Autumn Glory in Olde England
A "turn-of-the-season" break tucked away on the English - Welsh border, an area retaining an air of "yester-year"
A "turn-of-the-season" break tucked away on the English - Welsh border, an area retaining an air of "yester-year"
Enjoy this “turn-of-the-season” break in one of England’s most scenically beautiful areas often overlooked by tourists on the rush North. Shropshire is a hidden delight of mountains and moorland, wooded river valleys, half timbered buildings and ancient castles. A distinctive geography has isolated this sparsely populated region and formed a unique identity - unspoilt, undeveloped and unrushed, retaining an air of “yester-year”. The countryside provides such richness at this special time of year when the leaves start to tumble with an arboreal display of gold, copper, purple and red – spectacular!
ITINERARY
Tuesday - Morning departure from Dorset to Chepstow for lunch. This afternoon drive up the Wye Valley cloaked in its autumn finery to Monmouth, then motorway to Telford.
Wednesday -This morning to the historic city of Shrewsbury which sits in a loop of the River Severn. England's finest Tudor town is crammed full of architectural wonders, narrow cobbled alleyways and squares, church spires and historic buildings. After lunch we cross the border into Wales and tour through Oswestry and Welshpool enjoying the colourful Autumn scenery of the Welsh borderlands.
Thursday - Explore historic Ludlow, still set on its original medieval street plan - an official "slow town" that avoids the hustle and bustle. It has a range of lovely independent shops and contains nearly 500 listed buildings. Later drive to the pretty town of Church Stretton which is surrounded by the Shropshire Hills also know as Englands "Little Switzerland" - a fascinating town trail reveals its stories.
Friday - A hundred years ago Whitley Court was one of England's great country houses - today it is a spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. The gardens and grounds however have been restored and in Autumn the oaks, birch, chestnut and maple trees produce their displays of golds, reds and browns. Through ornamental gardens, wilderness walks and woodland areas the effect is colourful and dramatic. This afternoon visit the attractive market town of Leominster - full of Black and White buildings, plenty of antique shops, cafes and history by the bucket full.
Saturday - Homeward bound we can't leave without viewing the famous Ironbridge over the River Severn. Later call into Worcester, the beautiful cathedral city for lunch then drive back to Dorset by early evening.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Buckatree Hall Hotel, Telford
An impressive black and white building which has existed in many forms over the years including grand private residence, country club and more recently a family run hotel that has been lovingly refurbished to today’s high standard. Bedrooms are tastefully decorated and furnished and provide private bathroom with hairdryer, 32 inch digital TV, phone, iron/board, in-room safe, tea tray and free wifi. The Lakeside Restaurant overlooks the hotel gardens and its menus showcase fresh local and seasonal ingredients to create a memorable dining experience. The hotel boasts a guests only hi-tec gym with complimentary towels and water provided. A lift serves both floors although there are some steps between levels. A favourite Bluebird partner hotel that always receives superb reviews.
TOUR PRICE: £490.00 Per Person
Single Room Supplement: £110.00
Price Includes • All coach travel • 4 nights hotel accommodation • Half board meals • Entry to Whitley Court Gardens •
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Beaminster Area | Convenient local point in Beaminster to be advised |
| Blandford Area | Convenient local point in Blandford to be advised |
| Bournemouth Area | Convenient point in Bournemouth to be advised |
| Branksome Area | Convenient point in Branksome to be advised |
| Bridport Area | Convenient local point in Bridport to be advised |
| Britannia Inn | Britannia Inn, Fortuneswell, Portland |
| Charlestown | The Alexandra Inn, Chickerell Road, Charlestown |
| Chickerell | Bluebird Garage, Chickerell Road |
| Corfe Castle | Convenient point in Corfe Castle to be advised |
| Courtlands | Portland, Courtlands bus stop |
| Dorchester South Station | Dorchester South Station bus stop |
| Dorchester TOT | Top O'Town Car Park (by cafe), Dorchester |
| Easton | Easton Square, Portland |
| Ferndown Area | Convenient local point in Ferndown to be advised |
| Foords Corner | Foords Corner bus stop, Wyke Regis |
| Jestys Avenue | Bus stop end of Jestys Avenue on Littlemoor Road |
| Littlemead | Broadwey, Littlemead bus stop (Swan Inn) |
| Lodmoor Hill | Lodmoor Hill Bus Stop (near Post Office) |
| Lyme Regis | Convenient local point in Lyme Regis to be advised |
| Lyndale bus stop | Wyke Regis, Lyndale Bus Stop |
| Nottington | Broadwey, Nottington Corner bus stop |
| Poole Area | Convenient local point in Poole to be advised |
| Poundbury QMSE | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop (Coach heading into Dorchester) |
| Radipole | Spa Hotel bus stop, Radipole |
| Redlands | Redlands, Opposite Garage |
| Ringwood Area | Convenient local point in Ringwood to be advised |
| Rodwell | Rodwell Traffic Lights, Rodwell Rd/Rodwell Ave |
| Sgt Bunn | St Bunn Bakery, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| Sherborne Area | Convenient local point in Sherborne to be advised |
| Southwell | Portland, Southwell, Opposite Eight Kings Inn |
| St Edmunds Church | St Edmunds Church, Lanehouse Rocks Road |
| St Johns Church | Weymouth, St Johns Church, outside Dentist |
| St Nicholas Church | Southlands Road bus stop on Buxton Road, Weymouth (former St Nicholas Church) |
| Sturminster Newton Area | Convenient point in Stur. Newton to be advised |
| Swanage Area | Convenient local point in Swanage to be advised |
| To be advised | To be advised - Approx. 2 weeks before travel |
| Upton Area | Convenient local point in Upton to be advised |
| Value House | Value House Car Park |
| Victoria Square | Victoria Square bus stop, Portland |
| Wareham Area | Convenient local point in Wareham to be advised |
| Westwey Road | Westwey Rd, Magistrates Court, Weymouth |
| Weymouth Bluebird | Weymouth, Outside Bluebird Office, K1 bus stop |
| Wimborne Area | Convenient local point in Wimborne to be advised |
| Wool Area | Convenient local point in Wool to be advised |
| Wyke Smuggler | Smugglers Inn, Wyke Regis |
| Yeovil Area | Convenient local point in Yeovil to be advised |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favourites |
|---|
