Welsh Borders Rail & Sail

Discover this beautiful region of the United Kingdom where Shropshire meets North Wales - where you will enjoy a cruise on the River Severn, visit a medieval castle built by Welsh princes and take a nostalgic train journey through beautiful Mid-Wales countryside (Welshpool & Llanfair Railway not available in October). Experience the pace of life from a time gone by whilst gazing out at one of the most beautiful canals in Britain and admire the strength of the majestic horses that pull the boat through the water with ease.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Welsh Borders - Rail & Sail
Day 1 Join your tour coach and head to Shropshire with comfort stops en route. Accommodation has been arranged for the next 4 nights at the waterside Lion Quays Resort in a tranquil and rural location DBB

Days 2 - 4 At leisure with three included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Llangollen Rail & Sail (All tours)
Cross the border into Wales and explore the picturesque town of Llangollen with the River Dee running through its heart. Experience the peace and tranquillity of an included horse-drawn canal boat trip along the Llangollen Canal, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy Llangollen's wealth of independent shops and take a stroll along Victoria Promenade, before a nostalgic trip back in time through the Dee Valley on the Llangollen Railway to the newly re-opened station at Corwen (may operate with steam or diesel engine). It's a beautiful journey following the course of the River Dee through the idyllic Denbighshire countryside

Shrewsbury - Severn River Trip (All tours)
Shrewsbury is one of England's finest medieval market towns with over 600 listed buildings including many black & white half-timbered Tudor buildings. Sit back and relax on a cruise along the River Severn (tea / coffee & biscuits included) with beautiful views and an onboard commentary. There will be time afterwards to explore this lovely town which was the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Shrewsbury is home to a Norman castle, an Abbey and The Quarry, which at its heart lies The Dingle, a floral masterpiece designed by the famous gardener Percy Thrower. Time permitting, a brief stop will be made at Percy Thrower's Garden Centre on the outskirts of town

Welshpool & Llanfair Railway (Not October)
The Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway was built in 1903 to link farming communities with the market town of Welshpool and provide them with an outlet for their produce. The line was finally closed in 1956 but in1963 a group of enthusiasts rallied round and began to progressively re-open the line to what it is today. The train negotiates a viaduct and river bridge, climbs the notoriously steep Golfa Bank and chugs serenely through beautiful countryside (may operate with steam or diesel locomotive). Board at Llanfair Caereinion and disembark 45 minutes later in Welshpool where you have free time for lunch before heading up the road to the magnificent Powis Castle this afternoon

Oswestry on Market Day (October only)
Spend a relaxed morning in the friendly and traditional town of Oswestry on market day (Wednesday). There is a longstanding history of markets in Oswestry with the the first recorded market some 800 years ago. At the vibrant indoor market you'll find everything from fresh cakes and bread to antiques and gifts. There is also an outdoor street market. Oswestry itself boasts a number of independent and specialist retailers and coffee shops, historic pubs, free galleries and the town museum. Oswestry is also the birth place of the famous WW1 poet Wilfred Owen

Powis Castle (All tours)
Built in the 13th century as a medieval fortress, Powis Castle and Gardens today reflect the changing ambitions and visions of the Herbert family, who occupied the castle from the 1570s. Furnished with decorative fabrics, world-class paintings, furniture, tapestries and the unique Clive Collection of South Asian objects, the interior follows the Elizabethan period through to the Edwardian period. With views across the Severn Valley, the world-famous garden retains many of its original features including 17th century Italianate terraces lined with vibrant herbaceous borders and 30ft clipped yew trees, an Edwardian formal garden with century-old apple trees and rose beds, and a peaceful woodland area. NB There is a step-free route around the garden but also some steep slopes and uneven terrain. There is no step-free access to the castle

Day 5 Check out after breakfast and head homewards with a stop on the way to arrive at interchange late afternoon

Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Canal Boat Trip from Llangollen Wharf- Heritage Train Journey on Llangollen Railway- Severn River Trip with tea & biscuits- Time at leisure in Shrewsbury- En-route visit to Percy Thrower's Garden Centre- Journey on the Welshpolol & Llanfair Railway - one way (not October)- Morning at leisure in Oswestry on market day (October only)- Entrance to Powis Castle & Gardens- PorterageLion Quays Resort, Oswestry

The 4* Lion Quays Resort sits on the beautiful and historic Oswestry waterways, on the banks of the Llangollen Canal in the heart of the Shropshire countryside - a location, steeped in beauty and Great British heritage.


Guestrooms are classically decorated and feature free WiFi, hair dryer, TV and tea / coffee making facilities (NB Canal view rooms are on request and subject to supplement).

The restaurant, bar, lounge and terrace overlooks the waterways and there is a health club and spa with 25m indoor pool, state of the art gym, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi.

There is a lift to all floors in the bedroom block which is connected to the bar & restaurant by a covered walkway

Hotels
• Lion Quays Resort (Owestry) - View Information