Shropshire
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Issue 10 - 2012
Historic Houses | Festivals | Town Guides Environment & Transport | Gardens | Attractions | Tourist Attractions
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Telephone: 01948 841700 Hawsktone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 5UY Website: www.hawkstone.co.uk
CONTENTS Historic Buildings Gardens & Outdoors Festivals & Shows Attractions Look out for the public transport information boxes throughout the magazine, for details of bus routes and nearest train stations to the attractions. Click the QR code below for local bus times.
Published by: County Signpost Ltd Editor: Adam Davison All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd does not accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies which slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd 2012. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
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Welcome to the 2012 edition of Shropshire Signpost, your indispensable guide to the best tourist attractions and days out the county has to offer. We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure to read, both interesting and informative, and that you will take it away with you, to use again and again.
We offer a taster of the visitor attractions and events within the County, for both locals and those who wish to visit from afar. We are always interested to receive your comments and suggestions for future features - please contact the editor
For a free download please visit our new map-driven, online magazine website
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Please mention
Shropshire Signpost
when visiting any of the attractions. County Signpost Ltd 01743 874098 info@countysignpost.co.uk
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THE NATIONAL TRUST In 2012, from May to the end of September, the Park will be open until 7pm which is ideal for locals to appreciate the summer evenings. Attingham is a great place for local people to have a pleasant day out, a meeting place for friends, regular walks and visits to witness detailed conservation work in progress.
Attingham Park, © The National Trust
With fascinating history and breathtaking countryside, National Trust properties in Shropshire offer something for everyone.
As well as delighting in country house splendour and beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities and events in 2012.
For even more great value days out, ask our reception teams about annual National Trust membership, which costs from as little as 25p per day for families and 14p per adult.
Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury Attingham Park is one of Shropshire’s greatest treasures and a fantastic family attraction. With acres of stunning parkland to explore and a striking mansion at its heart, it is the perfect day out. Attingham is open daily throughout the year where you can enjoy seasonal highlights and a diverse events programme.
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Attingham Re-discovered is a major project of conservation and restoration of the Regency interiors. This year the focus is reaching new heights and will literally be going through the roof. Plans are underway to replace a complex secondary roof above the picture gallery and grand circular staircase, both designed by famed Regency architect John Nash in 1805. You will be able to watch the work unfold.
Attingham Hall was built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick to the design of George Steuart. The magnificent Regency interiors contain collections of ambassadorial silver, Italian furniture and Grand Tour paintings.
Attingham was completed and furnished by the 2nd Lord Berwick, but the extravagant taste of the lord and his wife led to bankruptcy and in 1827 and 1829 there were sales of almost the entire contents. The house was then leased to the 3rd Lord Berwick, who had been a diplomat in Italy for 25 years, and who turned Attingham’s fortunes around.
Spectacular parkland, landscaped by Humphry Repton in 1797, surrounds the house offering miles of walks. There are themed guided park tours throughout the year, including Estate Walks, Dawn Chorus and woodland walks as well as popular Deer Park Rides.
For admission prices, opening times and a full events list contact the property on 01743 708162.
Bu s Service : 81 + 96 - SHREWSBURY - TELFORD Nearest Railway Station : Shrewsbury
There is also an Attingham Park You Tube channel and the chance to follow the estate’s goings-on via Twitter and Facebook
Sunnycroft, near Wellington
One of Shropshire’s hidden gems is Sunnycroft, a Victorian Gentleman’s villa which provides visitors with a fascinating glimpse of the past.
Sunnycroft is typical of houses that were built for prosperous professionals on the fringes of Victorian towns and cities. It is a remarkable survival of a vanished way of life – both inside and out.
Its design reflects the patterns and concerns of small town life and key rooms include the imposing Staircase Hall, Dining Room and Billiard Room.
Sunnycroft was given to the National Trust by Joan Lander in 1997. Miss Lander, who inherited the house from her father, was a highly accomplished embroiderer and examples of her talent for needlework are on display in the house.
For 2012, there will be a new exhibition from March, highlighting Miss Lander’s involvement in embroidering the Queen’s Coronation Robe. The display will include pieces of needlework Miss Lander was working on at the same time as the Robe; a film of her receiving her Needlework Diploma from the then Queen (the late Queen Mother); as well as a themed events programme.
The gardens reflect the early Edwardian period complete with a magnificent Wellingtonia Avenue - and the mini-estate recalls an era when self-sufficiency was part of the prosperous lifestyle. The paddock, stables, pigsties, chicken run and kitchen garden are all still intact.
For admission prices or any further information please call 01952 242884.
Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth Dudmaston is a fine example of a traditional working Shropshire estate with a mansion at its heart.
Built in the 17th century, the classic setting of Dudmaston Hall provides a stunning contrast to its unique collection of modern and contemporary art. It is a true house of collections from the intriguing modern art galleries assembled by diplomat Sir George Labouchere, to the classical collections of botanical drawings and watercolours put together by his wife Lady Rachel. There are nine acres of gardens to explore, which include the Rockery Bank and American Garden, which are a glorious mass of colour in spring and summer and take on the seasonal hues of autumn.
The beautiful Big Pool provides a striking view from the garden and library, whilst the Dingle offers a wooded glen to explore.
Sunnycroft, © The National Trust
Bu s Service : 297 - BRIDGNORTH KIDDERMINSTER
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The Dudmaston Estate, © The National Trust / Richard Bifield
Dudmaston hosts a varied programme of events for its visitors, from guided walks of the estate to children’s craft activities. The arts are celebrated with lectures and workshops, and in summer, the grounds come alive with outdoor theatre and jazz evenings. There are two estate walks of 5.5 and 4 miles both starting from the Hampton Loade car park, which is another 1.5 miles towards Kidderminster off the A442.
For more details and event information call Dudmaston Hall on 01746 780866.
Benthall Hall, near Broseley
Benthall Hall is situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn. It is a fine stone house with a stunning interior, a carved oak staircase, decorated plaster ceilings and oak paneling.
The house and the Benthall family have been involved in many important historical events, from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution. During the Civil War a Parliamentary garrison occupied the house, the Royalists tried to retake the property later in the year but they were unsuccessful.
the close proximity to Ironbridge. George Maw and his brother were able to develop their tile business at Benthall because of the clay and coal available in this area, and they even used the house as part of their sales technique by laying tiled floors in the house. The tiled floor in the entrance hall has only recently been rediscovered, because an oak floor was constructed on top.
George Maw was also a distinguished botanist; he assembled a collection of rare plants from around the world in the garden, including a large collection of crocuses, which can still be seen today in the spring and autumn. There is also an intimate and carefully restored plantsman’s garden, old kitchen garden and a Restoration church. For more details, call 01952 882159.
