Be enchanted by Christmas in Chester

As Christmas fast approaches Virgin Trains, the leading West Coast rail provider, is today announcing the launch of a special Virgin Trains off-peak day return ticket offering over a quarter saving on the normal fare. Available from 14 November 2009 – 17January 2010 the tickets aim to promote travel between the North Wales coast to Chester for a day trip.

With a fabulous Christmas market coming to Chester between 5-20 December visitors will be spoilt for choice when looking for gifts for their loved ones, or themselves! The special off-peak tickets will cover travel will be from North Wales stations (Holyhead, Bangor and Llandudno Junction) to Chester and the ‘Virgin Trains off-peak Day Return’ is 29% cheaper than the existing fare. A free bus also will be available from outside the train station to take passengers into the town centre – just show your train ticket.

For those wanting to bag a bargain Cheshire Oaks – the largest designer outlet in the UK, is a must visit, with an incredible 145 stores offering all the labels you love, permanently reduced by up to 60%.

There is also festive fun at Chester Zoo taking place until 3 January 2010, where visitors can follow the ‘Lapland’ trail to meet Santa and his elves in his winter wonderland grotto. Frosty the Polar Bear and waddle the Penguin will be on hand to dine with at breakfast or lunch. For details and entry charges visit www.chesterzoo.org.


The North Wales route has recently received a number of improvements from the introduction of Wi-Fi to the winter rotation of the First Class menu, based on locally sourced produce. With our high frequency timetable offering faster services, including weekends, there is no excuse for not seeking out the unusual Christmas gifts this year.

The special Virgin Trains off-peak Day Return fare costs £16.00 from Holyhead to Chester departing on the 08:55 train, which arrives into Chester at 10:31, and returning from Chester on the 19:22, 20:22 or 21:17 departures.

From Bangor the Virgin Trains off-peak Day Return fare is £12.00 and is available on the 09:22 and 12:24 departures to Chester, arriving 10:31 or 13:32. Return travel from Chester to Bangor can be made on the 18:11, 19:22, 20:22 and 21:17 departures.

From Llandudno Junction the Virgin Trains off-peak Day Return fare is £10.00 and is available on the 09:40 and 12:42 departures to Chester, arriving 10:31 or 13:32. Return travel from Chester to Llandudno Junction can be made on the 18:11, 19:22, 20:22 and 21:17 departures.

Says Anita Walczak, Group Station Manager North West at Virgin Trains: “The ticket prices offer a great incentive for people to travel to Chester. With so much to do in one city, from walks around the walls to the fabulous shopping, people will be spoilt for choice about what to do.”


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For more information please contact Sophie Lennon or Hannah Baker at The SPA Way on 020 7403 6900 or email Hannah.baker@thespaway.com