Witches and Waterways

Discover North West England in a whole new way. In the 17th century, 12 local women who lived in the small villages around Pendle Hill in Lancashire were accused of murder. The subsequent and now infamous Lancashire Witch Trials found 10 of the women guilty. In this tour, we visit Samlesbury Hall, a half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325, where an entertaining ‘witch’ brings the stories to life. Back in the 21st century, we take a canal cruise, go shopping at Oswaldtwistle Mills, and also see chocolate being made at The Chocolate House.

Day 1

Travel to your hotel
On the journey, we will call in at Oswaldtwistle Mills, the award-winning shopping outlet based in a former weaving mill, with more than 100 retailers under one roof.
Then we will make our way to our hotel. After settling into our hotel, you will enjoy a 3-course evening meal.

Day 2

Samlesbury Hall, a witch, a hill and canal cruise
This morning we visit Samlesbury Hall, an impressive half-timbered black and white medieval house built in 1325 as a family home. But watch out for your tour guide, who claims to be one of the famous Pendle Witches. That may or may not be true (we think the latter), but her 90-minute tour of the house, in character, is an entertaining and informative tour-de-force that will live long in the memory.
After lunch we take a relaxing 90-minute cruise along the Leeds Liverpool Canal. Returning to our hotel, we take a scenic route that gives an opportunity to see the famous Pendle Hill.

Day 3

The Chocolate House and return home.
A final treat before returning home with a visit to The Chocolate House (near Blackburn). The owner of this delightful, small, family-run business will demonstrate how some of their chocolate products are made. There’s a tasting and the opportunity to buy some chocolate souvenirs. A fitting end to this unusual tour.

Mercure Preston Salemsbury

This conveniently located hotel has 80 well-equipped bedrooms with a lift to all floors. All bedrooms have walk-in showers. There is a large, comfortable lounge/ bar area and restaurant. There is complimentary coach parking on-site. The hotel has recently become a Mercure.

Included

Return Coach Travel
2 nights Half Board at The Mercure Preston Samlesbury Hotel
Tour to Oswaldtwistle Mills
Guided tour to Samlesbury Hall
90-minute cruise along the Leeds Liverpool Canal
A visit to The Chocolate House

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