Bus Ser vic e : 99/99a TELFORD - BRIDGNORTH (Railway Station - Telford Central)
Between 1710 and 1934 the Benthalls lost ownership of the estate, and one of the new custodians George Maw took full advantage of
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Benthall Hall, © NTPL / Richard Bifield
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd offer breathtaking views across Shropshire, Cheshire and the Black Mountains.
The Long Mynd is an area of historic upland heath, created when some of Britain’s oldest rocks were pushed to the surface along the Church Stretton fault. The ancient landscape has been shaped by human activity for thousands of years, and there are scattered archaeological remains from the Bronze Age, Iron Age and Medieval times.
The area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest as it contains a number of habitats supporting wildlife and plants. Heather, bilberry and gorse cover much of the hilltop and the streams and bogs of the sheltered valleys are home to birds of prey, plants and insects.
There are miles of paths for walkers and a network of bridleways, which are ideal for both horse riders and cyclists. Whether you take a short stroll through Carding Mill Valley or a more rugged route to the Burway, there are breathtaking views of beautiful countryside
Three National Trust car parks at Much Wenlock, Wilderhope and Presthope, mark the start of miles of walks to enjoy offering dapple shaded paths and dramatic views across the Shropshire countryside.
Nearby, is the unspoilt Elizabethan limestone manor house, Wilderhope Manor which dates back to 1586. Although unfurnished, the interior is of interest for its remarkable wooden spiral staircase and fine plaster ceilings. The gabled property is now leased to the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
For general details about opening times and events please call the National Trust on 01743 708100 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk Event highlights:
Following the success of last year’s Over the Edge Challenge walk, this year the National Trust is hosting an Over the Edge Marathon on Sunday 8 July. For information, call 01694 725000.
A busy programme of events and activities is held at Carding Mill Valley throughout the year
Walkers can enjoy exploring the heathland at Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd 365 days a year. For information, call 01694 725000.
Wenlock Edge
Shropshire Hills © The National Trust / Sara Thomas
Wenlock Edge is a stunning, geologically important wooded escarpment near the village of Much Wenlock.
The limestone of Wenlock Edge is of international repute as an example of old coral reef deposits. It supports an array of flowered grassland and ancient woodland, making the area an important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Bu s Service : 435 - LUDLOW - SHREWSBURY Near est Railway Station : Church Stretton
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ENGLISH HERITAGE
Boscobel House and the Royal Oak
Initially the future King Charles II set out to cross the River Severn into Wales, but found his way blocked by Cromwell's patrols. He sought refuge instead at Boscobel, hiding first in a tree which is now known as The Royal Oak and then spending the night in a priest-hole in the house's attic. He then travelled on in disguise via other safe houses before escaping to France.
Boscobel later became a much visited place, although it remained a working farm. Visitors can also see the dairy, farmyard, smithy, gardens, and a descendant of The Royal Oak. White Ladies Priory, another of Charles's hiding places, is nearby.
Telephone 01902 850244 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Ironbridge
Boscobel House was built in about 1632, when John Giffard of Whiteladies converted a timberframed farmhouse into a hunting lodge. The Giffard family were Roman Catholics, at a time when the religion suffered persecution. Tradition holds that the true purpose of Boscobel was to serve as a secret place for the shelter of Catholics in times of need. The house was, however, destined for greater fame. Following the execution of King Charles I in 1649, his eldest son made a brave though misguided attempt to regain the throne. In 1651 his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the final conflict of the Civil War. Young Charles was forced to flee for his life.
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The world’s first iron bridge was erected over the River Severn here in 1779. Britain’s best-known industrial monument, the bridge gave its name to the spectacular wooded gorge which, though now tranquil, was once an industrial powerhouse and the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Ironbridge Gorge is now a World Heritage Site.
At the beginning of the 18th century, Abraham Darby I pioneered the process of using coke made from local coal to smelt local iron ore. But industrial expansion was hampered by the lack of a bridge over the Severn, which had to be a single span to allow for barge traffic. An iron bridge was first suggested by the Shrewsbury architect Thomas Pritchard: he designed a single bridge span 30 metres long, but died as work began. The project was then taken over by Abraham Darby III, who cast the bridge in his Coalbrookdale foundry, using 378 tons of iron. Recent research shows that most parts were
individually cast to fit, each being slightly different from the next: and that traditional woodworking-style joints were adapted to assemble them. Costing over £6,000, this proclamation of the achievements of Shropshire ironmasters was formally opened on New Year’s Day 1781. It continued in full use by ever-increasing traffic until closed and designated an Ancient Monument in 1934. Massive strengthening works were later undertaken, and in 1999-2000 English Heritage assisted with a full survey of this revolutionary and iconic structure.
The Iron Bridge is the perfect place to begin a tour of the Gorge’s many museums, and the many other English Heritage sites nearby, including Buildwas Abbey, Wenlock Priory and Wroxeter Roman City.
Telephone 0870 333 1181 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Wroxeter Roman City
Wroxeter (or 'Viroconium') was the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. It began as a legionary fortress and later developed into a thriving civilian city.
Though much still remains below ground, today the most impressive features are the 2nd century municipal baths, and the remains of the huge wall dividing them from the exercise hall in the heart of the city. The site museum and audio tour reveal how Wroxeter worked in its heyday, and the health and beauty practices of its 5,000 citizens.
viewing, Wroxeter thus became one of the first archaeological visitor attractions in Britain.
Thanks to a project between English Heritage and Channel 4, a Roman town house has been erected at Wroxeter and is now open to the public. A TV series started on Thursday 20 January and will run for six weeks, following a team of modern builders as they set about building the town house using traditional Roman methods. Telephone 01743 761330 www.english-heritage.org.uk
In February 1859 workmen began excavating the baths complex, and by April much of the present site was exposed and thronged with fascinated visitors, including Charles Dickens. Donated by the landowner for public
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Stokesay Castle Stokesay Castle is quite simply the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Set in peaceful countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church form an unforgettably picturesque group.
Lawrence of Ludlow, a wealthy local woolmerchant wishing to set up as a country gentleman, bought the property in 1281, when the long Anglo-Welsh wars were ending. So it was safe to raise here one of the first fortified manor houses in England, 'builded like a castle' for effect but lit by large domestic-style windows. Extensive recent tree-ring dating confirms that Lawrence had completed virtually all of the still surviving house by 1291, using the same team of carpenters throughout: more remarkably, the dating also revealed that it has scarcely been altered since. Stokesay's magnificent open hearthed great hall displays a fine timber roof, shuttered gable windows and a precipitous staircase, its treads cut from whole tree-trunks. It is flanked by the
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north tower, with an original medieval tiled floor and remains of wall painting, and a 'solar' or private apartment block, and beyond this the tall south tower - the most castle-like part of the house, self-contained and reached by a defensible stairway.
