Chester

Day Trips

The tour leaves Manchester in the morning and heads straight for the border of Wales. Conwy is the first stop of the day, one of most picture-perfect harbor towns in the world. Here you can see a castle perched by the sea, the world's smallest house, and lots of cute restaurants serving up the best fish and chips. Venture along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. This quaint town is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cosy cafes. Chester is your next stop. This is one of England’s most historic towns and there is plenty to do here. It's advised to go straight to the ancient cathedral and learn about its remarkable past.

Leave the Roman city of Chester and travel to Wales on a 90-minute, fully-narrated journey arriving at Llandudno. Visit the 12th-century hidden chapel of St. Tudno on the Great Orme. Next is the walled town of Conwy, constructed in 1283 with a fabulous 3/4-mile wall circuit. Go inside Conwy Castle, a gritty, dark-stoned fortress built by James of St. George in partnership with Frenchman Richard The Engineer. Afterwards, head to Snowdonia National Park using carefully-selected, off-the-beaten-track routes with a stop at the so-called “capital of North Wales,” Betws-Y-Coed prayer house in the woods. Finally, take the unique opportunity to experience the Pontcysyllte Canal Aqueduct, built by Sir Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805. Prepare to be entertained and informed by your experienced guide and driver along the way.

This full-day adventure departs from Chester and heads straight towards the luscious countryside. Admire the views as you travel to the UK’s largest national park, the Lake District, stopping at the underground Rheged Discovery Center along the way. During the partially narrated 2-hour journey to the Lake District, the tour also stops by the famous Castlerigg Neolithic Stone Circle where you can feel ancient, mythical energy flowing around you. Afterwards, continue onto Grasmere Village which boasts an array of beautiful 19th-century architecture, as well as the grave of well-known poet William Wordsworth. Afterwards, let your nose lead the way to Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop, where you can taste a selection of traditional sweet treats from the region. After you’ve filled up on gingerbread, it’s time to explore the national park and navigate through the Langdales, also known as “Little Switzerland.” As you wander around the park, marvel at the breathtaking views that sprawl across the landscape, which offer some of the most dramatic and diverse scenery in the UK. Throughout the tour, there are plenty of stops to make the most of your trip to the Lake District. One of the highlights of the day includes an amble around Blea Tarn before a stop at Ambleside where you can get lost in the maze of twisting streets or shop at a selection of picturesque stores.

Leaving Chester 3 times a week, this tour heads approximately 2 hours North to the Lake District via the M6 Motorway.  Your driver and guide will take you to the medieval village of Hawkshead, famous for its connection with Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Have time here to explore the cobbled alleys and get something to eat, wandering through shops, cafés, galleries, and so much more. It's a beautiful village, and a definite highlight of the tour. William Wordsworth's old Grammar School can also be found here, along with St. Michael and All Angels Church, which overlooks the village of Hawkshead. Explore some of the Lake District's most incredibly beautiful spots as you travel towards and through the Langdale Valley. When your Lake District tour comes to an end, you will be transported back to Chester.

Leaving Chester, the majestic Snowdonia National Park will open up as you travel across a stunning mountain road with a stop at Llyn Ogwen, a beautiful lake with amazing mountain views. Rumored to be the final resting place of King Arthur's sword Excalibur. Proceed towards the honeypot village of Betws-y-Coed. You will have time here to find some lunch and explore this beautiful place. After Betws-y-Coed, head to Great Orme, a giant limestone headland. See the historic seafront with its 19th-century pier and take in fantastic views of Anglesey and Snowdonia. Continue towards Llandudno on the North Wales Coast. Along the way look out for great sea views, as you head along the main coastal road.  Leaving Llandudno you will get your first glimpse of the world famous Conwy Castle. The final stop before the return to Chester will be at Conwy where there will be an opportunity to take in views and photograph the famous castle. After leaving Conwy the tour returns back to Chester.

Get a taste of Yorkshire on a full-day minibus tour from Chester. Explore the county's history and cuisine, admire feats of Victorian engineering, and see the picturesque Hardraw Force waterfall. After a partially-narrated 2-hour journey, arrive in Haworth to discover the stories of the Bronte Sisters — Anne, Charlotte, and Emily. From there, head to the stunning limestone feature of Malham Cove, formed by melt-water from glaciers over 12,000 years ago. See the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, a masterpiece of 19th-century engineering, and take a stroll to get a closer look at its 1.5 million bricks. A stop at the must-visit Wensleydale Creamery follows. Sample some of its famous cheeses, made originally by Cistercian Monks. Next, visit the pretty village of Hawes, a honeypot boasting shops, cafes, pubs, and locals sipping John Smith's while munching a Yorkshire Pudding. Once you have explored Hawes, head to Hardraw Force, the UK's highest single-drop waterfall, which is over 100 feet tall. Enjoy the splash pool and the breathtaking natural “amphitheater” before beginning your journey back to Chester.

You will be met by a representative of the local partner at Liverpool Cruise Terminal and shown to your vehicle that will transport you under the River Mersey, passing beneath your ship on the 45-minute short hop to Chester. Upon arrival, you will have a fully guided tour of Chester taking in the site of a Roman Amphitheatre, Norman Era Defensive Walls, views of the River Dee which gave Chester its means of trade with the rest of the world hundreds of years ago before passing by buildings dating back to the Tudor and Georgian era with Victorian architecture mixed in for good measure. You will see the famous Rows which is Chester's unique shopping experience before finally reaching the centre of the City - Chester Cross. From here you will have free time to wander the streets of this historic City and sample some of the flavours that makes Cheshire so loved by many, including Cheshire Cheese and local Ales. Finally, with bags laden with souvenirs (and some delicacies picked up at the various food stores) you will be transported back to the Port in Liverpool. If time allows, you may even get to meet the Fab Four before being dropped back at the Cruise Terminal