Chester

Tours

Show your ticket at the entrance to Chester Zoo and enter a wonderland of green gardens, exotic and endangered animals, and enticing play areas. Encounter Nubra and Yashin, a pair of endangered snow leopards who arrived at Chester Zoo this spring. The majestic big cat duo moved into their carefully crafted habitat, which features large indoor viewing windows and spacious outdoor viewing platforms. Experience the exciting new exhibition Native: The Incredible World of British Wildlife. Go on an audio and visual journey and get closer to some of the most iconic species native to the British Isles. Next, explore the dense jungles of Southeast Asia and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Monsoon Forest. See meat-eating plants, ancient gharials, and a family of orangutans. Head to the free-flight rainforest area to hear beautiful melodies from rare birds. Witness a pride of endangered Asiatic lions in an expansive habitat just like the dry forest and savannah habitats of Gir National Park in India, the only place in the world where this incredible species can still be found in the wild. Celebrate the island of Madagascar and learn more about the island's top predator, the fossa. In the walk-through habitat, you can come face-to-face with ring-tailed and red-ruff lemurs. Next, walk through the Latin American aviary to see brightly colored birds. During your visit, check the seasonal calendar to see which activities are on. If you want a break from visiting the animals, head to the children's play areas, take a ride on the Lazy River Boat Ride, or join a fact-filled animal talk from a Safari Ranger. Indulge yourself with a delicious Sunday lunch in the award-winning onsite gastropub, The Oakfield, or get some Southeast Asian street food or tasty snacks from the concession stands. If you prefer, bring a packed lunch and eat outside at the picnic areas.

Discover the beauty of North Wales on a guided day tour from Manchester. Enjoy several stops at picturesque locations like the harbor town of Conwy, Snowdonia National Park, the quaint town of Betws-Y-Coed, and the historic town of Chester. Set off from Manchester in the morning and head straight for the border of Wales. Make your first stop in the day in the picture-perfect harbor town of Conwy, where you can take some time to explore its charming streets and visit the stately Conwy Castle perched on the shore. Continue the adventure and travel along the winding, scenic roads of the Snowdonia National Park before arriving in Betws-Y-Coed. Discover this quaint town which is known as the gateway to Snowdonia and is famous for its alpine trees and cozy cafes. Finally, make your way towards Chester, one of Britain's most historically significant towns. Enjoy some time to explore and marvel at the magnificent architecture of Chester Cathedral. After a day of exploration, relax on the return journey to Manchester, with drop-off in the city center.

Discover the major sights of North Wales as you travel away from Manchester on a guided tour with live commentary. Admire the scenery of the Snowdonia National Park, gaze at the iconic Conwy Castle, and explore the charming village of Betws-y-Coed. Departing Manchester and look forward to a day of exploring the Snowdonia National Park. Starting off with Conwy, this historic seaside town is filled with character and history. Wonder around, popping into the shops or having a walk down to the harbour. The market town is filled with rich history and is made famous by the mediaeval Conwy Castle that overlooks the sea. Next we'll head to Llanberis, here you'll enjoy a ride along a heritage railway, the Llanberis Lake Railway, which takes passengers along the side of the lake with views of the mountains that surround the area. There'll be plenty of photo opportunities for you and a chance to see the incredible scenery. Then finally we'll arrive in the village of Betws-y-coed. This will be a chance for you to have a good wonder around and explore the picturesque Welsh village. It has been a place of inspiration for authors and artists for centuries. After a day of exploring we'll make our way back to Manchester.

No city in Britain is richer in terms of archaeological and architectural treasures than Chester, the Walled City on the River Dee. The City Sightseeing Chester Open Top Bus Tour will introduce you to the City Walls, the Cathedral, Roman Amphitheatre and much, much more. Discover how Chester has survived and prospered through the ebb and flow of history as you are transported around the city. Just as Chester's history has been linked with the River Dee, so it is with the Chester Tour. The bus crosses the Dee by both the Grosvenor and Old Dee Bridges and at The Groves provides a convenient connection with the river cruises operated by Bithell's Boats. Tour Stops: 1) Chester Bus Interchange 2) Foregate Street 3) City Road 4) Chester Railway Station 5) St. John's Church, Vicar's Lane 6) The Groves 7) Pepper Street 8) Grosvenor Street 9) Handbridge 10) Lower Bridge Street 11) Nicholas Street 12) Chester Racecourse, The Old Port

From the moorings at The Groves, Chester, you will head upstream under the Queen's Park Suspension Bridge and past the city's rowing clubs. You will then follow the sweeping bend of the Earl's Eye, passing some stunning riverside properties, and turn around at the city limits. On the return journey, the commentary details the history behind some of the more interesting riverside buildings, and the city's rich Roman, Medieval, and industrial heritage. The cruises will then finish with a great view of Chester Weir and the Old Dee Bridge, before disembarking back at The Groves.