The solar block contains one of the few postmedieval alterations to the house, a fine panelled chamber. Its dominating feature is a fireplace with a richly carved overmantel, still bearing the traces of original painting in five colours. This was added in about 1641, at the same time as the truly delightful gatehouse: an example of the Marches style of lavishly showy timber-framing, bedecked with charming carvings of Adam and Eve.
A few years later, in 1645 Stokesay experienced its only known military encounter, surrendering without fighting to a Parliamentarian force. So the house remained undamaged, and sensitive conservation by Victorian owners and English Heritage have left it the medieval jewel which survives today. Telephone 01588 672544 www.english-heritage.org.uk
Wenlock Priory The tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory stand in a picturesque setting on the fringe of beautiful Much Wenlock. An Anglo-Saxon monastery was founded here in about 680 by King Merewalh of Mercia, whose abbess daughter Milburge was hailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously rediscovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrims and prosperity to the priory.
By then Wenlock had been re-founded by the Normans as a priory of Cluniac monks. It is the impressive remains of this medieval priory which survive today, everywhere reflecting the Cluniac love of elaborate decoration. Parts of the great 13th century church still stand high; and in the adjoining cloister garth is a most unusual monks' washing fountain, embellished with 12th century carvings. Once enclosed in an octagonal building, 16 monks could wash here at once before eating in the nearby refectory.
But perhaps the greatest glory is the extravagantly decorated chapter house of about 1140, its walls bedecked with blind arcading on multiple carved columns.
All of this is enhanced by the famous topiaryfilled cloister garden, and set against the backdrop of the complete infirmary wing, converted into a mansion after the priory's dissolution and still a private residence. Much Wenlock was also the home of Dr. William Penny Brookes (1809-95), originator of the stillcontinuing Wenlock Olympian Games, a major inspiration for the modern International Olympics. Telephone 01952 727466 www.english-heritage.org.uk
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The
Abbey-Cwm-Hir Hall at
52 rooms of Victorian Splendour
As featured on BBC, ITV and S4C. “A Palace in Radnorshire” “Enchanting” “Best visit to any house, anywhere, anytime”
“The best we have seen” “Words fail me an amazing house in an amazing setting” Bookings are available for TOURS by the owners, throughout the year. •Individuals/couples/groups.
•Weekdays/weekends/evenings. •Parking for cars and coaches.
•Refreshments / catering available. •Gift vouchers available. •12 acre Gardens open.
•Situated off the A483/A44, 7 miles north west of Llandrindod Wells/east of Rhayader. To book contact Paul and Victoria Humpherston on telephone 01597 851 727 or email: info@abbeycwmhir.com or visit our website www.abbeycwmhir.com
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THE HALL AT ABBEY-CWM-HIR: 2012
Over the last 2-3 years thousands of visitors from all over the UK and overseas have toured The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir, a Grade 11* Gothic mansion some 7 miles north of Llandrindod Wells. Such is its uniqueness, the Hall has featured in 10 TV programmes over the last 4 years. In September 2010, the Hall won The Small Business Award and In 2011 the Leadership Award, both at The Powys Business Award ceremony.
Owners Paul and Victoria Humpherston restored the property over the last 13 years. The tours combine the outstanding gothic architecture with stunning interiors - showing great attention to detail and much designed and made by Victoria and helpers. Abbey-Cwm-Hir houses fascinating collections including a beautiful library packed with childrens adventure books in their original bindings, and most notably the many enamel signs !
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As well as the collections, the house shows off Victoria’s interior design ideas and skills, features such as the hand painted designs onto the existing wallpapers, and gold highlighting of the tables and chairs.
Paul and Victoria say; “We have been described as a museum, an art gallery, a stately home and even as a 52 roomed film set! But we think of ourselves as a family home we share with others. Visitors see all 52 rooms guided by a family member in a family atmosphere, we have no private apartments, and people laugh a lot because they never know what`s coming next.�
Spring and Summer 2012
In looking at 2012 Paul says“ We will again be open each day of the year with the house decorated in all rooms for Valentine’s, and for Easter, for all of April.”
A Retro Summer
From 1st April to end September, The Garden Room will be decorated for a Retro Summer with soft furnishings complementing the 30`s, 40`s and 50`s memorabilia.
Christmas at The Hall
In 2011 we enjoyed a fascinating tour of the house by Paul, with the Hall being splendidly decorated for Christmas - of particular note were the different themes for each of the Christmas trees. We came away inspired !
The Gardens and Grounds
The grounds include a romantic walled garden, a lake and waterfall, courtyards and terraces and some splendid mixed woodland. They overlook the ruins of the 12th c “Abbey of The Long Valley” in a spectacular setting, and are amidst the most beautiful in Wales.
Prices
The price for the guided tour of all 52 rooms and full access to the 12 acre gardens remains at £13.00pp for groups (ten persons or over) and for repeat visitors, and £15.00pp for individuals. Visits to the gardens only are £5.00pp
Telephone 01597 851727 www.abbeycwmhir.com
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WHITTINGTON CASTLE Opening Times
Summer March-Nov Wednesday to Sunday 104pm Winter Nov-March Thursday to Sunday 10-4pm Open Bank Holiday Mondays & Wednesday during February half term Free entrance Car Park ÂŁ1 via Pay & Display machine
Visit these strikingly picturesque and romantic ruins which are steeped in much history, tales of bitter border warfare, romance and legend.
Tearoom serving snacks and cakes, gift shop and second hand bookshop. The Castle has a license for Civil Ceremonies, birthday parties, meetings, group tours; school visits, Paranormal Ghost Vigils can all be arranged. Visit our website for further details.
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Whittington Castle Castle Street Whittington Oswestry Shropshire SY11 4DF
Telephone 01691 662500 E-Mail info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk Website www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk Bus Service - 70 - O swestry to Shr ewsbur y & 449 - Oswestr y to Welshampton ( Railway Station - Gobowen)
THE PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT AND CANAL
Chirk Aqueduct
The Stream in the Sky Spanning the borders of Shropshire and Wales is one of the UK’s most unusual and spectacular World Heritage Sites., the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal. This eleven mile stretch of the Llangollen Canal is officially recognised by UNESCO as one of the most outstanding heritage sites in the whole world. It encompasses not one but two amazing aqueducts which carry the canal high above the Ceiriog and Dee valleys.
