SHROPSHIRE AND THE WELSH BORDERS

SHROPSHIRE AND THE WELSH BORDERS 2010 www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Shhhropshire Where Peace meets Quiet The best place to... Page Sample Shropshire s local produce, no other county in England can compete with it s quality and diversity...4 Take a trip into the black and white magpie heritage of medieval Shrewsbury, the popular county town of this, the nicest of England s quiet counties. Ideal for shopaholics, too...6 Start a pilgrimage through the turbulent, fiery history of Britain s earliest industrial achievements in the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, where ten amazing museums lie along one beautiful gorge...10 Discover the lush delights of Shropshire s Severn Valley in Bridgnorth, our very own split-level, two-tiered, much-loved market town...12 Shrewsbury And then there s Ironbridge once the blazing heart and birthplace of the Industrial Revolution but now a tranquil monument to man s inventive artistry. Meanwhile, while you re nourishing your soul, you ll be nourishing your palate too. Shropshire s fertile fields produce some of the country s most delicious produce, a fact amply reflected in our justly-renowned restaurants, inns, hotels and hostelries. But as your stay comes to an end and before you head back to the noise be sure to take a moment to savour all you ve experienced. To close your eyes and simply enjoy being able to hear yourself think. Relax amongst the blooms and blossoms of the gardens of North Shropshire, where nature s meres and mosses give way to man s green fingers. Explore the mysteries and histories of ancient Oswestry, where the mountains of Wales embrace our green and pleasant county at no extra charge...14 To find all these and many more: To the poet Housman it was the quietest place under the sun ; and, indeed, the first thing you notice about Shropshire is the sheer lack of hubbub, din or racket. As one of England s last remaining rural idylls, something very special is preserved here which is remarkable, when you think about it, given our close proximity and easy access to the motorway networks and the stress-filled city streets of Birmingham. They say it takes just ten minutes for the peaceful sounds of Shropshire to refresh a tired mind. And certainly the warm welcome you ll encounter hints at the powerful effects of all this tranquillity. So anyone looking for a get-away-from-it-all break would be wise to consider Shropshire. Famous landscapes abound, from Wenlock Edge to those Blue-remembered hills. Dotted amongst them are our delightful market towns and their independent shops, which somehow combine lively modern social, artistic scenes with great historical richness. Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Oswestry, Bridgnorth and many more all unmissable. Battle Stones, Church Stretton We reckon the loudest thought you ll hear is: when can I come back? The Iron Bridge Activities... 16-17 Events......18 Attractions... 19-21 Shropshire Map... 22-23 Hotels/Inns, Guesthouses & B&Bs... 24-33 Self Catering... 34-41 Caravan & Camping...42 Don t forget to use the colour coded map on page 24 to help you select your area. For the inside gen on all things Shropshire and the latest news, views and events visit our website: www.shropshiretourism.co.uk Cover: Dinham Bridge, Ludlow Castle 2 Love from Shropshire - The Iron Bridge Love from Shropshire 3

Tanners Wine Merchants, Shrewsbury Have a butchers! You Won t Starve in Shropshire The trick of Shropshire s deliciously varied produce rests on the mantra keep it local. The rolling hills and valleys of the county are made of such fertile soils (as demonstrated by the lush green grasses and hedgerows) they make for plump vegetables, picked and delivered to farmers markets within the same morning. This minimal transportation means that your meals are as fresh as possible, and you will notice the fuller flavours and added crunch-factor with each bite. As for meat-lovers, there s no need to feel guilty, as in Shropshire, battery farming means checking on the hens by torchlight. For connoisseurs, the county specialises in rare breed farming, so if you can tell your Old Spot from your Sandyback, there s plenty to tease your palate. With ingredients like that, it s no wonder the area attracts brilliant chefs, with two Shropshire restaurants currently starred in the Michelin Guide, and many more hot on their heels. Aside from the glitz of the Michelin man, we can thank our rich soils for higher food quality all-round. Rosettes abound, and our pubs are frequently winners of national awards. Shrewsbury alone is home to 30 restaurants, without including its many cafes, hotels and pubs. Our numerous micro-breweries will provide a drop of the local brew to help wash all this great food down. To see Shropshire food in all its glory, pay a visit to Ludlow s annual Food Festival held in September. And not to be left out, Bridgnorth hosts its own annual food fair, a