Things to do in

Cheshire

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.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Manchester 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. We’ll 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 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 also known as Eryi. Afterwards we’ll head to the 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 during March-October). Please note, that from 1st November 2024 we will be visiting the historic Caernarfon Castle, this medieval fortress is steeped in Wales' fascinating history. It stands as a testament to the nation's rich past. Here, you'll have time to explore its towering walls and uncover the pivotal role it played in shaping history. Whether you're fascinated by royal ceremonies or medieval battles, Caernarfon Castle offers a journey through time and truly brings history to life. 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 Manchester and back to reality after a day of discovering this incredible part of the world.

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 bustling city of Manchester 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 the Frenchman - Richard The Engineer. Head into Snowdonia National Park where we take you off-the-beaten-track with a stop at the “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.

Come directly to the 550-acre park and drive your car around the different continental zones. Check out the Bactrian camels, white rhinos, baboons, and African lions from the comfort of your own car. Pass through many different habitats and see various species throughout the journey. After you finish driving, head over to the foot safari to walk around and see the sea lions and birds of prey. Meet the giraffes, tigers, meerkats, and more animals too. Then, go on a peaceful walk around the lake. Listen to talks about nature and look at more displays if you want to.

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.

Leave the hustle and bustle of Chester 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. We’ll 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 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 also known as Eryi. Afterwards we’ll head to the 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 during March-October). Please note, that from 1st November 2024 we will be visiting the historic Caernarfon Castle, this medieval fortress is steeped in Wales' fascinating history. It stands as a testament to the nation's rich past. Here, you'll have time to explore its towering walls and uncover the pivotal role it played in shaping history. Whether you're fascinated by royal ceremonies or medieval battles, Caernarfon Castle offers a journey through time and truly brings history to life. 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.

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!