Discover the North West Waterways Tour
-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "The Danny")
-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "The Danny")
-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "The Danny")
Discover the North West Waterways Tour
3 Days Starting and ending in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom
Visiting: Ellesmere Port
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 50
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
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
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Two nights' bed and breakfast at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port
Includes shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
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Welcome reception
A reception to welcome guests upon arrival.
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First night private three-course dinner with wine and talk
Includes a private dinner with wine and a talk by Paul Atterbury.
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Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant
Dinner provided in the hotel restaurant on the second night.
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All guided tours, visits and entrance fees
Includes all guided tours, visits, and entrance fees as part of the itinerary.
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Coach transfers as required
Coach transfers provided as required during the tour.
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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 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.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Is transportation to the hotel included in the tour package?
No, transport to the hotel is not included in the tour package.
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Will there be a tour manager throughout the trip?
Yes, a tour manager will be present throughout the trip to assist and guide you.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Thursday - Saturday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.