To walk across the 126 foot high aqueduct of Pontcysyllte or the only slightly lower Chirk aqueduct, four miles away, is to put your faith in the genius of Thomas Telford and the skill of eighteenth century engineers and workmen. At Pontcysyllte, crossing the stream in the sky is a unique experience as birds fly beneath you and boats glide beside you. At Chirk the canal and towpath cross high above the River Ceiriog and alongside the nineteenth century railway viaduct before plunging both walkers and boats into the 400 metre long tunnel, ‘The Darkie’.
It’s easy to visit the World Heritage Site from it’s Shropshire end at Chirk, from Trevor for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and from Llangollen for the scenic Horseshoe Falls. Trains from Shrewsbury & Wrexham go to Chirk just minutes from the Chirk Aqueduct and there are bus services connecting all the main parts of the site. For more information visit : www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
Contact Visitor Information at Oswestry Mile End Tel: 01691 662488 email : oswestrytourism@shropshire.gov.uk
Or Visitor Information at The Heritage Centre, Oswestry Tel: 01691 662753 email :obt.ltd@btconnect.com
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THE GARDENS AT GLANSEVERN Just over the Shropshire border into Wales (four miles beyond Powis Castle on the A483) you will find the sensory delight of Glansevern Gardens. With over 25 acres on the banks of the River Severn and the Kerry hills as a back-drop you can while away many hours. The romance of the gardens is matched by the Hall itself, a Greek Revival house of great elegance and charm which dates from 1801. Glansevern is a place of calm and tranquility, a sensation fostered by the presence of water in every direction – the river on one side, fountains and pools in the garden itself, a lake surrounded by trees with an island folly and a delightful water garden, a riot of colour and growth, set among the lake’s feeder streams.
The remodelled walled garden is a revelationnine “rooms”, each with its own distinctive planting theme. Each compartment is also invisible from the others- a box of nine surprises with colour and interest throughout the seasons.
Beyond the flower-filled herbaceous borders and formal gardens is a tree-lined walk down to the Severn which passes a massive rock garden with it’s mysterious grotto and a romantic, perfectly round folly that overlooks 2 rivers and the valley below.
At the riverside is a bird and wildlife watchers paradise and a haven for contemplation with a wildflower water meadow and a newly built raised bird-hide.
After you’ve exhausted yourself in the gardens the sensory pleasures continue in the fully licensed tearoom, renowned for its homecooking. Irresistable treats are on offer for morning coffee, lunch and tea. And for those who want a bit of retail therapy too there is a Gift Shop across the courtyard from the tearoom.
So whether you have an hour or a day Glansevern Gardens is a truly worthwhile destination.
www.glansevern.co.uk Email: gardens@glansevern.co.uk Telephone 01686 640644 Groups by appointment any day of the week. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
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Bu s Service : X75 - SHREWSBURY - LLANIDLOES
Rocke Cottage Tearoom
Come and take a proper ‘afternoon tea’ enjoy a wide range of fresh leaf tea and genuine home baking. Light lunches available & local chutneys, pickles and honeys to buy. All in a 400 year old charming tearoom set amidst beautiful gardens. Open 10 - 5 Wednesdays - Sundays including Bank Holdays
Telephone 01588 660631
Abcott, Clungunford, Craven Arms SY7 0PX
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THE DOROTHY CLIVE GARDEN
The Dorothy Clive Garden was created in 1940 by the late Colonel Harry Clive, who lived at Elds Gorse, the large white house to the West of the garden. He began by transforming a disused Victorian gravel quarry, so his wife Dorothy, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, could take more stimulating daily exercise. The disused quarry - now called ‘The Quarry Garden’ - is a beautiful two acre woodland, including some of the country’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. Sadly, in April 1942, Dorothy died, but work on the garden continued unabated and it subsequently became the focus of Colonel Clive’s life. In 1958 Colonel Clive set up the ‘Willougbridge Garden Trust’ creating a Memorial to Dorothy as well as preserving a place of rest and recreation for the public. Colonel Harry Clive, the Trust’s first Curator, died in 1963, leaving a garden of outstanding beauty and interest for all to enjoy and savour for years to come.
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Now extending to twelve acres, The Dorothy Clive Garden is delightfully woven into the magnificent tapestry of the Shropshire and Staffordshire borders and has fine views over the surrounding countryside. It is an intimate and informal garden embracing a variety of landscape features, including a south facing Hillside Garden, an Alpine Scree with sculpted pool as well as an eclectic gravel garden including a beautiful laburnum arch. Â Plant enthusiasts will find many unusual species throughout the garden as well as specimen trees, shrubs and a diverse collection of perennials. There are plentiful summer borders with seasonal plants such as philadelphus, deutzia, roses and various herbaceous plants. The garden also hosts some superb walks, such as the Bluebell and daffodil walk.
The garden is open 10.00am - 5.30pm daily from mid March until the end of September. There are various events taking place, please see the website for further details : www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk There is also a garden tea room with a terrace lawn which is open from 11.00am - 5.00pm for mid morning snacks, lunch and afternoon tea (with home baking).
Situated on the A51 on the north Staffordshire/Shropshire border, the Dorothy
Clive Garden is two miles out of Woore village, mid way between Nantwich and Stone. From the M6, exit at junction 15 and take the A 53 then the A51.
Facilities are available for disabled visitors. Parking is free and dogs are admitted on leads.
For further information, please contact the Administrator on 01630 647237 or email at info@dorothyclivegarden.co.uk
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GREEN WOOD CENTRE
“Managing woodlands now and for the future.” The Green Wood Centre is part of the national woodland charity, Small Woods, and is based in Coalbrookdale just a short way from historic Ironbridge.
Small Woods supports the sustainable management of woodlands and the production and marketing of wood products for local markets.
The Green Wood Centre promotes sustainable living through a wood based economy by running courses in woodland management and related activities and making landscape furniture from local FSC timber. They deliver courses accredited by the Open College Network in Coppicing, Hedge Laying, Coppice Products, Sustainable Woodland Management, Introduction to Small Woodland
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Management and Woodland Monitoring and Evaluation. A social forestry programme is also offered, providing courses for youngsters at Forest School, those Not in Employment Education or Training, and also to the probation service. The programme uses the woodland as an environment to promote self-reliance and problem-solving in a healthy environment. The Centre also offers various craft courses, including : basket weaving, coracle making, longbow making and willow weaving.
Come and try one of the three circular walks from the Centre, The Rotunda and Dale Coppice, Strethill Walk and Ropewalk Meadow and Loamhole Dingle (each of about two miles). As you set out on the walks, you will pass the ‘ecopod’ – a ‘wooden sleeping hut’ which is available for overnight hire !
