Llangollen Canal Cruise

We enjoy a horse-drawn cruise on the Llangollen Canal. A leisurely ride along the last stretch of the Llangollen Canal, not navigable by other boats. A stop at the end allows us to admire the Chain Bridge across the River Dee and marvel at the man-made Horseshoe Falls, a masterpiece by Thomas Telford.

The rest of the day is free to explore Llangollen, a delightful little town with a wealth of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Spectacular Swowdonia

We enjoy a drive through the beautiful scenery of Snowdonia. We travel via the dramatic Pass of Nant Ffrancon and break for lunch in the town of Llanberis.

We return via the spectacular Llanberis Pass, enjoying magnificent mountain views.

Erdigg

We cross the scenic Horseshoe Pass to the delightful little historic town of Ruthin, where we break for lunch.

In the afternoon we visit Erdigg, near Wrexham (National Trust, admission extra). Widely acclaimed as one of Britain's finest historic houses, Erddig is a fascinating, yet unpretentious early 18th-century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years.

The extensive downstairs area contains Erddig's unique collection of servants' portraits, while the upstairs rooms are an amazing treasure trove of fine furniture, textiles and wallpapers. Outside, an impressive range of outbuildings includes stables, smithy, joiners' shop and sawmill.