celebration of local food, held in the High Street in August. Just in case you start feeling sorry for those stuck at home, you can always stock up on gastronomic gifts in the county s many delicatessens. Ludlow Food Festival No other county in England can compete with the quality and diversity of our local produce. Each town is rich with the smell of fresh bread issuing from bakeries, the glistening pink of locally reared pork sausages in butchers windows, and delis play host to a myriad of local cheeses and oak-smoked produce and the colourful fruits and vegetables illuminate our market stalls. Fresh food in the fresh air! Ladies wot lunch! Shrewsbury Deli Royal Oak, Cardington Local Shropshire Ales 4 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 5

Henry Tudor House The Quarry Shrewsbury Islanded in Severn Stream English Bridge Set within a loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is practically an island, tucked away from the rest of the world. Perhaps it is this watery protection which has kept the town s history so marvellously preserved. From its magpie-patterned buildings to its magnificent 11th century castle, there s a historic story around every cobbled corner. Shrewsbury has had many golden ages but its famous black and white buildings are a testament to Tudor times when the town was a hub for wool trading. Relive the era by exploring our ancient shuts, or narrow passageways, which bear evocative names such as Peacock Passage, Phoenix Place - and the slightly less appetising Grope Lane and Gullet Passage. Do watch out for fellow history-enthusiasts though the most exquisite architectural features and ancient carvings are often above your head, meaning people don t always watch where they re going! But don t worry if the Tudors don t do it for you, as Shrewsbury is home to a staggering 660 listed buildings, including Georgian, Norman, Victorian and even Art Deco properties. And that s without mentioning our castle, built between 1066 and 1074, which is now a museum dedicated to the King s Shropshire Light Infantry. Another building worth a visit is the Abbey, still used for worship a thousand years after it was built, and more recently made famous as the home of fictional medieval detective Brother Cadfael. In fact, it s impossible to spend a day in Shrewsbury without discovering its hidden history, such as the town centre s Bellstone, a granite remnant of the Ice Age that first inspired Shrewsbury s most famous son Charles Darwin to study geology; or the site that marks the ill-fated attempt of rope-slider Robert Cadman to cross the river from the spire of St Mary s on an 18th century version of a snowboard! So why not make like a local, and mix the historic with the new: go for cocktails in a Tudor bar, view modern art at the long-standing Bear Steps Gallery or enjoy a leisurely cappuccino in our 16th century Market Hall? And whilst you do all that, you can ponder the age-old question: is the town s name pronounced Shrewsbury or Shrowsbury? To which we supply the age-old answer: yes. Bear Steps The Bellstone Grope Lane Shrewsbury Library from Castle grounds Charles Darwin 6 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 7

more about shrewsbury Darwin s www.discoverdarwin.co.uk RHS Britain in Bloom Gold Award 2006 Entente Florale Gold 2007 Communities in Bloom 2007 Shrewsbury It s not just black and white D Shrewsbury Shopping on t be fooled by such an illustrious history - Shrewsbury is far from being stuck in the past. With a diverse range of festivals, luxury shops and top notch restaurants, it s as lively today as it was in the 18th century when Daniel Defoe described it as a beautiful, large, pleasant, populous and rich town, full of gentry and yet full of trade too. Well, if it s good enough for Daniel... Outdoor Theatre A day spent browsing the quaint shops of Shrewsbury is quite unlike the hectic shopping experience of big cities. Wandering the cobbled streets you re bound to see something that catches your eye, whether it s an antique bookshop, a local delicatessen - or even the sort of gift shop that you might actually want to buy a gift from. You ll soon find that us locals are eager to help you find what you need, or just have a chin-wag about what makes our home town so special. And don t forget to sample our delicious Shrewsbury Biscuits from one of our fantastic bakeries. After a spot of retail therapy, our festival scene provides vibrant entertainment year-round. Shrewsbury hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including the International Cartoon Festival in April, the Folk Festival at the end of August, and the International Street Theatre Festival in September. Although Shrewsbury s Summer Season first started in the 1700s, this modern version is now in its seventh year bringing together a celebration of modern theatre, live music ranging from opera to jazz and plenty of family activities and fun workshops. One of our favourite festivals (and