Whitchurch Marina in Shropshire

Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. SY13 3AA

Things to do from Whitchurch Marina

Whitchurch is set on the beautiful Llangollen Canal in Shropshire. Cruise from here to Llangollen or perhaps go the other way towards Ellesmere Port

Chester - Step off the pages of history and take a tour of Chester with a real Roman and learn what everyday life would have been like in Roman Chester. Discover 1,000 of shops behind the magnificent black and white buildings in Chester's high street and stroll around Chester's Rows where 21st century stores thrive in a Medieval setting.

Ellesmere - A pretty and historic market town nestling in the Shropshire countryside the town's architecture includes Georgian houses and half timbered buildings which offer a host of shops selling everything from antiques to fine food. At the visitors centre view the nesting Herons or take a gentle stroll around the famous Meres.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct - Spanning the beautiful River Dee and Dee Valley this awe inspiring aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop. First Opened in 1805 it spans 1000 feet and is 125 feet high, when crossing over in a narrow boat experience the feeling of being suspended in mid air.

Llangollen - Famous the world over for the annual International Musical Eisteddfod held each July when more than 4,000 competitors from more than fifty countries come together in a gala of song, music and dance. Take a trip through some spectacular scenery on The Llangollen railway and take part in one of the many special events which are hosted throughout the year which include a real ale train trip, a visit from Santa and you can even meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Llangollen is a haven for shoppers as it hosts a selection of shops offering interesting and more unusual gifts.

Directions

By Road : If you are approaching from the north via the A41 or A49, you need to follow signs for Wrexham (A525) as you get nearer to Whitchurch. This will take you on a new bypass to the west of Whitchurch.

When you reach the roundabout junction with the A525, take the Wrexham last exit. The entrance to 'Viking Afloat' is only 50 yards away, to the right.

If you are approaching from the East on the A525, you need to follow signs for Wrexham (A525) as you get nearer to Whitchurch.

This will take you on a new bypass to the south, and then West of Whitchurch.

When you reach the roundabout junction with the A525, take the Wrexham (first) exit. The entrance to Viking Afloat is only 50 yards on the right.

If you are travelling from the South on the A41 (A449) as you approach Whitchurch turn left at the roundabout following signs for Wrexham (A525). Go straight across the next roundabout still following signs for Wrexham (A525).At the A525 junction turn left at the roundabout and Viking Afloat is 50 yards along on the right.

If you are approaching Whitchurch from the West (A525), approximately 1 mile after the junction with the A495 (Oswestry), the road is carried over the canal and you will find the entrance to Viking Afloat 100 yards past the canal bridge, on the left just 50 yards before the roundabout joining the Whitchurch bypass.

By Rail: The nearest train station is Whitchurch, Shropshire. You will need to get a taxi from here to the base. For information about train timetables and ticket costs for all mainline rail transport please go to www.thetrainline.com.

By Air : Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham airports are all 1 hour away. You will need to take the train to Crewe or Shrewsbury and then change for Whitchurch.

There is no direct National Express coach to Whitchurch, so you will need to take the coach to Nantwich (9.7 miles away) or Crewe (13 miles away) and then take the train.

Please see www.nationalexpress.com for details on national coach travel.

 

Routes :

Llangollen & Return | Chester or Ellesmere Port & Return | The Cheshire Ring | The Four Counties Ring

Llangollen & return
• From Whitchurch 7 nights, 4 hours per day, 4 locks

The Llangollen Canal is arguably the most beautiful canal on the whole system and combines the gentle countryside of Shropshire and the more dramatic landscape of the Welsh border.

It boasts one of the most striking features on the UK canals - the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which can be reached from both Whitchurch and Wrenbury in a week or 4 night mid week break (you will not be able to cross over the aqueduct in a 3 night weekend break).

Unusually, this canal has a flow of 2mph as it feeds other canals, so the outbound journey will always be slower than on the way back. The last locks are at New Marton, half way between Ellesmere and Chirk. From there on, as it clings to the hillside contours, an enchanting blend of aqueducts and tunnels takes the canal, lock free, to Llangollen.

New visitor moorings in Llangollen are now available, but charges do apply (£5.00 per night per boat, need to arrive by 4.30pm).

Take a steam train ride www.llangollen-railway.co.uk from Llangollen up the Dee Valley or visit the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran.

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Chester or Ellesmere Port & return
Chester, 7 nights, 5 hours per day, 66 locks

For Ellesmere Port add 1.5 hours per day and 8 locks On this popular countryside route the locks are well spaced for easy cruising. You can choose to travel to Chester and then retrace your steps back to the marina or continue along the Shropshire Union main line to its historic terminal on the River Mersey at Ellesmere Port.

Mooring in Chester is within easy reach of the walled city centre with its medieval ‘rows’ where there are a variety of shops, galleries and the majestic cathedral. Chester TIC 01244 402111 www.chestertourism.com

Chester Zoo is just a short walk from the canal. 01244 380280 www.chesterzoo.org

The fascinating Boat Museum 0151 355 5017 www.boatmuseum.org.uk at Ellesmere Port is a few locks beyond Chester, near to the junction with the Manchester Ship Canal. The museum has an extensive collection of preserved inland waterway craft and display areas in many of the former warehouses.

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The Cheshire Ring
14 nights, 6 hours per day, 137 locks

A fascinating trip that takes you through the heart of Manchester and the Peak District with its distinctive stone architecture.

Moor at Castlefields to explore the city of Manchester, including Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C. 0870 4421994 www.manutd.co.uk, the huge Arndale shopping centre and the Science & Industry Museum. 0161 832 2244 www.msim.org.uk

The trip will let you enjoy glorious scenery as the Pennine Range overlooks the canal and, if time allows, detour along the Peak Forest canal to its terminus.
Enjoy the stunning views from Marple and at Anderton pause to visit the fabulously restored boat lift which now operates throughout the cruising season to link the canal with the River Weaver.

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Four Counties Ring
14 nights, 6 hours per day, 132 locks

This is a popular circular route that takes you on a fascinating journey through parts of Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands and Cheshire.

This is an active trip, but well worth the extra effort. There is lots to see including Wedgwood Pottery factory 01782 204141 and the Wedgwood Museum at Barlaston 01782 282986 www.thewedgwoodstory.com, the
impressive 2926-yard long Harecastle Tunnel and Shugborough Hall 01889 881388 www.nationaltrust.org.uk at Great Haywood.

You will travel on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, the Trent and Mersey, Shropshire Union and Llangollen Canal depending on which base you start from, giving you a variety of scenery from the rolling Staffordshire countryside to the Cheshire Plains to extensive views of the beautiful Shropshire countryside.