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The Danny
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The Danny
National Waterways Museum
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The Danny
Anderton Boat Lift
Anderton Boat Lift
Anderton Boat Lift-
Talk by TV’s Paul Atterbury
River cruise to see the amazing Anderton boat lift
Fascinating National Waterways Museum
Full day cruise aboard “The Danny” on River Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal
With a talk by well-known TV personality, antiques expert and inland waterways enthusiast Paul Atterbury, enjoy a comprehensive introduction to the development of the canal system. This specialist tour explores the vital role canals played in the industrial growth of England's northwest and features a voyage on The Danny, an historic steamship dating from 1903 including a section of the famous Manchester Ship Canal, complete with commentary as you glide through locks and under bridges. Tour highlights include a six hour journey along the River Weaver and ten miles on the famous Manchester Ship Canal, a guided visit to the extensive National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port and a river cruise on the Weaver Navigation to see the historic Anderton Boat Lift, built in 1875, which carried narrow boats from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal 50 feet above.
Day 1: Arrive independently at the Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by Paul Atterbury. Paul has written much on the subject, including his book 'Explore Britain’s Canals'.
Day 2: Full day cruise aboard “The Danny” on River Weaver and Manchester Ship Canal.
Today we will enjoy a full day cruise aboard “The Danny,” an historic steamship dating from 1903. The Daniel Adamson, known affectionately as “The Danny” will take us on an historic and scenic six-hour cruise from Ellesmere Port to Acton Bridge via Eastham Lock – highlights include the Dutton Horse Bridge, a Grade 2 listed structure, impressive Dutton Viaduct, Sutton Locks and a ten-mile stretch of the Manchester Ship Canal. This atmospheric ship was saved from being scrapped in 2004 and has been restored to its 1936 Art Deco splendour through a campaign assisted by the guest lecturer on this tour, Paul Atterbury, who is the Patron of the Preservation Trust and has a great affection for the ship. On board, there is a bar/café to sustain you through the day and the cruise will be accompanied by a commentary about the route and the ship’s history from the captain of the ship, Dan Cross (who started the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society). To find out more, please visit www.thedanny.co.uk. This evening dinner is in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: National Waterways Museum and Anderton Boat Lift.
We will spend the morning at the National Waterways Museum, discovering the unique fleet of historic boats, rich collection of artefacts and the archives that tell the story of Britain’s canals and waterways. The historic docks at Ellesmere Port provide the perfect setting on the banks of the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal. When we arrive we will have an introductory talk followed by a guided tour. After free time for lunch (not included) we will visit the restored Anderton boat lift where we will enjoy a river cruise along the picturesque Weaver navigation with a commentary regarding the river and this historic monument as well as offering a unique view of the Anderton Lift. First opened in 1875, the lift was fully restored and reopened in 2003 after 20 years of disuse. Throughtout 2022 the lift experienced some closures for repairs but hopes to be fully functional in 2023 once again. While here we will also have time to exploire the visitor centre. Return to the hotel for approximately 16.30.
NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion.
Please note the hotel is located at Ellesmere Port near to where The Danny departs and the location of the National Waterways Museum, so a 10-minute walk will be required to start the visits.
Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.
Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 80 passengers
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port
Located alongside the canalside at Ellesmere Port the hotel provides a great base for the sites visited on this tour. The hotel is located 8 miles from Chester with the closest railway station at Ellesmere Port Station. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and lounge, fitness centre, heated swimming pool and comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone and wifi.
Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel.
Holiday Inn Ellesmere Port Hotel Website
Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.
You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day.
For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation.
The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.
Very average hotel. Not as good as previous hotels we've stayed in with you. The least good was the tour of the boat museum. We felt rushed during the tour and were not given enough of an overvew and context of the site.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2023
Tours exceeded expectations helped by some excellent weather.
