use supplement - £194

Mode of Transport

Transport to the hotel is not included. Coach transfers are provided as required during the tour. Enjoy a full day cruise aboard 'The Danny' on the River Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal, and a river cruise along the picturesque Weaver navigation.

Accommodation

Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port: Located alongside the canalside at Ellesmere Port, the hotel provides a great base for the sites visited on this tour. The hotel is located 8 miles from Chester with the closest railway station at Ellesmere Port Station. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and lounge, fitness centre, heated swimming pool and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone and wifi. Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel. ...more ...less

MORE INFO

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel. You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
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Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect during the welcome reception on the first evening?

    The welcome reception on the first evening includes a private three-course dinner with wine and a talk by Paul Atterbury, who has written extensively on the subject of Britain's canals.

  • What will happen during the full day cruise on 'The Danny'?

    During the full day cruise on 'The Danny,' you will enjoy a six-hour journey from Ellesmere Port to Acton Bridge via Eastham Lock. Highlights include the Dutton Horse Bridge, Dutton Viaduct, Sutton Locks, and a ten-mile stretch of the Manchester Ship Canal. The cruise will be accompanied by a commentary from the captain, Dan Cross, and there is a bar/café on board. ...more ...less

  • What will I see at the National Waterways Museum?

    At the National Waterways Museum, you will discover a unique fleet of historic boats, a rich collection of artefacts, and archives that tell the story of Britain's canals and waterways. The visit includes an introductory talk and a guided tour.

  • What is special about the Anderton Boat Lift?

    The Anderton Boat Lift, first opened in 1875 and fully restored in 2003, is a historic monument that lifts boats between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal. During the visit, you will enjoy a river cruise with commentary and have time to explore the visitor centre. ...more ...less

  • What amenities are available at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port?

    The Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port offers a restaurant, bar and lounge, fitness centre, heated swimming pool, and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, and Wi-Fi. Complimentary car parking is also available.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes two nights' bed and breakfast, a welcome reception, a private three-course dinner with wine on the first night, and dinner in the hotel restaurant on the second night.

  • Is transportation to the hotel included in the tour package?

    No, transport to the hotel is not included in the tour package.

  • Will there be a tour manager throughout the trip?

    Yes, a tour manager will be present throughout the trip to assist and guide you.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.

  • Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?

    Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.

  • Where does the tour manager meet us?

    In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Wood  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

09-June-2013

Hilton hotels are rather disappointing these days, little things and aspects of the service in general are not up to the standard one expects from the Hilton name. The tour itself was excellent, really interesting and enjoyable. Perhaps you might consider an alternative hotel chain for some future tours. ...more ...less

anonymous  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

04-October-2019

Read  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

13-October-2018

The Hotel accommodation was good but did not think the standard of the evening meal was particularly good plus the charge of £10 per night to park was to say the least excessive as we were using the Hotel for the full period of the stay ie not just using it as a car park. ...more ...less

Anonymous  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

13-October-2018

Warren  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

06-October-2022

The first boat excursion, on the Danny, was too long for the interest it generated. The commentary on the second boat trip was just too long, in fact non-stop for 1 1/2 hours! The evening lecture was excellent. The visit to the National Waterways Museum was also excellent and would have been worthy of a longer stay. ...more ...less

Jackson  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

13-October-2018

A most interesting tour down memory lane. Well planned

Moody-Jones  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

05-October-2023

Excellent throughout. Mike brilliant guide. Trip on the Danny outstanding, only drawback was would have been good to see more of the Ship Canal rather than the River Weaver. The hotel was excellent. Perfect location, really good service. Previous use of airport hotels had put me off doing trip before. ...more ...less

Mr Alan Wood  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

01-August-2014

Would have been useful to know about the David LLoyd Centre before departure. Leaflets for Ship Canal cruise would have been useful in advance. Hotel system failed to recognise name with room number causing problems at bar and one key failed to operate door.

Mrs Pauline Pullen  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

17-June-2016

It was a shame that the full passage of the Manchester Ship Canal was unable to go ahead but Travel Editions had made appreciable efforts to create an appropriate alternative itinerary, which was interesting and enjoyable. The hotel was of interest as a building in itself, and very comfortable, though sadly we felt the quality of the food in the evenings did not reflect the quality of the hotel generally. The tour guide was pleasant and efficient. ...more ...less

Mrs Lesley Anziani  

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

23-June-2017

Regarding the John Lennon L'Pool Airport Hotel, this was a surprise because on the internet I could not find a good word to be said about it, and we were almost dreading it. It turned out to be absolutely fine with good food. Not the very best, but good nonetheless. The poor thing was the hilite of the trip - i.e. the trip down the Manchester Ship Canal, but this was hardly your fault. It is a scenic "cruise" but the windows were "fuzzy" - as your own tour guide, Mary Moore, said, "it's like looking through cataracts". The windows were awful, also they were dirty and it was misty and raining, all of which made it worse. However, the weather was not your fault, but I think the ferryboat windows were pretty awful for a cruise. This is, I think, the fourth trip we have been on, and we met some very nice people (as ever) and had a fairly good time, but it is the least best trip. However, we will definitely be travelling with you again. ...more ...less

Read all 103 reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Saturday

Jun 26, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
$1137 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Discover the North West Waterways Tour

3 Days Starting and ending in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom

Visiting: Ellesmere Port

Tour operator:

Travel Editions

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 50

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-99

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

From: $1137 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 24-Feb-2025 but subject to change.