The Joys of the Shires
Daily Itineraries
Participant flexibility will be much appreciated, dependent on weather, restaurants closing, and other such factors!
(All activities are optional)
Ironbridge & Blists Hill Victorian Village
Arrival - Monday, May 13th
Hotel Check-In - After 1:00 pm
Early Welcome Dinner at 6:00 pm - Coleham Tap - easy 5 minute walk from our hotel.
Perhaps an early night for those newly arrived, there are many local pubs for those not so tired.
Day 1 - Tuesday, May 14th
9:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - 12:00 pm - A leisurely walk around the River Severn and Quarry Park
Optional Scenic Walk through Doctors Fields - where Charles Darwin played as a child (his birthplace is Shrewsbury).
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch locally
1:00 - 4:00 pm - A wander through the lovely, historic Shrewsbury Town centre, with a visit to the lovely local Museum and extensive Antique Centre.
Free time until dinner
6:00 pm - Dinner at The Peach Tree
Day 2 - Wednesday, May 15th
9:00 am - Breakfast
Leave at 10:00 am - Ironbridge
12:00 pm - Lunch
Afternoon - Blists Hill Victorian Village
Back to Shrewsbury
7:00 pm - Dinner Casa Naranjo
Day 3 - Thursday, May 16th
8:30 am - Breakfast
9:30am - Departure
Day trip to Hay-on -Wye (Wales) An hour and a half scenic drive each way.
A unique and charming town, famous for having more book shops than any other place in the world.
Thursday is their Market Day we will be able to browse and then eat lunch at one of the many great food stands
We plan to be back late afternoon.
7:30 pm - Dinner at Cote Brasserie
Day 4 - Friday, May 17th
9:00 am - Breakfast
A Day Trip to the charming Welsh Sea-side, Aberdovey. A gorgeous little village with a long sandy beach for walking. Great seafront fish and chip shop, ice cream parlour, and local pubs. A lovely 1hr and 45 minute direct scenic train trip through Wales.
or
A Day To Do Absolutely Nothing At All.
7:00 pm - Dinner The Golden Cross Hotel
Day 5 - Saturday, May 18th
9:00 am - Breakfast
Free Morning
Join us midday as we explore the many Charity Shops (vintage and secondhand) in Shrewsbury
6:00 pm - Picnic by the River Severn
Day 6 - Sunday, May 19th
9:00 am - Breakfast
A morning to relax
Leave late morning
12:30 pm - Traditional Pub lunch at Stiperstones Inn
Afternoon - Stiperstones visit, drive back over the Long Mynd, and a visit to Mitchell’s Fold stone circle
Back to Shrewsbury
7:00 pm - Dinner will be flexible - as we will have had a large (delicious) Sunday Lunch!
Day 7 - Monday, May 20th
9:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - Optional hike to Haughmond Hill. A lovely leisurely walk along the river and up a (not too steep hill) with gorgeous views of Shropshire all around. Those who don't want to tackle the hill itself can catch a taxi to close to the top - or wait in a lovely pub close by!
7:00 pm - Dinner at Thai-D
Day 8 - Tuesday, May 21st
9:00 am - Breakfast
Day trip to Montgomeryshire, Wales
Back to Shrewsbury late afternoon
7:00 pm - Dinner at "To Be Decided Later" - we are waiting to hear on some new places opening!
Ludlow
Day 9 - Wednesday, May 22nd
9:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - Full day excursion:
Lunch in Ludlow
Shop at the 900-year old outdoor Ludlow Market /optional visit to Ludlow Castle and St Laurence's Church
4:00 pm - Afternoon tea!
7:00 pm - Dinner at The Armoury
Day 10 - Thursday, May 23rd
9:00 am - Breakfast
Last minute Shopping.
Mailings, if required
Lunch and Browsing in Shrewsbury's Market Hall
Free time until our farewell dinner.
6:00 pm - Dinner at La Lanterna
Departure - Friday, May 24th
Check Out 11:00 am
Price:
$3,650 per person - single occupancy
$2,950 per person - shared occupancy
Included in price:
11 nights private hotel room
11 breakfasts, 1 picnic
Transportation & entrance fees to all inclusive excursions
NOT included in price:
Transportation to and from The Abbots Mead at arrival/departure
Lunches
Dinners
Our hotel is centrally located and all local restaurants are within reasonable walking distance. There are some hills. If you wish to take an Uber/taxi, you will assume this cost yourself.