oldest - after running for 123 years) is the celebrated Shrewsbury Flower Show, popular with visitors and ladybirds alike. Trust us when we say three million blooms is a spectacular sight, so make sure you bring your camera (and your hay fever tablets!). Of course, in Shrewsbury you are never far from a photo opportunity, as the town lies within a loop of the River Severn, meaning picture postcard settings around every corner. If you re feeling cultural, follow the river bend and catch a play at our brand new Theatre Severn, or explore one of Shrewsbury s many independent art galleries. The real beauty of a trip to Shrewsbury (aside from the historic buildings and stunning setting) is its adaptability. You can do as much, or as little, as you want. So by all means enjoy our multitude of galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and festivals... but if you fancy a lazy day by the river, they ll still all be there tomorrow. Shrewsbury Castle and the Shropshire Regimental Museum Telephone for opening times. Tel: 01743 358516 www.shrewsburymuseums.com Shrewsbury Abbey Open daily. Tel: 01743 232723 St. Mary s Church Open Mon-Sat. Tel: 01743 357006 www.visitchurches.org.uk St. Chad s Church Open daily, Summer 8am-5pm, Winter 8am-1pm. Battlefield Church Open Fri-Sun Summer, October Sundays only. Key available at other times. www.visitchurches.org.uk Battlefield 1403 Open Daily Tel: 01939 210905 www.battlefield1403.com Attingham Park (National Trust) House open Fri-Tues, April-Oct, Deer Park daily all year round. Tel: 01743 708162 Wroxeter Roman City Open daily Mar-Oct; Wed-Sun, Nov-Feb Tel: 01743 761330 Bear Steps Gallery Open daily. Tel: 01743 356511 Shrewsbury Flower Show 13th & 14th August Tel: 01743 234050 www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk Shrewsbury Summer Season www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk Guided Tours from the Visitor Information Centre 01743 281200 Free Brochure & Visitor Information from the Visitor Information Centre Shrewsbury Museum, Rowleys House, Barker Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QH Tel: 01743 281200 Fax: 01743 281213 Email: visitorinfo@shropshire.gov.uk www.visitshrewsbury.com Street Theatre Unique Gift Shops Ariel Angels Shrewsbury Flower Show 8 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 9

Blists Hill Victorian Town Ironbridge Irresistibly Magnetic R The Iron Bridge ising above the calm waters of the Severn, Ironbridge is a metal tribute to the bravery, imagination and spirit of the first industrial revolutionaries. Unsurprisingly a World Heritage Site one of England s first the Bridge signifies the industrial changes wrought by Abraham Darby s new methods of iron production, which enabled the Darby family to produce the steam engines and railway tracks that went on to change the modern world. After marvelling at the sturdy and striking Bridge itself, the newly improved Blists Hill Victorian Town should be top of your to-do list. The town is, as it says on the tin, Victorian-themed, with costumed demonstrators wandering the streets, amongst horse drawn carts and summertime fair ground rides. Exchange your money at the bank for Victorian pennies, and spend them wisely: on lunch at the fried fish dealers, on old fashioned gob-stoppers, or on candles made in front of you. As if all that wasn t special enough, recent improvements mean you can be one of the first to try out the improved access of our new incline lift, or venture into the mine on the narrow gauge railway to see the historical importance of mining in the area. The town often puts on special events, and youngsters can frequently enjoy hands-on craft days. The new Visitor Centre also hosts state of the art exhibitions. Meanwhile, if the magnificent Bridge has got you fired up about metalwork, then take a trip to Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron. Having celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2009, the old furnace that Abraham Darby first used to smelt iron with coke has had a bit of a make-over, allowing visitors to get up close to the very furnace that s said to have started the Industrial Revolution. Other intriguing trips include Coalport China Museum, which shows off the beauty of ceramics and skill of the local artists, and hosts a range of familyfriendly demonstrations and fun days. Another museum that kids (and big kids) will love is Enginuity, a hands-on Design and Technology Centre, where they can experiment with a giant X-ray machine, build earthquake proof towers or meet the challenge of a robotic arm. And if the family are still a bit too full of beans, then hire some bikes from the fascinating Jackfield Tile Museum and explore the vast landscapes of the Shropshire countryside that should tire them out! Jackfield Tile Museum more about ironbridge BIRTHPLACE OF INDUSTRY An UNESCO World Heritage Site There are ten Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust sites to visit and by far the best