Shropshire & The Ironbridge
Mountains, moorland, wooded river valleys, tiny vilages, half timbered building and castles all exist side-by-side in a region renowned as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Mountains, moorland, wooded river valleys, tiny vilages, half timbered building and castles all exist side-by-side in a region renowned as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
The borderland between England and Wales has a distinctive geography which has isolated this rural, sparsely populated slice of land and created a unique identity. “Anglo-Welshness” is a hybrid of town names from both countries. The region is a hidden delight: mountains and moorland, wooded river valleys, tiny villages, half-timbered buildings and castles all exist side by side. The region was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution which contained all the raw materials required for the manufacture of iron, tiles and porcelain and provided the River Severn to transport them away.
ITINERARY
Friday - Morning departure from Dorset to historic Gloucester for lunch. Continue to Telford with porterage of bags on arrival and after settling in take dinner in the restaurant.
Saturday - Make the short drive to Shrewsbury, arguably the finest Tudor town in England - home to a fine abbey, many black and white half-timbered buildings and imposing castle. Enjoy a 40 minute sightseeing cruise along the famous and picturesque River Severn Loop with an entertaining commentary from the skipper. The town rises from the river and will entice you with intriguingly named streets such as Wyle Cop, Price Hill and Dogpole - a great place to explore.
Sunday - The spectacular Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy visiting Blists Hill, an open air museum where townsfolk in traditional dress re-enact life in an authentic Victorian community. History is truly brought to life before your eyes here! This afternoon we view the famous Ironbridge itself, a magnificent monument built at the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Monday - Enjoy a scenic drive across Wenlock Edge to Church Stretton, set in the hills of "Little Switzerland". Continue to Stokesay Castle, one of the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor houses in England. Built by Laurence of Ludlow in the 13th century it has been carefully restored and has stunning views of the countryside. Finally this afternoon visit the historic town of Ludlow with its crumbling castle walls, half timbered houses and streets that tumble down to the riverbanks.
Tuesday - Homeward bound we pause at Tewkesbury, a charming medieval town with a magnificent abbey dominating its skyline. A stroll through the towns narrow alleyways will discover old inns and cafes perfect for lunch. Continue to Dorset returning by late afternoon.
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
TELFORD HOTEL & SPA RESORT
Set in acres of gorgeous Severn Valley countryside and overlooking the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge, the 4 star Telford Hotel provides fabulous facilities and warm hospitality. Bedrooms are spacious and include private bathroom with free toiletries, hairdryer, television with movie channels, phone, tea tray, safe and free wifi. The 1779 Restaurant serves modern British cuisine and the adjacent Gorge Bar is a comfortable place to socialise after a meal. There are extensive leisure facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna, gym and massage*. Surrounding gardens and a sun terrace provide outdoor space to relax and enjoy the views. A lift serves all floors (*extra charge)
5 days // £685.00 Per Person SRS £190.00
Holiday Highlights: All coach travel, 4 nights hotel accommodation, Half board meals, River Severn Cruise, Entry to Blists Hill Museum, Entry to Stokesay Castle.
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) |
| Littlemoor Road Finches | Littlemoor Road, The Finches bus stop |
| 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 QMSW | Poundbury Queen Mother Square bus stop opposite estate agents (Coach heading out of Dorchester) |
| Queens Avenue | Dorchester, Bus stop end of Queens Avenue |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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