The Manchester Ship Canal & Bowness
3 days - by Coach

See some of the region’s most stunning architectural and natural sights.

Enjoy a fascinating cruise on Britain’s grandest canal from Liverpool to Manchester, a mighty feat of Victorian engineering along 35 miles of waterway that features the only swing aqueduct in the world, seven swing road bridges, four high level road bridges, five level railway viaducts and five sets of huge locks!

Construction of the Manchester Ship Canal began in 1887, costing about £15 million to build over six years with the aim of protecting Manchester’s ailing Victorian cotton trade and to avoid the high charges being inflicted by rail transport and also, Liverpool Docks. When the ship canal opened in January 1894, it was the largest river navigation canal in the world, enabling the newly created Port of Manchester to become Britain’s third busiest port, despite the city being 40 miles inland. As you sail through spectacular countryside on your modern day canal cruise, a lively commentary will explain the history of this magnificent waterway and how it has shaped the city of Manchester and the wider North West area over the past 120 years.

This tour is organised and operated by Omega Short Breaks Ltd ABTA Y5914

• Return coach travel from your chosen local departure point
• Two nights stay in a twin/double bedded room* at a 3 or 4 star North West area hotel
• Dinner and full English breakfast, from dinner on the first evening to breakfast on the final morning, inclusive
• A cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal from Seacombe to Salford Quays
• Free time in Manchester city centre and Salford Quays
• A visit to Bowness-on-Windermere
• Services of an Omega Holidays coach driver/tour representative
• VAT at the government's prevailing rate at the date of travel

Day 1 - After a morning departure from your local area, we will travel to the centre of Manchester where you can enjoy this cosmopolitan city’s vast choice of stores and attractions. In the mid to late afternoon, we will continue our journey to your hotel with time to relax before dinner and the first of your two nights stay.

Day 2 - After a full English breakfast, we will travel to The Wirral where we will board a Mersey Ferries boat at Seacombe for the 6 hour cruise along the Manchester Ship Canal to Salford Quays. After a most memorable and insightful cruise, there will be a little free time in The Quays to enjoy this treasure trove of history, heritage, art and entertainment, before we return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Day 3 - Following a full English breakfast, we will travel to Bowness-on-Windermere where there will be time at leisure in this delightful Lakeside town. Afterwards, we will re-commence your journey homeward in the mid afternoon after a most charming and interest-packed three day break.

This break is a day trip and therefore does not use a hotel