Review by Bovey who travelled 05-October-2023
A really good holiday. Hotel excellent, brilliant guide, lovely to have breakfast overlooking swans
Review by Stuart who travelled 05-October-2023
All three days of this tour were run extremely well and thoroughly enjoyable. Accommodation at the Holiday Inn was first class and menus provided for the two evening meals were excellent. I have no hesitation in recommending this tour.
Review by Glover who travelled 05-October-2023
Excellent throughout. Mike brilliant guide. Trip on the Danny outstanding, only drawback was would have been good to see more of the Ship Canal rather than the River Weaver. The hotel was excellent. Perfect location, really good service. Previous use of airport hotels had put me off doing trip before.
Review by Moody-Jones who travelled 05-October-2023
Excellent 2 day trip, which went very smoothly. Very good local guides. Hotel was fine but would have preferred more vegetables at the evening meal.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2023
Our tour guide was excellent, always helpful. The Holiday Inn at Ellsmere Port was an excellent choice, the staff kept everything running smoothly.
Review by Manser who travelled 05-October-2023
Meal at holiday inn on second evening was very very slow hence the lower mark
Review by Anonymous who travelled 05-October-2023
Chose this for disabled elderly husband interested in engineering. I went along but didn’t think I’d enjoy it much. However my mind was quickly changed. The hotel was better than expected with cheery capable (British!) staff. Breakfasts 10 out of ten. The all day sail on Danny was great. Such a lovely vessel. Helped enormously by the enthusiasm and knowledge and humour of the volunteers. Again, I nearly didn’t go to the Waterways Museum but the jolly lady volunteer who took us round made it very worth while and there was so much to see. Still can’t imagine living in the tiny space available on the barge with a whole family. The boat lift was worth seeing too. Thank you. Well worth while. Marjorie Stratton
Review by Hoskins who travelled 05-October-2023
Well organised , and excellent speaker. Hotel accommodation was excellent, and staff friendly and helpful. Highlight was the commentary on board the Anderton barge.
Review by Macleod who travelled 05-October-2023
Very interesting and enjoyable tour
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-October-2022
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-October-2022
We saw this trip advertised in the Telegraph and thought if sounded interesting as we had no real knowledge of canals and waterways. We enjoyed the time spent sailing on the "Danny" but felt 6 hrs. was too long. The heavy rain didn't help but we were looked after excellently by the volunteers who were so kind and gave us a real insight into the work they do. We were disappointed the Anderton boat lift was not working, but we had a very enjoyable boat trip getting up close to it and we had an excellent commentary by one of the crew. Our Tour leader Nick was very good at giving us information on what was happening and he had a sense of humour which always helps in a group situation. Also our coach driver Mustapha was excellent and always cheerful and helpful. Overall we were impressed by Travel Editions and would recommend them to anyone.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 06-October-2022
The first boat excursion, on the Danny, was too long for the interest it generated. The commentary on the second boat trip was just too long, in fact non-stop for 1 1/2 hours! The evening lecture was excellent. The visit to the National Waterways Museum was also excellent and would have been worthy of a longer stay.
Review by Warren who travelled 06-October-2022
It was a pity that we did not experience the lift but the ferry was excellent
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2021
We enjoyed the tour. These are comments not complaints 1. Food at the hotel: we would have preferred say 3 specified options, rather than the one meat option we were offered - and "vegetarian option" that was not specified 2. The speaker on the first day, first at the Anderton Boat life and then on the Weaver navigation boat trio went on for much too long. Too many details for a generalist audience. Shoudl have been given a time limit that the tour guide kept him to 3. On the last day, boat ride on Manchester Ship Canal, trip was quite long and boat was very crowded - so social distancing was very difficult
Review by Seddon who travelled 07-October-2021
We have made several tours with you and will continue to do so when we can. Keep up the good work.
Review by Moss who travelled 07-October-2021
The only disappointment was that the Anderton Boat Lift was closed and that would have been the highlight of the trip for us all. I marked you down for that as I think you should have checked a week ahead and offered us the chance of changing our dates.
