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 - Sunday, May 14th
Hotel Check-In - After 1:00 pm
Early Welcome Dinner at 5:00 pm - Henry Tudor House - easy 5 minute walk from our hotel. Closes 7:00 pm on Sundays.
Perhaps an early night for those newly arrived, there are many local pubs for those not so tired.
Day 1 - Monday, May 15th
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.
Free time until dinner
7:00 pm - Dinner at La Lanterna
Day 2 - Tuesday, May 16th
9:00 am - Breakfast
Leave at 10:00 am - Ironbridge Gorge Museums
12:00 pm - Lunch at The Golden Ball
Afternoon - Blists Hill Victorian Village
Back to Shrewsbury
7:00 pm - Dinner at The Golden Cross Hotel
Day 3 - Wednesday, May 17th
9:00 am - Breakfast
Free Morning
Join us midday as we explore the many Charity Shops (vintage and secondhand) in Shrewsbury
7:00 pm - Dinner at Cafe Saffron
Day 4 - Thursday, May 18th
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.
7:00 pm - Dinner at The Armoury
Day 5 - Friday, May 19th
9:00 am - Breakfast
A Day of Options
A Train Trip to Birmingham by train. A short direct journey of just over an hour. The train station is central to galleries, restaurants and great shopping (for every budget).
or
A Day Trip to the 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 at the Old Post Office Pub
Day 6 - Saturday, 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 wait in a lovely pub close by!
7:00 pm - Dinner at The Walrus - this is a Michelin rated restaurant, so a tad expensive, and we will need to make reservations well ahead of time. Others may choose to have a pub meal elsewhere.
Stiperstones
Day 7 - Sunday, May 21st
9:00 am - Breakfast
A morning to relax
12:00 pm - Leave for a pub lunch at the 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 at River Thai
Day 8 - Monday, May 22nd
9:00 am - Breakfast
Day trip to Chester -1 hour lovely non-stop train trip there and back.
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 - Tuesday, May 23rd
9:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - Full day excursion:
Lunch at The Unicorn, 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!
Venus Pools nature reserve
Back to Shrewsbury
7:00 pm - Dinner at Casa Naranjo
Day 10 - Wednesday, May 24th
9:00 am - Breakfast
Last minute Shopping.
Mailings, if required
Lunch and Browsing in Shrewsbury's Market Hall
Free time until evening river raft trip and dinner at Mel and Vic’s
Departure - Thursday, May 25th
Check Out 11:00 am
Price:
$3,450 per person
$3,105 - register before October 15th, 2022
Included in price:
11 nights private hotel room
11 breakfasts, 1 dinner, 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.