Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Chester
Chester Christmas Markets with Cream Tea on the Dee
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Wrap up warm and spend a few days exploring the historic city of Chester at Christmas time. Over 80 market stalls in the Town Hall square selling locally made produce, handmade crafts, jewellery, accessories will make your Christmas shopping easy! Make sure you explore the city centre that sparkles and shines during this festive period. The famous medieval ‘Rows’ with quirky independent shops and cafes nearby the beautifully decorated glass domed Grosvenor shopping centre add to your shopping experience. Not only famous for the Christmas markets, Chester is infamous for its history, walk along the oldest and most complete city walls in Britain – some parts date back 2000 years. Chester’s very own medieval Cathedral holds its annual Christmas tree festival where Christmas trees are decorated in their own unique style. The lights and decorations illuminate the Cathedral space in a beautiful seasonal glow – definitely not one to miss!
In the afternoon, we board the Chester Boat and take a two hour cruise down the River Dee. We will be served a cream tea and hot drink as the scenic countryside passes us by. The boat is covered and heated making it a cosy trip and nice way to relax after a busy morning shopping.
Our hotel for this trip is the Holiday Inn Chester South, a 4 star hotel located a short walk or a few miles from the city centre and the River Dee. There is a health club and a heated swimming pool. There is free WiFi for all guests and one restaurant that serves dinner and full English breakfast in the morning. The bar and lounge provide a welcoming space to relax and unwind after you day of walking and exploring.
Dates
8 November, 15 November, 29 November and 6 December 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel
On the way to your hotel you may choose to visit the popular (and normally quite busy) McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet village. Arrive at your hotel with time to relax and use the hotels leisure facilities before dinner.
Day 2
Chester and Chester Boat Cruise with Cream Tea
Christmas has arrived in Chester! You will have free time in morning to walk the cobbled streets, castle walls and main streets of Chester to get yourself ready for the festive period. Meander amongst the Market stalls to find unique gifts and festive finds. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral to see the Christmas trees at their very best.
In the afternoon, we take a relaxing river cruise with commentary along the River Dee. Get comfortable as you glide through the countryside on your decorated, covered and heated boat and enjoy homemade, freshly baked fruit scones with jam and cream and a warm drink.
Why not continue walking and browsing the Christmas stalls after the cruise to really experience the Christmas magic when the lights are switched on at dusk.
Return to your hotel for dinner.
Day 3
Return home
After a full English breakfast you may choose to visit Liverpool’s Albert Dock or the Ness Botanic Gardens (supplement on request) on your way home.
Featured Hotels
Holiday Inn Chester South ****
Located just outside Chester, the hotel has a fully heated swimming pool and health club. The welcoming bar lounge is a relaxing area to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, a light bite or a pre dinner drink. There is one restaurant that serves international and British food to cater for every taste and is where your buffet breakfast is served in the morning. Each room has free WiFi, air-conditioning, iron, TV.
Other hotels in and around Chester are available – please contact us for details.
Holiday Inn Chester South ****
Dates | 3 days / 2 nights |
8 November 2026 | From £142.00 per person |
15 November 2026 | From £142.00 per person |
29 November 2026 SOLD | From £142.00 per person |
6 December 2026 | From £142.00 per person |
Single room supplement available upon request.