Cherry’s Real Food Café @ The Green Wood Centre is open Tuesdays to Sundays 11.00am – 4.00pm, and Wednesdays to Sundays 11.am 3.pm in the winter. Specialising in good rustic
Ecopod - wooden sleeping hut
food with a good range of vegetarian dishes, which is home-made on site or sourced from local suppliers.
Woodland Hall
Is an award winning environmentally friendly building, with a striking and unique architectural look, offering a tranquil yet at the same time vibrant atmosphere. It is a prime example of how green wood can be used to create modern ecologically sound architecture.
It is an ideal cost effective venue for conferences, meetings and events for up to 70 delegates where cost is not compromised by facilities or service. The Woodland Hall also has a Civil Wedding Licence and the “WOW� factor of the hall combined with our food and level of service which will ensure your special event, whether it is for a wedding or party, will be one to remember.
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The Green Wood Centre is the first establishment in Shropshire to achieve a Gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
Volunteering
Contact the Green Wood Centre for details of how to become a volunteer to maintain the site buildings and woodland.
Telephone 01952 432769 www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk
Green Wood Centre •Cherry’s
Café
nr Ironbridge, Telford
•Hall for hire -
meetings/celebrations
•Basic Accommodation •Professional Courses
www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk
Tel. 01952 432769 Signpost ? page
Cafe 01952 435857
HOME FARM, ATTINGHAM
If you are visiting the National Trust’s Attingham Hall at Atcham near Shrewsbury, make time for a visit to Home Farm Attingham.
Home Farm is it is a working farm open to the public. As well as being able to look around the historic farm and see its animals, visitors are able to visit the tearooms and also buy Home Farm’s own organic dairy ice cream.
When visiting the farm, you will see a traditional, but fully working, Shropshire farm. Most of the buildings are around 200 years old and so the farm has retained a traditional feel.
There is a Jersey dairy herd of around 100 that you can see being milked every day at 3.30pm. There are also many rare breeds of cattle, pigs, sheep and fowl.
After visiting you might like to stop off for refreshments in the tearoom, make sure to try the home-made cakes and you can also buy Home Farm’s dairy ice cream made with organic Jersey milk from their own herd.
For the younger visitors there is a playground and you can also buy bags of animal food to use around the farm. There are several picnic tables on the site, and dogs are welcome on leads. There is good access for disabled visitors. Telephone 01743 709243 www.homefarmattingham.co.uk
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LUDLOW SPRING FOOD FESTIVAL
May 12th - 13th
Celebrating great beers, bangers, bread, music and more!
Ludlow Spring Festival is now in its fourth year and with over 150 real ales on draught from small breweries in Wales and the Marches, producers selling seriously good food, a huge display of classic cars all washed down with fantastic music inside Ludlow Castle, who could be surprised at the success of Ludlow newest festival!
Beer
Now this will be a real ale lovers paradise of over 150 different beers from SIBA members
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showcasing the best in Wales and the Marches alongside perry, cider and Marches wines and liqueurs for a bit of variety. There will be top bands playing in here to entertain you from 11.00 am right through to closing.
A quick walk outside the festival pub marquee and you’ll find yourself amongst a dazzling array of fabulous classic cars – more than 200 will be present over the weekend with many of the larger cars (those that can’t fit through the castle gate) in the square on Sunday.
Bread, Bangers and more...
More than 60 passionate small producers are exhibiting this year, so as well as great food on
the day; you’ll be able to take home some lovingly produced fare. The food on offer is diverse and includes artisan cheeses and breads to fresh fish, meat and game; you’ll also find homemade cakes, fudge, preserves and pickles. A number of local cider, wine and liqueur makers are also represented.
BREAD - Now if you have never cooked REAL bread, then this will be a whole new experience for you as bread demonstrations will be taking you through the process from yeast through to flour varieties and dough making. For those with the passion locally milled flour producers, local bakers will be on site to buy from and to answer questions. Telephone 01584 873957 www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
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LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD July 3rd - 8th
Other Eisteddfod highlights throughout the week include the delivery of the Annual Llangollen Peace Message, the symbolic and moving Sound of Silence where the entire field comes together to link arms and the return of Folk Friday – a whole day dedicated to live folk music on the outdoor stages.
Alison Balsom
It’s a vibrant festival of music, dance and culture held in a picturesque Dee Valley setting. If you’re planning on visiting anywhere this summer, make sure it’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
First held in 1947 to relay an international message of peace, goodwill and harmony to the backdrop of song and dance, the Eisteddfod has continued to grow. Each year, colourful competitors arrive from all around the world, from the Philippines and Canada, Finland and Ghana.
Expect an array of colour and a celebration of cultures when competitors and visitors alike come together on Tuesday 3 July to open the 66th Eisteddfod with the traditional Parade of Nations through the town.
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As the sun sets each night, internationally renowned artists descend on Llangollen town in star-studded evening concerts. Opera stars Wynne Evans (Grand Finale: Sunday 8th July) and Lesley Garrett (Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert: Wednesday 4th July), Broadway and West End stars Alfie Boe (Thursday 5th July) and John Owen Jones (Grand Finale: Sunday 8th July), world famous conductor Karl Jenkins, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and instrumentalists Alison Balsom (Queen's John Owen Jones
Lesley Garrett
Diamond Jubilee Concert: Wednesday 4th July) and Nicola Benedetti are just some of the names scheduled to appear in 2012.
The honour and title of Choir of the World will be on the line at the international choral competition on Saturday 7 July. Here, the winners of the Mixed, Chamber, Barbershop, Male and Female choirs during the week return to the stage to determine who is the ultimate winner. The winner will also take home the coveted Pavarotti Trophy.
Alfie Boe
Leading the week’s activities will be the Llangollen Eisteddfod President Terry Waite CBE: “People from different religious, ethnic, racial and social backgrounds gather together in Llangollen to share and express themselves through the language of music. Music has the capacity to breathe a certain harmony into the soul and those who experience harmony and peace within are better able to work for peace throughout the world.”
For more information or to book tickets for the concerts, visit the bilingual website, www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01978 862001. Wynne Evans
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PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL
23rd - 28th August 2012
Situated in an intimate town on the Powys/Herefordshire border, the Presteigne Festival has become a mecca for those seeking artistic nourishment and musical discovery in idyllic surroundings. With a truly forward looking commissioning policy, the organisation works closely with composers and artists to create and curate inspiring programmes and events for an ever-widening Festival community.
2012 is a very special year for the Presteigne Festival – we celebrate thirty years of promoting great music in the unspoiled countryside of the Welsh Marches; we’ll take this opportunity to look back over past successes and to look forward to an exciting and ever more diverse future. The Festival takes place over a busy sixday period at the end of August – we’ll promote over thirty events of which sixteen are concerts supported with complimentary activities to include talks, walks and literary events. Our main concert venue is St Andrew’s Church in Presteigne, for many years the jewel in the Festival’s crown, with other performances given at village churches and halls in the surrounding area.
