Chester & The Buxton Crescent Experience

4* Shrigley Hall Hotel set in 260 acres of spectacular countryside right on the edge of the Peak District, is the perfect location from which to explore this lovely corner of England. Together with a Roman solder guide, explore Medieval Chester, home to some wonderful historic sights such as the Rows, the Roman Amphitheatre and Eastgate Clock. Enjoy an included cruise on the River Dee, a visit to the epic Tatton Park, a fascinating boat trip to see the Anderton Boat Lift and the truly wonderful Buxton Crescent Experience. Full of fabulous inclusions and visits, this is one not to miss!\n\n4* Weekend at The Queen at Chester - 4 day tour over August Bank Holiday weekend - click here for detailsHighlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage & welcome drink- Included excursions as stated- River cruise at Anderton Boat Lift- Entrance to Tatton Park (mansion, gardens & farm)- Visit to Medieval Chester & Buxton- Two-hour Iron Bridge River Dee cruise- Chester walking tour with Roman soldier guide- Buxton Crescent Experience

Your Itinerary
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel north with suitable stops en-route for lunch and refreshments. Arrive at 4* Shrigley Hall Hotel to check in for your 4-night stay with welcome tea / coffee on arrival. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 4 - At leisure at Shrigley Hall Hotel with three included excursions.\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nBuxton Crescent Experience\nHead 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. A visit is included to the Buxton Crescent Experience which is a superb new visitor attraction. The impressive Crescent Building dominates Buxton town, but it closed in 1992 in need of major repair. Now, following a £70 million facelift, this unique Grade I listed building has been saved and restored to its former glory. Accompanied by a guide, learn the hidden histories and surprising anecdotes behind the town's history as you tour nine renovated rooms . End with a visit to the Grade II listed Pump Room to see the sunken oval pool where 5,000 year old mineral water still rises form the ground. You will receive a souvenir glass bottle to 'take the water' from the historic Lion's Head Well. Later spend time at leisure to enjoy Buxton's 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! \n\nDay in Charming Chester\nIron Bridge Cruise & Chester Guided Walking Tour\nAs you cruise south of the city passing some spectacular homes and gardens, enjoy marvellous views of the leafy Cheshire countryside gliding along the River Dee and winding through the Duke of Westminster's Eaton Estate and up to Aldford Iron Bridge. This is a tranquil stretch of the Dee, with many opportunities to spot wildlife including herons, cormorants, and - if you're lucky - a kingfisher or two. There will be a sightseeing commentary playing as you pass places of interest along the riverbanks. A fully stocked bar is available onboard.\n\nFactual, fun and entertaining, discover the ancient Roman history of the city of Chester, once the largest Roman fortress in Britain, during this walking tour. Follow your legionary guide who is dressed as a Roman soldier who will take you behind the scenes at key sites to explore the drama of life in the Roman Army - all based on the latest, archaeology excavations and research by military experts. See the remains of the biggest Roman fort (Deva Victrix), the largest amphitheatre in Britain, the city walls, and the Roman gardens.\n\nAnderton Boat Lift & Tatton Park\nThe 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 magnificent Tatton Park, one of the UK's most complete historic estates. It is home to a medieval Old Hall, a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, 1000 acres of deer park and a rare breed farm. Your included entrance tickets allows entry to the opulently decorated mansion, from the richness and grandeur of the State Apartments to the extensive Servants' Quarters and cellars for an intriguing glimpse of the domestic life of staff 'below stairs. You can also visit the farm and the gardens with historic glasshouses, formal gardens, walled kitchen garden and a 100-year old Japanese Garden\n\nDay 5 - After a leisurely breakfast, head back south to interchange with comfort stops en-route.SHRIGLEY HALL HOTEL, near Macclesfield
\nThe 4* Georgian country house hotel, Shrigley Hall, is set within 262 acres of spectacular Cheshire countryside and an 18-hole championship golf course, providing a stunning setting on the edge of the Peak District National Park. \n\nA warm welcome awaits in the hotels' impressive lobby with its large staircase and imposing chandelier. Bedrooms are classically styled and include TV, WiFi and tea / coffee making facilities. \n\nThe majority of bedrooms are located in the newer part of the hotel (not the main house). \n\nThere is a restaurant which overlooks the grounds, a modern conservatory courtyard bar and a traditional lounge. The extensive spa facilities (access charge applies - pre-booking recommended) include an outdoor infinity pool, sauna, steam and gym. \n\nThere is a lift. NB This hotel does not have rooms with walk in showers