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 Manchester Aiport's public transport hub (The Station) and heads north connecting to the M6 Motorway. Listen to a partially narrated journey as we head to Bowness on Windermere for our first views of one of the many Lakes that give this area its name. You will have the opportunity to hop on one of Windermere's boats (at own cost - but ticket from driver/guide) on a one way journey to Ambleside. On a pleasant day, use your time to shop for a picnic that we can have when we are in the open air of the Langdales. On colder, more overcast days, you can take lunch at Ambleside in one of the many eateries. On to the Langdales, we travel through Little Langdale to Blea Tarn where we spend time exploring the area. At the end of our walk, we head out through Great Langdale and on to the picturesque village of Grasmere. The final stop of the day, you can wander around and see why it has been voted England's most beautiful village on a number of occasions. You may wonder what that delicious aroma is and follw the scent to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop like so may travellers who have been here before you!

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and explore North Wales for the day. With a drive through stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, you’ll see the beauty of North Wales in all its splendour. Leaving Chester behind we stop in the historic town of Conwy, here you’ll see the magnificent 13th century Castle that stands tall above the town. You’ll have some time to explore and take in the sights and attractions that make the coastal town such a popular visitor destination. After a roam around the town, we’ll head off to explore the incredible Snowdonia National Park, stopping at different points they’ll be plenty of opportunities for photo stops and for you to really enjoy this beautiful national park. Heading to the National Slate Museum we’ll discover the fascinating history and heritage of the country; the Victorian workshop was built at the base of the Snowdonia Mountain. Afterwards we’ll head to Llanberis Lake Railway, where you can sit and relax and enjoy the views along Lake Pardarn in the heart of Snowdonia. (Please note the train ride is only included in March-November). We then head to the charming Welsh village of Betws-y-Coed situated in the heart of the National Park. The village, which was once a place for pilgrims, became a hub for artist and authors who took inspiration form the scenery and landscapes that surround it. It’s a wonderful stop on the tour and a great place for some free time to explore. We’ll then be heading back towards Chester and back to reality after a day of discovering this incredible part of the world.

Day 1: You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales. Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This little town deserves to win awards for most picture-perfect harbour town. There’s a castle perched by the sea, the ‘world’s smallest house’, and lots of little restaurants boasting the best fish and chips. After you’ve soaked up the sea air, you cross the world’s first modern day suspension bridge across the Menai Straits and onto Anglesey Island. Prior to its construction, cattle farmers would have to persuade their herd to swim across the Menai Straits on their way to market. We head for the most westerly point of North Wales to marvel at the South Stack Lighthouse, sea cliffs, and nature reserve. But that’s not all. You stop in the lovely seaside town of Beaumaris, and also visit the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for a quick photo stop. Then you travel back over the bridge and along the coastline to Llandudno, your overnight stop. Day 2: This morning when you head off, your first stop is to Betws-y-Coed. This beautiful little village is known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park. Next, sit back and watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you continue onto Harlech Castle. This is one of our favourite castles in the whole of the UK. It boasts epic sea views and an amazingly war-torn history that involves a lot of dynamite. You then venture to one of the most charming and unique villages in Wales, Portmeirion. This town is the brainchild of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. He wanted to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it. The result is a stunning piece of the Mediterranean transported into North Wales. You have free time here to explore and grab a bite to eat. You head back to Llandudno for the evening. Day 3: After breakfast, your first stop is to the Llanberis Slate Museum*. The history of the second largest slate mine on the planet will stay in your memory for a long time. For your lunch stop today, we head to Llangollen. Situated along the River Dee, this little town will steal your heart. Next you’re off to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. There’s a lot to do here, but we’d advise you just head to the Cathedral, you could spend a whole week in this fine building and not get bored. You arrive back in Manchester in the early evening.

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