Tom Poster
Popular Scottish-based composer Sally Beamish is to be composer-in-residence for the 2012 Festival, and there will be an exciting crop of commissions from composers who have strongheld links with Presteigne: two new orchestral pieces – a saxophone concerto from Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe and Variations on a theme of Reger for string orchestra by Matthew Taylor; chamber pieces include an oboe quintet from Michael Berkeley, a string quartet by John McCabe, together with a new work for two violins and viola from Cecilia McDowall, a piece for solo cello by Elizabeth Winters and three songs for soprano and piano by James Francis Brown, Peter Fribbins and Alan Mills. Carducci Quartet
2012 will see artistic horizons extended with further outreach activity. Throughout the school year, children from five local primary schools will be working with professional writers and musicians as part of Singing Histories, an exciting education project which culminates with the performance of a new work by Liz Lane to be premiered at a special community concert in July 2012. The Festival is also to continue its association with Dominic Horne and the Birmingham Conservatoire, in the promotion of a third competition for composers with a composers’ workshop in Birmingham. The winning work will be premiered at the 2012 Festival by virtuoso saxophonist, Amy Dickson. The Presteigne Festival City Tour, which takes place in autumn 2012, will visit important venues in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford – a trio of two violins and viola will perform a programme of repertoire first heard at the Festival in August.
Apart from exciting pieces by contemporary and twentieth-century British composers, other music to be performed includes important works by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, Dvorak, Ross Edwards, Grieg, Haydn, Hindemith, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Saint-Saëns, Schubert, Schumann, Richard Strauss and Webern – a magnificent array by anyone’s standards.
An impressive collection of performing talent will be in evidence at the Festival in 2012, many artists returning specially to join in our thirtieth anniversary celebrations: the Carducci Quartet, world-class wind players Nicholas Daniel (oboe) and Amy Dickson (saxophone), popular string players Gemma Rosefield (cello),
Sarah-Jane Bradley
Nicholas Daniel
Retorica
Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola) and Retorica violinists Harriet Mackenzie and Philippa Mo, pianists Tom Poster, Simon Lepper and Catherine Milledge, singers Gillian Keith (soprano), William Purefoy (countertenor), Matthew Long (tenor) and Michael Bundy (baritone), the City of Canterbury Chamber Choir and the Presteigne Festival Orchestra conducted by artistic director, George Vass.
Continuing its important partnership with BBC Radio 3, two concerts from the Festival are to be broadcast.
www.presteignefestival.com Telephone 01544 267800
Amy Dickson
Gemma Rosefield
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CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL
July 22nd - August 4th
The Church Stretton Arts Festival celebrates 46 years with a kaleidoscope of events.
The Festival, a key part of Shropshire’s artistic calendar, includes concerts by professionals and local amateurs.
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Pascal & Ami RogĂŠ
The Season starts on Sunday 22nd July with Jaqui Dankworth and the award-winning Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra and will conclude with a recital by Tasmin Little, the international violin virtuoso, accompanied by Martin Roscoe.
On the 23rd July the Arts & Crafts Exhibition opens - the largest in the area with over 600 exhibits last year. The exhibition is open daily throughout the Festival. Other highlights of the festival include : •
The Haydn Lute Trio
•
Rebecca Vaughan ‘I, Elizabeth’,
•
An evening with Colin Dexter
•
•
•
about Queen Elizabeth 1st.
Opus Anglicanum
Pascal and Ami Rogé piano duet.
An evening with Simon Hoggart
Brochures:
Church Stretton Visitor Information Centre. Tickets available from Gloria Carter, 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694) 724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 Sandford Avenue and Church Stretton VIC. Ring and Ride Transport available free for all events; telephone (01694) 720025. Art Exhibition information from Joan Arnfield 01694 724170.
Opus Anglicanum
www.strettonfestival.org.uk
Classico Latino
Haydn Lute Trio
Bu s Service : 435 - LUDLOW - SHREWSBURY Nearest Railway Station : Church Stretton
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LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL
7th - 9th September
The unforgettable festival - it’s like no other... The 2012 Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival will take place on 7-9 September in Ludlow, Shropshire, England, the small town with the large reputation for good food and drink.
In 2011, the Festival featured more than 150 top quality small independent food and drink producers from the Marches, the England-Wales border country, inside Ludlow Castle.
Spend the day inside Ludlow Castle enjoying the independent food and drink producers and suppliers of real food, ale, cider, perry, wine, bread, bangers and everything in between plus more from the Marches, with samples and tastings (some free).
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Highlights include: • •
• • • • • • •
In the Castle
Demonstrations and talks Outside Food Vendors - a wide variety of quality hot and cold meals, Childrens entertainment Over 150 local food and drink producers Hands on demonstrations Knife Skills with Eckington Manor, Slow Food Taste Workshops Live music 'Pop Up' Restaurant featuring top chefs,
In the town Ludlow Sausage Trail, visit 5 of the top butchers in the country to vote for the best. The Real Ale Trail will help you wash down all
those goodies and visiting over 12 pubs and trying the best real ale on offer across the county. The bread trail takes you around 3 of the towns best bakers discovering the best loaf out there! As well as the food producers, throughout Ludlow's historic town centre there is seemingly no end of food-related events, such as the pudding tastings in the Methodist Church and even more food traders on the market square.
Telephone 01584 873957 www.foodfestival.co.uk
This was Britain's first successful food and drink festival when it started back in 1995. It's grown considerably since then, with large numbers of visitors from throughout the UK, as well as from overseas - but this ‘not for profit’ organisation has stayed firmly with the original idea of highlighting the great food and drink that is available in the Marches, and to have a great time!
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Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival 18th - 26th August
A Family Fun Festival Step back in time to the bygone era of the 1800s and imagine yourself in the heart of the Victorian era. Horses clip clopping along the streets pulling carriages, urchins running along behind, ladies in their spectacular crinoline and bustle dresses, gents tipping their hats as street entertainers.
This year the Llandrindod Wells Victorian Festival promises to bring you an exciting selection of events that are sure to please the whole family. Whatever your age, you are bound to find something that will interest you and bring a smile to your face, some might even find you breaking into fits of laughter. The surrounding backdrop of incredible Victorian architecture dating from the spa town’s heyday in the late 1800’s further enhances the festivities.
