Chester & the Buxton Crescent Experience

Magnificent 4* Shrigley Hall Hotel is set in 260 acres of spectacular countryside right on the edge of the Peak District. It is the perfect location from which to explore this lovely corner of England. Enjoy a full day in Medieval Chester, home to some wonderful historic sights such as the Rows, the Roman Amphitheatre and Eastgate Clock as well as an included cruise on the River Dee. Elegant Buxton is full of appeal and a guided tour of the unique Buxton Crescent Experience is a highlight. Full of fabulous inclusions, fabulous excursions and a fabulous hotel, this is one not to miss!Holiday Highlights
- Hotel for 3 or 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Welcome drink- Tea /coffee after dinner- Visit to Medieval Chester & Buxton (all tours)- Two-hour Iron Bridge River Dee cruise (June only)- 30 min Chester Cruise (Oct only)- Buxton Crescent Experience (all tours)- Entrance to Lyme House & Gardens (June only)- Return transfers to Macclesfield (June only)- Porterage

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 3 or 4-night stay with welcome tea / coffee on arrival. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 3 (or 4) - At leisure at Shrigley Hall Hotel with two or three included excursions.\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nBuxton Crescent Experience (All tours)\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. 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 complimentary bottle of Buxton Water to taste. 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. Head back via pretty Bakewell, full of cosy courtyards, impressive stone buildings, a quaint five-arched Roman bridge, a Grade I listed church and historic alms houses before returning to the hotel over the scenic Cat & Fiddle Pass with its amazing views.\n\nDay in Charming Chester (All tours)\nBewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make Chester one of Britain's most attractive cities. The ancient city is a truly breathtaking experience. Each chapter of Chester's history is etched into the very fabric of the city as you walk where Roman Legionaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings - and of course the one and only 700 year old Rows galleries where shopping is a double delight. \n\n(June 5-day) Step aboard an included two-hour Iron Bridge Cruise to enjoy marvellous views of the leafy Cheshire countryside as you glide along the River Dee, winding through the Duke of Westminster's Eaton Estate and up to picturesque 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 is a sightseeing commentary as the boat passes places of interest along the riverbanks. There is a fully stocked bar available onboard, and you are welcome to bring your own snack and food.\n\n(Oct 4-day) Step aboard an included 30-minute cruise to see a different side of Chester as you glide along the River Dee, heading upstream, under Queen's Park Suspension Bridge, through the picturesque suburb of Boughton, following the sweeping bend of the Meadows, to see stunning riverside homes and gardens. There is a a fully stocked bar onboard,\n\nLyme House & Gardens (June - 5-day tour only)\nEnjoy a visit to glorious Lyme House and Gardens, a great sporting estate in its heyday and more recently, the film location for 'Pemberley' in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth, which has made it one of the most famous country house images in England. Right on the edge of the Peak District and nestling within sweeping moorland, step back in time to the Regency era at Lyme Park, a magnificent 1,400 acre estate with lavish interiors, elegant Rose Garden and wonderful deer park. The luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake is where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett. Head in to the house to step back in time to the Regency era - a time which saw great rejuvenation for Lyme.\n\nHead back to the hotel to spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities. Alternatively your driver can drop you into nearby Macclesfield. You may like to visit the Picturedrome, an amazing pop up food hall, housed in a cinema building dating back to 1911. The Silk Museum (open until 16.00) is full of marvellous industrial textile machinery and tells the story of how silk shaped Macclesfield over 300 years (entry FOC but donation requested). Return to the hotel to get ready for dinner\n\nReturn Day - 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