way to visit them is with a Passport Ticket. The Passport allows multiple return day visits to all ten museums for a year from the date of purchase. Buying the Passport will also save you money! Museums on the Passport: Blists Hill Victorian Town Coalport China Museum Tar Tunnel Jackfield Tile Museum Iron Bridge Museum of The Gorge Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron Darby Houses Broseley Pipeworks Enginuity Most museums are open daily 10am - 5pm. Some reduce their hours or close during the winter. For details or enquiries Tel: 01952 884391 (7 days) To buy Passports by post, and request a free Visitor and Accommodation Guide Tel/Fax: 01952 884391 Email: tic@ironbridge.org.uk www.ironbridge.org.uk Enginuity Coalport China Museum Jackfield Tile Museum New Incline Lift Blists Hill Victorian Town 10 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 11

Much Wenlock Wenlock Edge The ups and downs of Bridgnorth & Much Wenlock For the more energetic traveller the sandstone cliff can be explored through seven different sets of steps, or via the old Cartway, where goods were once hauled to market above. To break up the walk, have a nosy at poet Bishop Percy s House (1580) and imagine how life was for the inhabitants of the cliff caves, where people (including Old Moore he of Almanac fame) lived up until the 1850s. At the top, venture onto Castle Walk, catch your breath and enjoy the view famously labelled by Charles I as, The finest in all my Kingdom! Then take a stroll in the castle grounds. The castle itself can t be accessed, and you will see why it was blown up during the Civil War by the Parliamentarians but they did a botched job and what remains of the castle now leans at a 15 degree angle, further skewed than the Tower of Pisa. The town remained a centre of political drama in the 20th century too, and was rumoured to be the proposed headquarters for the Nazi party during World War II after the invasion of course. After the castle, the area is your oyster whether you fancy a tour on the famous vintage trains of the Severn Valley Railway, or a bit of leg stretching out at Wenlock Edge. You can also visit the town of Much Wenlock where both the annual international storytelling festival- Tales From the Edge, and the Biggest Liar in Shropshire Competition are held, (yes, really). Here too, is where the modern Olympics were inspired following the creation of the Wenlock Games by the town doctor William Penny Brookes in 1850 he thought they would be an antidote to too much local drinking. Original events included the cryptic Old Woman s Race for a Pound of Tea (explanations on a postcard please). Artefacts can be seen at the delightful museum. Visit in July to witness the real games, where every year Britain satisfyingly tops the medals table. St Mary s Church, Bridgnorth more about bridgnorth Bridgnorth is actually two towns for the price of one: divided into the imaginatively named High Town and, er, Low Town. Once a thriving port along the banks of the River Severn, Low Town is at one end of the steepest inland cliff railway in Britain. In the words of Betjeman, You feel you are being lifted into heaven. If you fancy such heavenly travel, the reward is High Town, an area formed by those wishing to live around the castle. For a brochure with full details on all the places to stay, local events and activities, Call Bridgnorth Visitor Information Centre Tel: 01746 763257 Fax: 01746 766625 Email: bridgnorth.tourism@shropshire.gov.uk www.visitbridgnorth.co.uk Bridgnorth Cliff Railway Bridge over the Severn Severn Valley Railway Wenlock Priory 12 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 13

Moreton Corbet Castle Hawkstone Park & Follies Northern Charm Oswestry and North Shropshire T he north of most places can be cold, inhospitable and barren. Not so North Shropshire: since at least the end of the last Ice Age, the north of our county has been inviting and full of intrigue. With its tranquil canals, ancient caves and selection of quaint market towns, you re sure to have a fascinating time exploring our northern regions. Ellesmere Just to prove Shropshire has always been ahead of its time, the dramatic outcrop of red sandstone at Hawkstone Park was Britain s first ever theme park, built 250 years before anyone had dreamed up Disneyland. This Grade One Listed Landscape provides a treasure of cliffs, grottoes, caves and follies. It s breathtaking (literally), and a favourite with visitors and television producers alike. Speaking of popularity, our gardens attract more than their fair share of visitors, with stunning views to be had from the Dorothy Clive Garden and plenty of old world advice to be gleamed from gardeners at Wollerton Old Hall. If a spot of shopping is more your thing, head for those glorious market towns, including the ancient settlement of Ellesmere, situated beside the lake which bears its name, which provides the perfect spot for some gentle rowing. Wem is famous for an odd