Base Name : Whitchurch
Location : Shropshire
Nearest Canal : Llangollen
Full Address : Wrexham Road, Whitchurch. SY13 3AA
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.
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.
Local Accommodation
Please check www.hotelshopuk.com or www.laterooms.com for special rates.
Local Groceries
The local Tesco Store is Whitelion Meadow, (telephone 0845 6779743, www.tesco.com), which is 3 miles from the marina and there is a Sainsburys in Nantwich, (telephone 01270 629664, www.sainsburys.co.uk).
Local Taxis
Jez Cars - Tel: 01948 663588 / 07863 555323
SM Cars - Tel: 01948 666957 / 07908 778564