Review by Rodrigues who travelled 07-October-2021
I enjoyed this trip. I would have liked a map of the area, with the Waterways on before travelling with you, the lecturer was excellent. Personally I would prefer to have hard copies of your letters. I can’t print items, so want to have hard proof.
Review by Sayer who travelled 07-October-2021
My daughter and I really enjoyed the whole trip Everyone was very helpful.
Review by Lambert who travelled 07-October-2021
we would have liked to seen more of the Manchester Ship Canal, I understand there was a cost factor to consider, your brochure indicated that we would be seeing more of the MSC than we did. We would have liked to have gone on the Anderton Boat Lift but I understand it was closed for maintenence. John Millett.
Review by millett who travelled 07-October-2021
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2021
Further to correspondence relating to hotels. This, at first sight odd, choice of hotel makes perfect sense. The group size is determined by the capacity of the Danny and the airport hotel is large, easy to access by rail and less prone to traffic holdups than ones located in cities or their environs which are likely to be the only other ones able to cope with the numbers. Menu was basic but acceptable in the circumstances.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2021
Excellent tour. Suitable for clients with restricted mobility. Suggest more of these are sourced.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2021
We had a lovely experience on our holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing the speaker, Paul Atterbury, The evening meals were delicious, the staff attentive and our tour manager, Nick, was great. The hotel was a pleasurable experience. The only downside was not being able to go the full length of the Ship Canal. But "The Danny" was a beautiful boat and well worth travelling on.
Review by Riches who travelled 07-October-2021
We had a lovely experience on our holiday. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing the speaker, Paul Atterbury, The evening meals were delicious, the staff attentive and our tour manager, Nick, was great. The hotel was a pleasurable experience. The only downside was not being able to go the full length of the Ship Canal. But "The Danny" was a beautiful boat and well worth travelling on.
Review by Anonymous who travelled 07-October-2021
ten/ten
Review by Chadwick who travelled 07-October-2021
Enjoyed the group meals very much. The trips were excellant. A bit late sending out the final itinery information.
Review by Bragg who travelled 04-October-2019
Review by anonymous who travelled 04-October-2019
The arrangements for the first evening was haphazard. We were expecting a reception but had to sit down straight to dinner. Hotel had not laid enough places for dinner and had to set up two extra tables whilst the rest of us were waiting. Too much wine included with first evening dinner and none with second dinner - this could be better handled in future. Also we booked an extra night dinner, bed and breakfast and were disappointed to find we were expected to have a set meal in the function suite on the third night and not have a choice of meals in the main restuarant.
Review by Sharp who travelled 04-October-2019
Tour managers provided very little information unless pressed. Times and venues were changed without notice. First night dinner had 2 tables too few so these had to be rushed in at the last minute. Menu had not been thought out to cater for as many tastes as possible. Paul Atterbury was a very fluent speaker but the general consensus was that he just told us what most of us knew already . We loved the visits and trips but the managers were not up to the standard we have grown to expect from previous tours with travel editions
Review by Allen who travelled 04-October-2019
Thoroughly enjoyed the Tour. Most interesting. Good company too.
Review by Horton who travelled 04-October-2019
Review by anonymous who travelled 04-October-2019
We think the party size was too big, it seemed to lose the spirit that normally goes with Travel Editions Tours. We were disappointed that the hotel did not offer any menu choice even on the extra night,however the staff were accommodating and did manage to change some meals on request. Mark you they could afford to be flexible with the profit they must make on the drinks! There was a lot of smuggling going on from outside drink suppliers.
Review by Brock who travelled 04-October-2019
Enjoyable tour; number on tour a bit overwhelming and might have benefitted from being divided into two definite groups for known coaches from the outset.
Review by anonymous who travelled 04-October-2019
A very enjoyable weekend. Loved every minute of it. Thank you so much.
