4* Christmas in Chester

Accommodation

In the heart of Chester the 4 star Crowne Plaza Hotel is perfectly located for visiting all the historic sites of Chester, including the Roman walls, the amphitheatre and Chester Cathedral. Convenient for Chester train station and with on-site parking (payable), this gorgeous hotel combines contemporary design with luxury, making it the perfect Christmas holiday venue. Historical Chester is even more magical at Christmas time, so there’s no better place to celebrate in style.

The touches of racing memorabilia on display around the hotel demonstrate how proud they are to be situated next to the oldest racecourse in Britain.

The bedrooms feature stylish decor and amenities. All bedrooms are fully air conditioned and have elegant fabrics and furnishings, creating a calm yet fresh environment.

The hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi and features a restaurant and a spacious lounge bar, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a drink after a busy day of exploring. You can also take full advantage of the hotel’s heated indoor pool (free of charge) and the well equipped fitness centre, which also has a sauna (small charge for the fitness centre and sauna).

Room Facilities & Amenities

• Spacious and comfortable bedrooms
• En Suite bathroom
• Flat screen television
• Telephone
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Complimentary Toiletries

Excursions & Itinerary

Day 1 - 23rd December, Chester

Make your own way to Chester and check into the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is located within the historic walls of the city. Afternoon Tea will be served this afternoon and is a great way to relax and begin your festive break. This evening perhaps enjoy an aperitif in the hotel’s bar before dinner in the hotel's restaurant. Meals included: D

Day 2 - Christmas Eve, Chester

After a leisurely breakfast we meet our local guide for a walking tour of Chester. Founded by the Romans in 79AD, each chapter of Chester's history is etched into the very fabric of the city. You will be walking where Roman Legionnaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. We'll see the city's impressive Roman amphitheatre and walk on the city walls. Our guided walk finishes at Chester Cathedral, which stands on the site of a 7th century Saxon church. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving plenty of time for finding that last minute present or to explore further the historical sights of the city. Back at the hotel we'll gather for dinner. Meals included: B, D

Day 3 - Christmas Day, Chester

Merry Christmas! Today is yours to spend at leisure, doing as much or as little as you like. Soak up the atmosphere and festivities in the hotel or explore more of Chester - perhaps take a walk on the banks of the River Dee or stroll along The Rows with their half-timbered buildings. At lunchtime, you’ll be served a traditional festive Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. This afternoon perhaps have a dip in the hotel's swimming pool and this evening a light buffet dinner will be served. Meals included: B, L, D

Day 4 - Boxing Day, Llangollen Steam Railway

This morning our coach picks us up at the hotel. We're leaving England and driving over the nearby border into North Wales, for a day out in Llangollen and to enjoy a roundtrip through the Dee Valley on the Llangollen Steam Railway. Llangollen is a picturesque town built on both sides of the River Dee. The bridge at Llangollen was built across the river in the 16th century to replace a previous bridge built in about 1345, which replaced an even earlier bridge built in the reign of King Henry I. In the 1860s the present bridge was extended by adding an extra arch (to cross the new railway) and a two-storey stone tower with a castellated parapet. The bridge was also widened in 1873 and again in 1968. The bridge is now a Grade I listed structure. Today Llangollen relies heavily on tourism but still gains substantial income from farming. Most of the farms in the hills around the town are sheep farms, and the domestic wool industry, both spinning and weaving, was important in the area for centuries. The water mill opposite Llangollen railway station Llangollen railway is over 600 years old! Llangollen is famous worldwide for its International Eisteddfod - a music festival which takes place every year in July. Over five thousand singers, dancers and instrumentalists from around 50 countries perform to audiences of more than 50,000 over the 6 days of the event. The highlight of our visit to Llangollen is a journey on the Llangollen Steam Railway’s “Mince Pie Special”. The line runs within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and this is evident as the train gently meanders through the Dee Valley in what can be a winter wonderland, from Llangollen to Carrog. This is a relaxing journey of some 8 miles, with breathtaking views from our carriage. During the journey a mince pie and mulled wine will be served, adding to the festive cheer. We’ll then have a short stop in the hamlet of Carrog before re-joining the train for the journey back to Llangollen. We’ll then have some free time in Llangollen before later this afternoon we return to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner. Meals included: B, D

Day 5 - 27th December

After a leisurely breakfast you are free to check out of our hotel and depart at leisure. Meals included: B

Key

B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Evening Dinner