The Splendours of Shropshire

Day 1

Depart home area to Stratford Upon Avon for lunch to be obtained. Time to wander this medieval town, with more than 800 years of history, before continuing to our hotel.

Day 2

Today a short drive to mediaeval Shrewsbury, first home of Charles Darwin, for a cruise on the River Severn followed by a cream tea. Shrewsbury town centre has many independent shops, boutiques, and antique stores, the Museum and Art Gallery in the town’s Old Market Hall showcase local history, art, and culture, from Roman artifacts to contemporary artworks, the 29-acre Quarry park is the town’s main recreational space featuring the Dingle, a floral garden designed by Percy Thrower, offering riverside walks and picnic spots.

Day 3

A full day at the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘birthplace of the Industrial Revolution’ and home to the world’s first cast iron bridge. An included ‘All Sites’ ticket allows admission to all attractions including Blists Hill Victorian Town, with a state of the art visitor centre and narrow gauge railway. Costumed guides provide information on life in Victorian times. Complete the day by viewing the Iron Bridge.

Day 4

Today, a scenic drive via Wenlock Edge to Church Stretton an historic market town, set in ‘Little Switzerland’, the only town in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, the market* is in the Town Square. We continue to Stokesay Castle, one of the finest and best-preserved fortified mediaeval manor houses in England. Built in the 13th Century by Laurence of Ludlow, the castle has been carefully restored and has stunning views of the beautiful Shropshire countryside.

*Market date correct at time of brochure print.

Day 5

Before we leave Shropshire we make a short stop in Ludlow known for its stunning mediaeval architecture. The town centre boasts over 500 listed buildings! Dominating the town’s skyline is Ludlow Castle, a Norman fortress dating back to the 11th century.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included