Review by Puls who travelled 04-October-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-September-2019
Dinner at the Hilton Manchester Hotel where we stayed was of a very poor standard. There was no choice, the vegetables were overcooked and lacked any green variety. The courses were badly balanced. On the third evening, we stayed an extra night, the coffee was served cold. Took the edge off what had been a very enjoyable weekend
Review by Beardwood who travelled 20-September-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-September-2019
we have been on many travel editions tours - usually 2 a year for the last 7 or 8 years - and have always found the standard of tours excellent - the tour leader on this tour was Mike Stone ably assisted by his wife Marilyn and as usual they were wonderful hosts ensuring that everyone in the party was happy and were able to get the most out of their trip - Paul Atterbury the guest speaker gave an amazing talk on the history of the canals. - The Hilton Hotel at Manchester Airport was central for the tour and the staff were all very helpful - we had some problems with our room which were sorted to the best of their ability - our only complaint from the weekend was the low standard of the evening meals - there was not a choice and the food was very low grade and dreadfully overcooked on each night - as an example chicken like rubber and carrots and parsnips burnt and overcooked - the buffet breakfast was good with ample choice but we really think that Travel Editions should speak to the Hilton Hotel regarding the standard of the set evening meals - we personally would not wish to stay at that hotel again.
Review by Gray who travelled 20-September-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 20-September-2019
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-October-2018
The Hotel was very comfortable and easy to reach for people travelling by car, but the lack of choice on the menu was a disappointment at the end of an active day.
Review by Mackenley who travelled 13-October-2018
We had an issue regarding Housekeeping which was resolved once we complained via Reception. Restaurant staff were sometimes unsure whether my food was gluten free and had to repeatedly check with the chefs.
Review by Partington who travelled 13-October-2018
A most interesting tour down memory lane. Well planned
Review by Jackson who travelled 13-October-2018
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-October-2018
Enjoyed the trip and learnt a good deal and the talk by Paul Atterbury set the scene. Unfortunately, there was a lot of hanging about at the National Waterways Museum as the first coach party were delayed. The food was fine. It would be nice to receive the final paperwork in hard copy rather than everything by email, as emails and printers can go wrong!
Review by Gore who travelled 13-October-2018
The Hotel accommodation was good but did not think the standard of the evening meal was particularly good plus the charge of £10 per night to park was to say the least excessive as we were using the Hotel for the full period of the stay ie not just using it as a car park.
Review by Read who travelled 13-October-2018
Review by Anonymous who travelled 13-October-2018
Have not filled in flight etc as not applicable. Overall very enjoyable trip. Not something would have thought of doing under own steam. Very interesting talk by Paul Atterbury. This is our 2nd trip. So enjoyed last year's to Bristol and look forward to another trip in 2019.
Review by Hutchison who travelled 13-October-2018
Review by Mrs Rita Russell who travelled 23-June-2017
Good Tour Manager, very interesting itinerary. Food could have been better at hotel with service slow. But my gluten free requirements were well caterer for. Staff very helpful.
Review by Mr Chris Dallman who travelled 23-June-2017
Review by who travelled 23-June-2017
We really enjoyed the weekend. Perhaps too long at the boat museum for most people. It was a shame the weather was so miserable on the Sunday.
Review by Mrs Mary King who travelled 23-June-2017
Guide on Manchester Ship canal trip was excellent. Pleasant voice, knowledgeable, didn't talk too much at one time and if told interesting information by passengers, passed it on. Flight/Train/Ferry not applicable.
Review by Mr Geoff Higgs who travelled 23-June-2017
Hotel in a poor position with the road works. Food at the hotel only average and no option. On the booking form no dietary requirements listed. The tour itself was good
Review by Mr Lionel Wright who travelled 23-June-2017
The two dinners. at the hotel were poor. Breakfasts O K.
Review by Mr David Roberts who travelled 23-June-2017
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience - learnt so much about the history of this region. It made a great birthday present for my husband. Would recommend it.!.
