2027 - All Aboard For A Festive Lunch

Itinerary

All aboard for a Festive Lunch

Day 1 - Journey northwards with comfort stops en-route towards Bolton for your 3-night stay in the 3* Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel. Porterage & welcome tea/coffee on arrival DBB

Day 2 - 3 At leisure in Lancashire with two included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Bury Market & Festive Lunch on East Lancashire Railway
This morning it's off to the market town of Bury where a warm welcome awaits at the world-famous Bury Market, the undisputed champion of the North. Attracting hundreds of visitors every week, Bury Market oozes atmosphere and ambience with a range of products and facilities second to none. Expect great people, great characters and over 200 unique stalls to explore across a Market Hall, Open Market, Fish & Meat Hall and Market Parade. Head to Bury Bolton Street Station for a step back in time and a 2½ hour nostalgic round trip on a heritage train along the East Lancashire Railway (may operate by steam or diesel). The weather outside may be frightful but the festively decorated, beautifully restored pullman-style carriages are delightful. A sumptuous 3-course Christmas lunch (drinks not included) is followed by tea/coffee and a mince pie. NB Tables are shared. There are a limited number of tables for two and these are on request and subject to a supplement. Your coach awaits on you return to Bury mid-afternoon for the transfer back to your hotel.

Manchester Christmas Markets & RHS Bridgewater GLOW
After a relaxed morning, it's time to don your Santa hat and get into the festive spirit as you head to Manchester's world-famous Christmas Market. Every year the choice just gets better and better and includes gifts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, toys and an array of food and drink. Attracting shoppers from all over the UK and beyond, this market has put Manchester city centre firmly on the Christmas map - the Christmas Market has become not just a fabulous place to shop but also a hugely popular leisure destination in its own right.  The Christmas Markets are located in different spaces around the city, each with its own distinct character and atmosphere: Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens. The array of over 200 stalls is mind-boggling, with mouth-watering delicacies from all over Europe. Treat yourself to anything from Dutch mini pancakes to Hungarian goulash to Spanish paella to French profiteroles. Relax with a hot chocolate, a German beer or French wine. Soak up the atmosphere of a truly international event with a uniquely Mancunian flavour. As day turns to night head to RHS Garden Bridgewater to experience a magical world of light and sound packed full of surprises. RHS Glow takes you through the woodland, where you'll encounter fabulous interactive light and sound installations. Different highlights are added each year to included mesmerising light art commissions, animations and choreographed light shows. The onsite cafes are open as is the Garden Centre where you can find a treasure trove of traditional and quirky decorations, unique gifts for gardeners and sprinkling of festive houseplants and to deck your halls. The GLOW route through the site will be accessibly and comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing are recommended. Return to the hotel for a Lancashire dinner this evening

                                                                                                                            Credit: RHS - Royal Horticultural Society

Day 4 - Return southwards to interchange with suitable stops en-route.

Highlights

• Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner
• Porterage & welcome tea/coffee
• Hotel extras - quiz one night; pre-dinner Happy Hour on last night; glass of house wine with first night dinner; Lancashire dinner menu on last night
• Return Journey on East Lancashire Railway (may be steam or diesel)
• 3-course festive lunch with tea/coffee on ELR
• Entrance to RHS Bridgewater GLOW
• Visit to Bury Market & Manchester Christmas Markets

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Accommodation

Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel

This 3* hotel is built around a former Georgian Manor House with landscaped gardens and is conveniently located off the M61.

Modern and spacious bedrooms offer flat-screen TV, WiFi, hair dryer and tea / coffee making facilities. Singles are doubles / twins for sole use

There is a sports bar and leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym and spa bath.

The relaxed brasserie restaurant (accessed by a few steps) serves traditional and international cuisine. There is a lift as well as ground floor rooms. Back to top