Scenic Shropshire & Ironbridge Gorge

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your comfortable coach at your convenient pick up point this morning before we head for Shropshire and the beautiful town of Bridgnorth - once acclaimed by King Charles I as affording 'the finest view in all my kingdom'! Take time to explore or maybe ride on the funicular railway (not included in price) before journeying on to Buckatree Hall where we will have plenty of time to settle in and maybe enjoy a drink at the bar before taking our first nights evening dinner.

Day 2

After a hearty embark on a wonderful scenic drive through the rolling Shropshire countryside to the historic towns of Ludlow and Shrewsbury where you will have ample time to explore and maybe grab something to eat or drink before returning to your hotel in the evening for a tasty dinner.

Day 3

After enjoying our last lovely English breakfast of our tour, we make our way to the famous Ironbridge Gorge and Blists Hill. Enjoy a fun and informative time at this recreated Victorian Town. You can discover more about Victorian life as you meet the 'Victorian' townsfolk. No cars. No TV. Just tons of fun! Welcome to the age of Queen Victoria. Here you’ll experience what life was like when Britain ruled the world. Meet some (almost) real Victorians in their authentic shops and cottages, buy curious goods from a bygone era and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops and factories before making our way home, full of memories of our wonderful time in Shropshire.

Bridgnorth

“The finest view in all my Kingdom” – Charles I

Whether you admire the view over the king’s shoulder from the sandstone cliff of Bridgnorth, or stand on the bridge below, (at the height of summer the Severn is almost covered by the flowers of water crowfoot) you won’t have to look far to find a superlative in the Severn Valley from Bridgnorth. This was once one of the busiest river ports in Europe, but nowadays, the Severn, clear and unpolluted, is a quiet haven for anglers, walkers and wildlife.  The river divides the town into High Town and Low Town, the two being linked by seven sets of ancient donkey steps and a Victorian funicular, the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway. The oldest and steepest inland funicular railway makes the heavenly journey at least 150 times a day. In 1892, when it opened, the entrance was watched over by a temperance restaurant and refreshment house.

Just as rewarding for the pilgrim is the ancient Cartway, one of Shropshire’s most interesting streets which leads down to the flower-filled Quayside, the cliffs and caves of Lavington Gardens and on to Severn Park. Whichever route you choose to the top, you can enjoy King Charles’ ‘finest view’ from Castle Walk,

Ludlow

From its ancient castle to peaceful back streets, exploring the perfect, medieval market town of Ludlow is a real pleasure. The lovely feel combines centuries of history and fascinating architecture, and means a visit to Ludlow will not disappoint. Ludlow is home to a varied range of independently owned shops, including family businesses where you can find gifts, antiques, clothes, books and more. Ludlow has a reputation for the quality of its food and drink with many excellent restaurants and cafes encouraged by the areas abundance of quality food & drink producers. Why not also take time to visit the museums and church, or the 11th Century Castle which sits dramatically atop the cliff above the River Teme, all surrounded by the beautiful countryside of south Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is set amidst the glorious Shropshire countryside near to the Welsh Borders and is one of England’s finest medieval market towns. The town has over 600 listed buildings including the Castle and the Abbey (home of the fictional Brother Cadfael). Relax in beautiful Quarry Park or take a boat trip on the River Severn. Each year a number of major festivals and special events are held, including the world famous Shrewsbury Flower Show. The historic centre is a shopper’s heaven packed with designer shops, smart new malls and an amazing range of independent retailers. And of course all the bars, cafes, restaurants and you could ever wish for.

Ironbridge Gorge & Blists Hill Victorian Town

Set within the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ironbridge Valley of Invention is situated 5 miles from Telford Town Centre in Shropshire. Stretching along the River Severn, our award-winning museums are within 6 square miles of the Ironbridge Gorge, widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Blists hill Victorian Town is like stepping back in town to Victoian times - when Britain ruled the world. Meet some (almost) real Victorians in their authentic shops and cottages, buy curious goods from a bygone era and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops and factories. Visit the Bank and find out about pounds, shillings and pence, check out the weird Victorian remedies at the Pharmacy and discover why you wouldn't want to be caught with green candles at home! Ride the old-fashioned fairground or play games of skill for some Victorian leisure time, and for lunch you can enjoy a bag of fish and chips cooked the traditional way in beef dripping, and bag a traditional 19th Century sweet or two!

Tour Includes

• 2 nights hotel with English Breakfast and Evening meals
• Excursion to Bridgnorth en route to Telford
• Day exploring Ludlow, the Shropshire Hills & Shrewsbury
• Visit to the Ironbridge Gorge & Blists Hill en route home
• Direct Coach travel
• Net zero carbon offset certificate  

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Accommodation

Buckatree Hall hotel

Nestled below The Wrekin, a popular landmark within the County, The Buckatree Hall offers excellent facilities, a picturesque location and serves as an excellent base for exploring all that Shropshire has to offer. The comfy bedrooms come with all the conveniences you would expect whilst the menus are sourced wherever possible from local Shropshire suppliers showcasing some of the best seasonal and local ingredients.

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