Review by Mrs Anita Jones who travelled 23-June-2017
Regarding the John Lennon L'Pool Airport Hotel, this was a surprise because on the internet I could not find a good word to be said about it, and we were almost dreading it. It turned out to be absolutely fine with good food. Not the very best, but good nonetheless. The poor thing was the hilite of the trip - i.e. the trip down the Manchester Ship Canal, but this was hardly your fault. It is a scenic "cruise" but the windows were "fuzzy" - as your own tour guide, Mary Moore, said, "it's like looking through cataracts". The windows were awful, also they were dirty and it was misty and raining, all of which made it worse. However, the weather was not your fault, but I think the ferryboat windows were pretty awful for a cruise. This is, I think, the fourth trip we have been on, and we met some very nice people (as ever) and had a fairly good time, but it is the least best trip. However, we will definitely be travelling with you again.
Review by Mrs Lesley Anziani who travelled 23-June-2017
Review by who travelled 02-September-2016
Only received a brochure on the coach for 2016, booked following advertisement in the Telegraph.
Review by Mrs Dorothy Doughty who travelled 02-September-2016
Review by who travelled 02-September-2016
Overall, excellent value for money
Review by Mr Anthony Geraghty who travelled 02-September-2016
Review by who travelled 02-September-2016
T E did very well to provide this tour despite the serious problems on the MSC over recent months and it was generally very good. As you are no doubt aware from your tour managers there were several issues with the hotel and I will write a separate email with my comments..
Review by Mr David Blackburn who travelled 02-September-2016
Review by Mrs Frances Richards who travelled 02-September-2016
Hotel restaurant and bar need to become a lot more professional, they are nowhere near 4* standard, and the food especially the deserts were too repetitive, plus on Monday morning the kitchen had run out of butter!!! Other wise a very good weekend.
Review by Mrs Frances Richards who travelled 02-September-2016
My only negative comment was that found your directions to the Crown Plaza; the John Lennon Airport baffling. because the Crown Plaza is not the JLA, but as every scouser told me '.You want the OLD JLA'. I think a more detailed map of the area would have helped here. Anderton Boat Lift was undoubtedly the top visit ,amazing.
Review by Dr Brian French who travelled 02-September-2016
Review by Mr Eric Parr who travelled 02-September-2016
Very interesting hotel. Staff helpful. Catering boring and below standard of other hotels I have stayed in. Bar friendly but disappointed no local ales. The trips and talks excellent.
Review by Mrs Valerie Clement who travelled 17-June-2016
Review by Mr Geoffrey Dunham who travelled 17-June-2016
This was very good. I'd have liked a little more detail in advance about the places we visited. Sometimes found it difficult to know what was happening but there happened to be a lot of changes on the hoof for this particular weekend. Would have liked longer at Ellesmere port. Canal trips were good and boat lift spectacular.
Review by Ms Sheila Duncan who travelled 17-June-2016
It was a shame that the full passage of the Manchester Ship Canal was unable to go ahead but Travel Editions had made appreciable efforts to create an appropriate alternative itinerary, which was interesting and enjoyable. The hotel was of interest as a building in itself, and very comfortable, though sadly we felt the quality of the food in the evenings did not reflect the quality of the hotel generally. The tour guide was pleasant and efficient.
Review by Mrs Pauline Pullen who travelled 17-June-2016
Not clear from brochure & other literature whether Paul Atterbury would be accompanying the outings. Food at hotel not very good.
Review by Mrs Susan Headland who travelled 17-June-2016
very capable and pleasant tour manager
Review by Mrs Christine Smith who travelled 17-June-2016
On the whole a lovely weekend. The alternative schedule arranged due to the closure of the Manchester Ship Canal was possibly even more interesting. Hotel was querky but very comfortable and staff delightful. Unfortunately spoiled by poor quality meals. No choice at all and those who had pre ordered variations - e.g. no fish or dairy - had to wait ages to be served. No excuse when the hotel had prior knowledge of these. It all took so long that our coffee arrived before the dessert on the first evening. I
Review by Mrs Valerie Ottewill who travelled 17-June-2016
Very well organised and all went smoothly. Most enjoyable cruise with a marvellous commentary.
