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)
Day 1 - Arrival - Friday, May 21
Hotel Check-In - After 1:00 pm
Early Welcome Dinner at 6:00 pm - Coleham Tap - an easy 5 minute walk from our hotel.
Perhaps an early night for those newly arrived, there are many lively local pubs, within easy walking distance, for those not so tired (or young!).
Day 2 - Saturday, May 22
9:00 am - Breakfast
10:00 am - 12:00 pm - A leisurely walk around the River Severn and Quarry Park and the ancient Shrewsbury Abbey, established in 1083.
12:00 - 1:00 pm - Lunch at Shrewsbury Market Hall
1:00 - 4:00 pm - A wander through the lovely, historic Shrewsbury Town Centre, with a visit to the beautifully curated local Museum and extensive Antique Centre.
Free time until dinner
7:00 pm - Dinner
Day 3 - Sunday, May 23
9:00 am - Breakfast
Take the train (35 minutes) to the medieval border town of Ludlow to the Outdoor Antique Market, ancient Castle, and the spectacular St Laurences Church. We can have lunch at the Bull, a 16th Century Pub and Inn, or at any of the quaint little cafes in the town. We will wander the town at our leisure and take the train back to Shrewsbury late afternoon.
7:00 pm - Dinner
Day 4 - Monday, May 24
9:00 am - Breakfast
Back to Shrewsbury, and some rest time.
7:00 pm - Dinner
Day 5 - Tuesday, May 25
9:00 am - Breakfast
A completely free day, to do exactly as you choose; relax, wander... and if you wish to keep exploring we have many suggestions!
7:00 pm - Dinner
Day 6 - Wednesday, May 26
9:00 am - Breakfast
A Day Trip by train 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 journey across the entire width of North Wales.
Back on the train to Shrewsbury, at our leisure.
7:00 pm - Dinner
Day 7 - Thursday, May 27
8:00 am - Early Breakfast
Leaving at 9:00 am - 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, or our favourite little cafe there.
A drive up to the scenic Hay Bluff. Spectacular views and wild welsh ponies.
We plan to be back late afternoon, it is probably the most tiring day of the tour!
7:30 pm - Dinner
Day 8 - Friday, May 28
9:00 am - Breakfast
Birmingham by Train, about an hours direct journey. As the home of "Peaky Blinders", there are many murals right next to the train station . We will visit their beautiful newly refurbished Museum and Gallery, and/or the famous Jewellery District , (about a 25 minute walk from the station), and then enjoy a sumptuous late lunch at the famous Dishoom Indian Restaurant.
Back to Shrewsbury at our leisure. This will be a very long (but fun!) day
7:00 pm - Dinner, if anyone is still hungry!
Day 9 - Saturday, May 29
9:00 am - Breakfast
A day for relaxing and/or exploring the many local Charity and Vintage shops. Non shoppers can take a lovely country walk along the river, ending at a charming Country Pub.
7:30 pm - Dinner
Day 10 - Sunday, May 30
9:00 am - Breakfast
Time to relax
Leave late morning
12:30 pm - Traditional English Pub lunch at Stiperstones Inn
Afternoon - a walk up the Stiperstones, drive back over the Long Mynd, and a visit to Mitchell’s Fold stone circle
Back to Shrewsbury, after what will be a fairly long day.
7:00 pm - Dinner will be flexible as we will have had a large (delicious) Sunday Lunch!
Day 11 - Monday, May 31
9:00 am - Breakfast
A Free Day for preparing to return home, and last minute mailings if needs be. There are always more walks to be taken, or revisits to favourite Shrewsbury spots.
Farewell Dinner
Day 12 - Tuesday, June 1
Departure, check out by 11 am.
Cost
Price:
$4,250 per person - single occupancy
$3,650 per person - shared occupancy
Included in price:
11 nights private hotel room with full breakfast
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.