Historic Chester and Peaceful Port Sunlight – 2 day, 1 night

About

Chester is one of the UK’s top city break destinations, discover this historic city and nearby Port Sunlight on our Cheshire short break. Walk along the famous Roman walls that encircle the city centre and visit Chester Cathedral, which was founded as a Benedictine monastery more than 800 years ago. Don’t miss The Rows, the 700-year-old, two-tiered shopping galleries offering an extensive choice of independent shops. Then stay at the 4* Hallmark The Queen Hotel within walking distance of the city centre. In the morning, travel to the charming village of Port Sunlight, just a short train journey away on the Wirral. Originally built by William Hesketh Lever to house his employees at the Sunlight Soap Factory, Port Sunlight, with its wide avenues and fascinating architecture,  is now home to the Port Sunlight Museum and the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

What’s included in your Short Break:

Meet and Greet Service at Manchester Piccadilly Station
Meet our representative at The Mill and receive your train tickets and a welcome pack containing your itinerary, payment vouchers, maps and travel tips.

Return Train from Manchester to Chester
Enjoy a relaxing train journey through the Cheshire countryside (journey time: approx 1 hour).

Hop-On, Hop-Off, Open-Top Sightseeing Bus
Soak up the history on a 60-minute circular sightseeing bus tour, you can hop-on and hop-off at 13 stops around the city.

Cruise Along the River Dee
Relax on a 30-minute river cruise along the tranquil River Dee.

Chester Cathedral and Lunch at the Refectory Cafe
Explore 900 years of history at the Cathedral before enjoying a lunch of soup and sandwiches served in the 13th-century Refectory Cafe.

Free Entrance to Top Chester Attractions
There is free entrance to the City Walls, Grosvenor Museum, the Roman Gardens and the 700-year-old ‘The Rows’ shopping galleries.

1 Night Stay at 4* The Queen Hotel
Located opposite Chester Station and within walking distance of the city centre, The Hallmark Hotel Chester boasts vaulted ceilings, spectacular staircases and, supposedly, ghostly residents.

Port Sunlight
After a short train journey to Port Sunlight, spend the day exploring the village founded by ‘Soap King’ William Hesketh Lever. Visit the Port Sunlight Museum and learn about Lever’s vision as he sought to create the village for his workers on a guided tour of the museum and an original Edwardian worker’s cottage. After your tour, enjoy lunch in the quaint tearooms before heading to the Lady Lever Art Gallery to see one of the UK’s finest collections of fine and decorative art. There is plenty of time to explore the village before your return journey to Manchester.

Please note:

All daytrips by train are self-guided/ unescorted. Our representative will meet you at The Mill at Manchester Piccadilly station and provide you with all the information you need, including an itinerary, to use as a guide.

Timings and Departures

FROM APRIL 2019

Day One

Meet and Greet at The Mill 08:20 / Train departs 08:52

Journey time is approx. 1 hour

Suggested arrival at hotel 18:00

Day Two

Train departs from Chester 09:25

Journey time is approx. 30 minutes.

Suggested return from Port Sunlight 16:31 / Arrival in Manchester 18:27

Trains return from Port Sunlight at least every 30 minutes until 22:01

Trains return from Chester approx every 30 minutes until 22:46