Review by Ms Angela Higson who travelled 14-September-2015
Review by Prof J Taylor who travelled 14-September-2015
Review by Mr Martin Clark who travelled 14-September-2015
Review by Mr John Edwards who travelled 14-September-2015
We were disappointed on arrival at the hotel to be greeted with the fact that we were expected to share a double bed which was unacceptable. Told that we should have asked for twin beds when booking. It was sorted by one of us having a couch to sleep on.
Review by Mrs Pamela Hudson who travelled 14-September-2015
We had a slight problem with our hotel room, but this was resolved to our satisfaction very quickly by the hotel. Will have no hesitation in recommending Travel Editions to our friends.
Review by Mr Roger Willcox who travelled 14-September-2015
Booked via Telegraph after seeing advert although not much info given about the tours. We really enjoyed the whole trip & found the guides at all venues very knowledgable. Very friendly, helpful bus driver too. Would recommend Manchester Ship Canal & Waterways Museum to others.
Review by Mr Kenneth Waller who travelled 14-September-2015
Extra thanks to bus driver Terry who got us back to the rail station with 4 mins to catch our train
Review by Mr William Franklin who travelled 14-September-2015
Review by Mr Ray Woodcock who travelled 14-September-2015
Review by Mrs Hazel Risdale who travelled 14-September-2015
Review by Mrs Rosemary Davies who travelled 05-June-2015
The hotel and staff were excellent. A very interesting and informative weekend.
Review by Mr Christopher Morton who travelled 01-August-2014
Review by Mr Frank Chetwynd who travelled 01-August-2014
Review by Mr Trevor Newton who travelled 01-August-2014
The Hotel Building was excellent. The rooms were good (2 large double beds was an extravagance ! ). The restaurant service was a bit haphazard !
Review by Mr Norman Pearce who travelled 01-August-2014
Unfortunately, we were ripped off by the taxi driver from Lime Street as he charged us at Rate 3 - £20. I should have challenged him. Although the hotel was very good the food was poor. I had Pollock on the first night and haddock on the second, but they were both flavourless and there was a paucity of vegetables. However, we found the weekend very interesting and informative and the talk on Friday was fascinating.
Review by Mrs Victoria Webb who travelled 01-August-2014
Review by Mr & Mrs G Jones who travelled 01-August-2014
Would have been useful to know about the David LLoyd Centre before departure. Leaflets for Ship Canal cruise would have been useful in advance. Hotel system failed to recognise name with room number causing problems at bar and one key failed to operate door.
Review by Mr Alan Wood who travelled 01-August-2014
Excellent hotel and interesting tours - all new to us
Review by Mr David Smith who travelled 01-August-2014
Review by Miss Jean Bromley who travelled 16-May-2014
Review by Mrs C Le Blanc who travelled 16-May-2014
Good insight into the waterways of the NW, well organised etc.
Review by Mr Mark Weedon who travelled 16-May-2014
The food at Crowne Plaza, Liverpool was OK at breakfast, appalling at dinner - three nights of the same steamed veg.
Review by Mrs Frances Middlestorb who travelled 16-May-2014
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your comments and we have passed on your views on the dinner at the Crowne Plaza to the hotel - we are constantly having to kep onto UK hotels with regards to meal standards.
The satisfactory ratings are because of the inconvenient location of the hotel for anybody using public transport.
Review by Mr David Pears who travelled 16-May-2014
Hotel and food not up to usual standards for your trips.
Review by Mrs Catherine Bartley who travelled 16-May-2014
Travel Editions feedback:
Thank you for your comments and we will pass on your views of the meals to the hotel direct.
Hilton hotels are rather disappointing these days, little things and aspects of the service in general are not up to the standard one expects from the Hilton name. The tour itself was excellent, really interesting and enjoyable. Perhaps you might consider an alternative hotel chain for some future tours.
Review by Wood who travelled 09-June-2013
