The Joys of the Shire
A journey to one of the UK's loveliest "secrets"
May 13-24, 2024
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.
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.
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 - Coach Trip to Hay-on-Wye
Day 5 - Aberdovey, Welsh Seaside by Train, or a Free Day
Day 6 - Local Charity Shops (vintage & second hand)
Day 7 - Stiperstones/Long Mynd/Mitchell's Fold excursion
Day 8 - Hike to Haughmond Hill
Day 9 - Trip to Montgomery, Wales
Day 10 - Stokesay Castle/Ludlow 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 3 trips here 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 picnic
Transportation & entrance fees to all inclusive excursions
Cost
Single Occupancy
$3,650 USD per person if you pay with Wise, or wire deposit
Shared Occupancy (twin or double bed)
$2,950 USD per person if you pay with Wise, or wire deposit
If you don’t come with a roommate, we’re not 100% guaranteed to find you one, but will do our best. If you are coming solo and want to room-share, please contact us before registering.
Payment in full due by February 28th, 2024
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.
Joys of the Shire 2023 ~ Testimonials
The trip was so well-organized. Evelyn is a great communicator and takes care of every detail. If you want to have beautiful forever memories, these are the trips to go on! Evelyn and Jean are down-to-earth, knowledgeable and fascinating people. And they are just plain fun to be with!! My sister and I went together. We felt happy each day, and knew we'd be in for fun and unique experiences. It matters going with a group for a shared experience. I recommend Heaven and Earth Workshops 100%. We are eager to hear about the next trip. Our bags are ready to go. Don't hesitate to sign up!! ~ Nancy M & Mary Jane S (USA)
This trip to England and Wales was just what I needed. I am a photographer so I enjoy the beautiful landscapes and countryside. I am not such a fan of museums, so give me the country and I am happy. The hotel was very quaint and the people running it could not have been more helpful. I loved having the little bar room where we could relax and have a class of wine or beer and just decompress after the days events. Evelyn always puts just the right amount of activities coupled with down time and on your own time together for a great pace. We enjoyed all the restaurants it was so nice eating together as a group. I have been with Evelyn to Mexico, Bali/Indonesia, India, Ireland and now England. She is our go-to travel expert! ~ Christine R (NY, USA)
This trip was everything I had hoped for. It was so relaxing to have everything organized and planned, to be simply given an itinerary and a meet up time and go! Of course, we also had the option of doing our own thing or moving at your own pace. Evelyn was very knowledgeable of the area and was also able to pivot and change plans based on our groups interests and desire. She took each one of our “must-see” requests and tried to make sure it happened. Very accommodating for any special needs or requirements and the group were a joy to hang out with, it was like we were traveling with friends. Would highly recommend for both a novice and experienced traveler. ~ Lisa D (USA)
The day excursions were all great, and each one was different enough. I loved Hay on Wye, seeing wild ponies, riding through the most magical countryside, trying all the local pubs, and especially getting to spend time with the other amazing ladies in the group! Great choice of restaurants., cultural tours and excursions., shopping day-trips., comfortable transportation. ~ Erin Edelman, Norfolk, VA, USA