Take a trip down memory lane and rekindle those feelings of nostalgia with our many entertainers. Street Entertainers will enthral you with their many skills. Don’t miss the dog show and there will even be the Panic Circus - childrens entertainment. Watch the spectacle of the Victorian Costume Parades and best dressed competitions. Men, here’s your chance to heckle the ladies as they surge on Middleton Street as Suffragettes . Exhibitions are of plenty and local clubs and organisations have really pulled out the stops to produce interesting displays. Look out for our very own Queen Victoria and her ‘Knightings’ where people choose what name they want and why !
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The culmination of the festival is a stunning torchlight procession and spectacular fireworks display over the town’s beautiful lake. A breathtaking sight not to be missed.
With many, many more events going on throughout the 9 days, there is sure to be something for every member of the family and we hope that you come along and experience all the fun of the festival for yourselves.
For more information please contact: Marie Powell, Festival Administrator Victorian Festival, Wadham House, Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DG Tel: 01597 823441 email: info@victorianfestival.co.uk, www.victorianfestival.co.uk
KING ARTHUR’S LABYRINTH
King Arthur’s Labyrinth (between Machynlleth and Dolgellau in Mid Wales) takes visitors, by underground boat, through a gushing waterfall and across a thousand years, back to the time of King Arthur.
Wales’ leading national newspaper The Western Mail said that King Arthur’s Labyrinth is ’Well worth a Visit’ they were absolutely right.
Once inside the Labyrinth, you’ve travelled back to the darkest of the Dark Ages when the native Celtic people are defending themselves against the all powerful Saxon invaders. Out of the darkness came Arthur… His feats of bravery, his supernatural powers and his strength of leadership brought defeat to his enemies and peace to the island of Britain. His fame was sung throughout the land. Enjoy myths, legends and stories from the Dark Ages and from the time of King Arthur as you are guided around torchlit tunnels and vast underground caverns by your mysterious hooded boatman. Stories of dragons, mighty battles, ferocious giants and many more come to life with dramatic scenes, light shows and sound effects. As your journey ends the mysterious boatman sails you out of the Labyrinth and back to the present day – but be warned, beware of the Dragon....
Dry when wet, cool when hot this is the perfect all-weather attraction for all ages.
Back above ground is a further attraction, Bards’ Quest. Take on the Bards’ challenge and search the paths of time for hidden myths, legends and stories. Once found, be enthralled by some great stories from Wales.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth opens daily from 10am - 5pm from mid March to the end of October.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth is perfect for Groups and School Visits. Preferential rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Tours of the Labyrinth start from Corris Craft Centre which is located on the main A487 road between Machynlleth and Dolgellau.
A further attraction, the Bards’ Quest also starts from Corris Craft Centre. Admission to the Bards' Quest is half price when purchased with admission to the Labyrinth tour.
King Arthur’s Labyrinth is easily accessible by public transport. There are direct trains from Birmingham to Machynlleth every two hours. There are regular buses from Aberystwyth, Machynlleth and Dolgellau (X 32 stops outside, 34 stops in Corris). Sustrans cycle route 8 passes nearby.
Telephone 01654 761584 www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk
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BRIDGNORTH CLIFF RAILWAY
For over a century Bridgnorth Cliff Railway has been transporting the people of Bridgnorth up and down the 111 ft sandstone cliffs that separate High Town from Low Town and the River Severn.
It is first and foremost a working railway; its importance to both the townspeople of Bridgnorth and to visitors to the town is undiminished by age. The railway operates two carriages on parallel tracks. Connected by steel cables, the carriages serve to counterbalance each other - as one rises to the top station, the other runs to the bottom station.
The cars are now powered by an electric winding engine, but were originally driven by a system of water balance, each carriage carrying water ballast in a tank beneath the passenger compartment.
Next to the Top Station are The Winding House Tearooms viewing panels through to the Engine Room, and a Terrace area with wonderful views across the River Severn.
Directly above the Bottom Station, the newlyrefurbished Stoneway Guest house offers a unique B&B experience. Do visit England’s only remaining inland electric funicular railway !
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Telephone 01746 762052 www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk
LLANDRINDOD WELLS VICTORIAN FESTIVAL
18TH - 26TH AUGUST 2012 OVER 200 EVENTS PACKED
INTO NINE FUN-FILLED DAYS FOR ALL THE FAMILY
!
Tel: (01597) 823441
www.victorianfestival.co.uk Victorian Festival Office Wadham House Middleton Street Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 5DG
The Spaceguard Centre www.spaceguarduk.com
Could this happen ? Can we do anything about it ? Come and find out.
Open all year, Wed-Sun. Conducted tours at 10.30, 2 & 4pm (May-Sept) Call 01547 520247 for availability
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THE JUDGE’S LODGING
house with a difference – you can touch! You can lie on the beds, read the judge’s books and even pump water in the kitchen. Below stairs there is the full range of servants’ rooms to explore, with kitchens, sleeping quarters and workrooms; a whole gaslit world to discover. The tour is finished by a trip to the vast echoing courtroom, where you are haunted by the echoes of trials long since concluded. You are guided through this Victorian world by an eavesdropping’ audiotour featuring the voice of actor Robert Hardy.
‘These days it’s common enough to find well-preserved period buildings tagged with such clichés as ‘frozen in time’ or ‘a real time capsule’. These places may please the eye but too often they don’t convince. The Judge’s Lodging is different for one simple reason: it smells right. One step through the baize-covered entrance door, and the odour of paraffin lamps fills your nostrils. The power of scent evokes domestic life in the 19th century more vividly that any stage-setting could.’ Alex Ramsay, World of Interiors.
Do you know the correct way to run a bath? How can you trap insects with a turnip? What was the first thing Queen Victoria did after her coronation? These and many other questions are answered on the new Judge’s Lodging website. This Victorian museum in Presteigne has long had a reputation for liking the quirkier side of history, so the new site is packed with handy hints the Victorian way, recipes for icecream and jelly, strange facts, along with information about the building and learning resources. Visit it and you will be guaranteed to find something to fascinate. Visit the museum itself and you will be in for an even bigger treat, for this award-winning historic judge’s accommodation and court offers a most unusual journey back in time. Wander through the judge’s private apartments and make yourself at home, for The Judge’s Lodging an historic
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In 2011 the Judge’s Lodging received the Highly Commended second place in a major new heritage award scheme, Hudson's Heritage Awards choice of the best heritage site in Britain for Education, Family and Community work. The awards were presented on 1st December at the Marriot Grovesnor Square, London, by celebrity hosts Lloyd Grossman and Lucinda Lambton.
This award is not just just for the museum's education and family services. It also acknowledges the fantastic new Presteigne Community Collections project started this year, where a group of local volunteers have joined staff in working with the town's collection of objects.
