Autumn In The Marches - Chester, Ludlow & Hereford
3 days
BU3ADA
The Welsh Marches offer a blend of scenic beauty and heritage that draws visitors from near and far to explore its charming towns, medieval ruins, and stunning landscapes. This fabulous extended Autumn weekend break combines some of the best historical treasures the UK has to offer with culture, shopping and great food and drink. Staying at a super 4-star hotel, discover beautiful Chester, medieval Ludlow and the cathedral city of Hereford.
We'll first whisk you away to the fabulous market town of Ludlow, a hidden gem known for its picturesque medieval streets and gastronomic delights. 'Shropshire's Food and Drink Capital' is often referred to as the perfect historic town, with over 500 listed buildings and its iconic castle at its heart. Perhaps sample some of the delectable local cuisine.
Saturday is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Chester and explore the historic wonders on offer. This city is famous for its well-preserved Roman walls that surround the city and captivating Tudor-style buildings. You can visit the iconic Chester Cathedral, wander through the historic Rows with their unique shops, or simply relax by the River Dee and watch the world go by.
Finally, we'll conclude our journey in the historic city of Hereford, known for its impressive cathedral and bustling market town atmosphere. Here, you can explore the stunning Hereford Cathedral, home to the Mappa Mundi, one of the world's oldest maps, and the Chained Library, a treasure trove of ancient manuscripts. Stroll through the charming town centre and perhaps try some of Hereford's famous cider!
Our base is Mercure Abbotts Well, a comfortable 4-star hotel set in 2 acres of landscaped gardens on the outskirts of Chester, with leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and spa – perfect for a relaxing stay, with included dinner each evening.
Join us on this great weekend getaway filled with diverse experiences, historic wonders, and the chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of some of England's most captivating destinations! You could even do some early Christmas shopping!
* Couples, friends and families looking to enjoy new experiences
* Anyone who fancies a weekend away to three fabulous destinations
* History fans and enthusiasts or shopaholics
* A relaxing extended weekend break
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Day 1
Enjoy the journey, boarding your coach at your convenient local pick up point. Time to relax and recharge on the way to your hotel, via a stop in the thriving medieval market town of Ludlow, an historic town surrounded by the beautiful countryside of south Shropshire and the Welsh Marches. We have free time to explore and maybe have a bite to eat before continuing our journey. On arrival at your hotel, check in and relax perhaps with a drink in the lounge-bar, before enjoying the included dinner.
Day 2
Enjoy a traditional English breakfast and then the choice is yours. Chester has so much to discover and is one of the UK’s most popular city destinations with cobbled streets and quirky lanes. With free time in the city you can explore the cities rich tapestry including the famous Eastgate clock, the most complete Roman City walls in Britain and the unique 700 year old medieval ‘Rows’. You can also see the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain along with Chester’s remarkable cathedral which has Europe’s finest example of medieval carvings. You can have a full day in Chester to explore all this wonderful historic city has to offer. Why not hop on and off an open top sightseeing bus or enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Dee. Alternatively, you could of course do you own thing or simply chill and enjoy the leisure facilities at the hotel.
Whatever you decide to do, you'll find a warm welcome back at the hotel. Enjoy dinner and chat about your experiences of the day.
Day 3
After a leisurely start, enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning before saying farewell to Chester, and head for Hereford, a lovely cathedral city with a lively feel, sitting right at the heart of Herefordshire, on a loop of the River Wye. See the 7th century golden-stone Cathedral, also home to the medieval Mappa Mundi and the Chained Library or learn about the traditions of rural Herefordshire and the history of cider making at Hereford’s Cider Museum. You can also wander among half-timbered houses and stroll along the Wye. Browse independent shops across the city – they're clustered along quirky Church Street – and explore the Old Market, transformed into an open-air destination for shopping and dining. Rejoin your coach this afternoon and relax as you head homewards with amazing memories and no doubt a little shopping!Ludlow
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationFrom its ancient castle to peaceful back streets, exploring the perfect, medieval market town of Ludlow is a real pleasure. The lovely feel combines centuries of history and fascinating architecture, and means a visit to Ludlow will not disappoint. Ludlow is home to a varied range of independently owned shops, including family businesses where you can find gifts, antiques, clothes, books and more. Ludlow has a reputation for the quality of its food and drink with many excellent restaurants and cafes encouraged by the areas abundance of quality food & drink producers. Why not also take time to visit the museums and church, or the 11th Century Castle which sits dramatically atop the cliff above the River Teme, all surrounded by the beautiful countryside of south Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.For more information on what to see and do in Ludlow, click here (opens in a new window)
Chester
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationThis may be the best-preserved walled city in England, with its galleried streets, Roman Wall, Tudor houses, and unique medieval shopping experience at the famous ‘Rows’, where the shops are quite literally ‘on top of each other’. This is a fascinating city where you can truly combine a love of history with some truly inspiring shopping opportunities!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. You are walking where Roman Legionaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons!
For more information on what to see and do in Chester, click here (opens in a new window)
Hereford
INCLUDED Visitor DestinationHereford, a historic cathedral city in the heart of England, offers a fascinating blend of culture, heritage, and natural beauty. The city's crown jewel is Hereford Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece known for housing the Mappa Mundi, one of the world's oldest surviving maps, and the Chained Library, home to an impressive collection of ancient manuscripts. Strolling through Hereford's quaint streets, you'll encounter Tudor-style buildings, charming shops, and bustling markets, offering a glimpse into the town's vibrant market town atmosphere.
For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Herefordshire countryside beckons with rolling hills, meandering rivers, and picturesque landscapes. The River Wye, in particular, offers opportunities for scenic walks. Herefordshire is also renowned for its cider production, and you can visit local cider houses to savor this regional specialty.
Hereford's rich heritage and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal destination for history buffs, culture seekers, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're exploring its ancient cathedral, admiring its Tudor architecture, or savouring its culinary delights, Hereford promises a memorable experience in the heart of England.
For further information on what to see and do, click here (opens in a new window)
Tour includes
- 2 nights hotel with English breakfast and evening meal
- Visit to the market town of Ludlow
- Free time to explore Chester at leisure with included transfers to and from the city
- Visit to the cathedral city of Hereford
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon Offset Certificate
Accommodation
Mercure Chester Abbots Well
The 4-star Mercure Abbots Well hotel is nestled amidst two acres of landscaped gardens and is situated two miles from Chester city centre. There is a spacious and cosy restaurant and open plan lounge-bar area offering an ideal place to relax. Leisure facilities include an attractive indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and spa. All 126 bedrooms are furnished with en-suite bathrooms, an HD LED TV, complimentary high speed WiFi. TV, hairdryer and hospitality tray. Most rooms offer views of the hotel courtyard. There is no lift but plenty of ground floor rooms.
For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)Hotel Location
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