The Joys of the Shire
A ladies-only journey to one of the UK's loveliest "secrets"
May 14-25, 2023
Travel, Shop, Walk, Photograph, Indulge, Relax ... Repeat, Repeat, Repeat!
Come discover some of of the loveliest parts of England. We'll explore the charming villages and lush countryside of Shropshire, Cheshire, and Herefordshire - and bits of Wales.
Make new friends while we wander through ancient castles, stroll river walks and gardens, and visit local shops and outdoor markets. We'll have afternoon tea and scones and dine at the best restaurants. At the end of the day we'll crawl authentic traditional pubs and listen to local musicians.
Much as we adore our Gentlemen, we've decided to keep this particular trip just for the Ladies!
Our wanderings will take us to many different places.
You'll see flowers, cute and majestic animals, ancient castles, charming villages, a Victorian town complete with reenactment actors, and rolling green hills dotted with sheep.
As an added bonus, if you are a beginner photographer Jean Fogelberg will be in attendance to help you get the best shots possible from your phone or DSLR - you just have to ask!
Accommodations
We'll be staying at Abbot's Mead, a lovely hotel right in the heart of Shrewsbury and close to the river, gardens, shopping, restaurants and pubs. We've reserved the entire hotel for our group so we'll have breakfasts and the whole place to ourselves... unless we don't fill the tour (15 rooms), then we might need to share (a little).
There's Andrew, the owner, waiting to welcome us!
Itineraries
Day 1 - Arrivals, introductory dinner
Day 2 - Walking Tour of Shrewsbury
Day 3 - Ironbridge/Blists Hill excursion
Day 4 - Exploration of local Charity Shops (vintage & second hand)
Day 5 - Coach Trip to Hay-on-Wye
Day 6 - Optional day - Birmingham, Aberdovey or Free Day
Day 7 - Hike to Haughmond Hill
Day 8 - Stiperstones/Long Mynd/Mitchell's Fold excursion
Day 9 - Train to Chester excursion
Day 10 - Stokesay Castle/Ludlow/Venus Pools excursion
Day 11 - Last Minute Shopping/Mailing/Market/Wandering Day
Day 12 - Departure
Click here for detailed daily itineraries, including restaurants
What To Wear
The last two trips there were mostly sunny, but you never know (there is a reason why England is so lush and green!). So bring layers, a warm jacket, a waterproof jacket, umbrella, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes (for short hikes and walking on cobblestone streets.)
If you don't have what you need, there are plenty of shops and pharmacies.
Shrewsbury on the River Severn
Included in the workshop package
11 nights private ensuite hotel room
11 breakfasts
1 dinner
1 picnic
Transportation & entrance fees to all inclusive excursions
Cost
Single Occupancy
$3,450 USD per person if you pay with Wise, or wire deposit
$3,600 USD per person if you pay by credit card
Payment in full due by February 28th
We are a small enterprise, so any payments via CC require an additional $150 charge, as this is what we have to pay to receive them. To avoid this we recommend direct deposit or payment through Wise.
Travel expenses, lunches and most dinners are the responsibility of the workshop participant.
If you have any questions about passports, travel insurance, or how to get to there, we are happy to assist in any way we can. Visit our travel arrangements page.
We are limiting the group size to meet the hotel capacity - 15 rooms total.