2023 - Charming Cheshire & Derbyshire Dales

Itinerary

Your Itinerary

Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops en-route for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at 3* Hollin House Hotel to check in for your 4-night stay with welcome tea / coffee on arrival. DBB

Day 2 - 4 - At leisure in Cheshire with three included excursions.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Scenic Peaks and Dales
Head to the elegant spa town of Buxton, the 'Gateway to the Peaks'. Famed for its natural spring water, Buxton has many beautiful buildings including the Opera House. You can enjoy the flamboyant Regency architecture, Georgian terraces, charming arcades and manicured parks and take time out to enjoy the award-winning Pavilion Gardens. Market day is Tuesday when you can explore the highest market in England at 1032 ft above sea level!  Through delightful Derbyshire countryside to the historic village of Eyam, known to visitors and residents alike as the 'Plague Village'. Immerse yourself in the incredible story of its unselfish villagers, who sealed themselves off from the outside world in the 17th century to prevent the deadly disease from spreading to neighbouring communities. The Eyam Museum tells the story of the village (entrance not included - approx. £4 pp in 2022 - not open Mondays). There is a good selection of independent shops, tearooms and cafes in both locations. 

Day in Charming Chester
Bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make Chester one of Britain's most attractive cities. The ancient city is a truly breathtaking experience. Each chapter of Chester's history is etched into the very fabric of the city as you walk where Roman Legionaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings - and of course the one and only 700 year old Rows galleries where shopping is a double delight. 

Anderton Boat Lift & Arley Hall Gardens
The astonishing Anderton Boat Lift is one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways and the Visitor Centre explains the concept of this ingenious feat of Victorian engineering. One of only two working boat lifts in the UK, it moved boats between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver Navigation about 14 metres (50 ft) below. It was built in 1875, to shorten journeys by cutting out the old route via the Bridgewater Canal. Boats were lifted up, two at a time, in giant tanks of water. Genius! An included 60 minute river cruise along the picturesque Weaver Navigation includes a brilliant commentary of the history of the River and Anderton Lift, and a rarely seen up close and personal view of this incredible scheduled ancient monument (one step up to the boat and three steps down). This afternoon travel the short distance to Arley Hall & Gardens, a place of enormous character, charm and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. The Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border (No access to the house). A favourite film & TV location, Arley Hall has appeared in Peaky Blinders as Tommy Shelby's home as well as the Antiques Road Show and Coronation Street to name but a few

Day 5 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back south to interchange with comfort stops en-route.

Accommodation

HOLLIN HOUSE HOTEL, Near MACCLESFIELD

This elegant 3* Victorian country house hotel, Hollin House, is set in four acres of wooded gardens, on the outskirts of Bollington village and the edge of the stunning Peak District National Park. Macclesfield centre is just a few minutes' drive away. The Tudor Gothic style building, originally constructed in 1870, offers a warm welcome and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. The hotel has elegant interiors, an elaborate entrance hall full of character with a magnificent feature staircase, a restaurant and cosy bar. The hotel has 59 bedrooms in total, most of which are located in a modern, purpose-built block at the back of the main house. Bedrooms are contemporary in style and feature flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a lift. NB This hotel does not have rooms with walk in showers