assortment of items, including the invention of Sweet Peas, a Treacle Mine and its intriguing Museum of Myth and Fable. The largest town of the area is Market Drayton, which has run a Wednesday market for the last 39,728 Wednesdays. Or thereabouts. Boating fans will get a rush from our streams in the sky - the terrifyingly high, yet magnificent, aqueducts built by Thomas Telford. North Shropshire is linked from west to east by three of Britain s most picturesque canals - the Llangollen, the Montgomery and the Shropshire Union, making it the perfect place to go messing about in (narrow) boats. An extra bonus for those who potter westwards, at a stately 4mph, is to see the stunning Welsh mountains start to loom over Oswestry. This gorgeous town falls just on our side of the Welsh border. Listen for Welsh-speakers at the market, whilst enjoying the range of goods on offer (and here the smuggling of imported goods is highly encouraged). Take time out to find out about the town s history and celebrities including the greatest of Great War poets, Wilfred Owen, the linguistically-challenged Reverend Spooner, and Mad Jack Mytton, whose cure for hiccups was to set fire to his shirt. More about North Shropshire For places to stay and do in North Shropshire and surrounding areas: To request a copy of the Essential Shropshire brochure: Tel: 01743 261919 Email: nshropshire@shropshiretourism.co.uk www.northshropshire.co.uk Shropshire Union Canal Whittington Castle Dorothy Clive Garden Pontcysyllte Aqueduct 14 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 15

The Edge Adventure Activities is a leading Activity and Quad Biking Centre located near Much Wenlock in the heart of Shropshire. At The Edge you can choose from a number of adrenaline pumping activities including: Quad Biking Mountain Boarding Team Building activities Clay Pigeon Shooting Archery Off-road Karting Zip Line High Ropes Orienteering If you would like to stay for the day you can mix and match the activities to suit your needs, and make your break in Shropshire even more memorable. We cater for friends and family, hen and stag groups, corporate/team building days and junior activity days. Let s Be Up and Doing! W Walking on the Stiperstones hilst Shropshire clearly has a lot to offer for those seeking R&R and a spot of sight-seeing, there s a list of activities for the more adventurous from horse riding to hot air ballooning that s as long as our footpaths. Or nearly, as we do have 3,500 miles of those. On Top of the World Shropshire is, in fact, a walker s paradise, with plenty of historical routes such as Offa s Dyke, the Jack Mytton Way and the Mortimer Trail, not to mention the stunning backdrops provided along the Severn Way. Handily, the Severn Valley Railway has walks that set off from every station, so dust off your walking shoes, pin-point the nearest pub on the map, and head off into nature. Cyclists are not to be left out either, with a range of routes suitable for anyone from families to Tour de France trainees, and we re sure you ll agree there s no better way to enjoy the countryside than free-wheeling down a hillside with the wind behind you. Don t forget to check for local events as well, as annual treats for outdoorsy people include the ever-popular English Haydn Music Festival at Bridgnorth in May, the international Tales from the Edge festival in July, and the glorious Shrewsbury Flower Show in August. For those of you who believe two legs=bad, four legs=good, we have a vast network of peaceful bridleways, and now more than 20 riding centres catering for riders of all levels and ages, many of which offer tuition and summer camps for pony-crazy children. So whilst the kids are sorted, you can take some time out to enjoy one of our fabulous 30 golf courses (you didn t think it was an accident that Shropshire lads Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam got so good, did you?) Or why not keep an eye on the kids from the sky, by taking a balloon ride from Oswestry: the hot-air ballooning capital of the world? And for water babies there s a range of fun days out, including the many canal boats to be hired, rowing boats just waiting to skim Ellesmere and a great range of sites for anglers, such as fast flowing rivers like the Severn, Teme and Perry. Our canals also offer plenty of fish, not to mention our 10 still water fisheries, guaranteeing that Shropshire is always Catch of The Day. Ride The Edge by calling 01952 727491 Email: info@theedgeadventure.co.uk www.theedgeadventure.co.uk Activity WEBSITES For all the best walks in Shropshire visit: www.shropshirewalking.co.uk For all the best cycle routes in Shropshire visit: www.shropshirecycling.co.uk For all the best riding routes in Shropshire visit: www.shropshireriding.co.uk For all the best activities in Shropshire visit: www.shropshireactive.co.uk Biking on the Longmynd Fishing on the Severn Wheely Wonderful! Golfing on the Longmynd 16 Love from Shropshire Love from Shropshire 17