In the summer of 2012 there will be a new exhibition ‘Sporting Life in Presteigne’ with a special focus on 2011 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year, World Supersport Champion Chaz Davies. Also this summer, discover more about the world of Dickens’ work throughout the period rooms. In the autumn, find out more about some families whose trades and inventions have made Presteigne the place it is today. For any information on the museum and any of its activities, visit the website or just call the staff who are always happy to chat. Telephone 01544 260650 www.judgeslodging.org.uk
Images © Alex Ramsay
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IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS
Ironbridge Gorge Museum to host Digital Art Installation As part of the London 2012 Festival
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Ironbridge Gorge Museum is hosting a fantastic, free to enter digital art installation, CORE, designed by renowned international artist Kurt Hentschläger as part of the London 2012 Festival. With over 1,000 events across the country and more than 10 million free opportunities for people to get involved through dance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film and digital innovation, this will be the UK’s biggest ever nationwide festival.
CORE early artist's impression
Blists Hill
CORE forms the next generation of the Chicago-based artist’s generative 3D and audio work. This world-class piece of art will be premiered at the Engine Shop, Enginuity, one of the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums on 23rd March 2012 and remain until the autumn.
You will be able to experience a digital world made up of a series of virtual aquariums containing dynamic bodies in extreme motion whose movements are neither predictable nor repeated. These identical humanoid figures interact both instinctually like schools of fish or flocks of birds and at other times they appear choreographed like ballet dancers or synchronised swimmers. The installation will generate new audiences in the West Midlands and will leave an important legacy for the region as part of the London 2012 Festival. It’s been made possible thanks to the generous support of Arts Council England and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
Step Back in Time While CORE is at the cutting edge of today’s digital technology, in other parts of the World Heritage Site you can step back in time at the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums and see the latest ‘gadgets’ and how people lived over 100 years ago.
Chat to the costumed characters in their homes, shops and places of work at Blists Hill Victorian Town; marvel at magnificent china and see crafts people at work in Coalport China Museum and walk through the galleries and period room settings adorned with beautiful tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum. The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron celebrates the early iron industry while the Museum of The Gorge explains the area’s importance; finally walk cross the world’s first Iron Bridge and imagine what the area was like around 300 years ago at the beginning of industrial development. Telephone 01952 433424 www.ironbridge.org.uk
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LLANYMYNECH LIMEWORKS
Heritage Area Follow the path taken by the limestone quarried from Llanymynech Rocks down the inclined planes to the lime kilns and thence to the canal or railway. Visit one of only 3 remaining Hoffman Kilns in the country (the only one complete with chimney) and explore it both inside and out! You can also wander and picnic in the woodland and meadows. The site is always open. There is car parking adjacent to the canal or behind the Dolphin pub in the village. Visit the website www.llanymynech.org.uk to download a map and other information.
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Telephone 01691 839147, or email llanymynech@hotmail.co.uk
Location: on the A483 next to the canal in Llanymynech. Grid Ref: SJ266211. Post Code SY22 6EA
Wharf Visitor Centre
Open 1.30 - 4.30 Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to end of September
Boat Trips, Exhibition, Gifts and Light Refreshments
www.llanymynech.org.uk www.duchess-countess.org.uk
TANAT VALLEY LIGHT RAILWAY
Tanat Valley Light Railway Company, Nant Mawr Visitor Centre, Nant Mawr, Near Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 9DW
Telephone 01948 - 781079
website www.tvlr.co.uk e-mail admin@tvlr.co.uk
Just off the A495 at Porthywaen near Oswestry
Opening times from Easter to September open 10 - 5 every day, other times open most Tuesdays and Weekends, group visits or tours by prior arrangement, phone for details
Facilities include Toilet, woodland walks, nature trail, picnic area, car parking, small museum, wildlife pond, all free to visit (donations very welcome).
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DANIELS MILL
A picturesque working water mill with 38ft. cast iron waterwheel producing wholemeal flour traditionally. Family owned for 250 years. Personal guided tours for all visitors, by millers Alan & Peter George.
Daniels Mill is set in the idyllic Shropshire countryside, deep in a wooded valley crossed by a 19th Century viaduct carrying the Severn Valley Railway to Bridgnorth. Visitors are taken back in time when the mill wheel turns and a steam train crosses the viaduct at the same time. Heavy French Burr millstones turn locally grown wheat into flour in the traditional way used for centuries. There are conducted tours for all visitors to the mill. A small gift shop is open and 100% wholemeal flour is available for sale. The tea room offers scones made from our own flour.
Organised parties and schools are welcome by prior appointment throughout the year. Evening parties accepted throughout the year. Please
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allow up to 2 hours to visit. Reductions for parties numbering 20 and over. Light refreshments available by arrangment - see the website for more details. Newly re-opened for 2012 the Stables Tearoom, serving light bites and drinks.
Directions
Daniels Mill is brown sign posted from Bridgnorth. From the Severn Valley Railway in Bridgnorth (Holybush Road) turn onto B4363 Cleobury Mortimer road. After ¼ mile turn right on to the B455 towards Eardington. Daniels Mill is situated approx ¾ mile on right.
Prices
£4.00 Adults, £3.00 Concessions
Open Times
6th April - 31st October, 11am-4pm
Telephone 01746 762753 www.danielsmill.co.uk
BRIDGNORTH’S NORTHGATE MUSEUM
Come and see a great collection of items covering over 2,000 years of local history.
Visit the Northgate Museum in high town Bridgnorth. Packed full of treasures, (there are over 4000 items in the collection) the museum should be the first stop for anyone wanting to discover the history of the town and the local area. From an Edwardian till to a model of Trevithick’s Steam Engine, The museum’s collection will interest the whole family.
The museum, founded in 1951, is run by volunteers from the Bridgnorth & District Historical Society, which is a registered Charity.
There is no charge for admission, but the museum relies on donations and museum sales to remain open.
Fully accredited by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
More information of the collection can be seen on the website 'bridgnorthmuseum.org.uk' and researchers are welcome.
Opening times: from April to October Saturdays 1.30 pm to 4 pm Sundays 11.00 am to 4 pm Bank Holidays 11.00 am to 4 pm School Holidays (every day) 11.00 am to 4 pm
Postcode : WV16 5AE
Bus Ser vic e : 436 - Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury & 890 Nearest Railway Station : Bridgnorth
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OSWESTRY VISITOR & EXHIBITION CENTRE
The Centre is set within Oswestry Parish Churchyard formerly called Holbache House it was the second oldest grammar school founded in 1407. It now houses Oswestry Tourist Information centre, a coffee shop and art exhibitions which change monthly.
Opening times; Every day except Sunday 10am4pm. Longer opening in summer. Entry is free
Postcode SY11 2TE Telephone 01691 662753 www.oswestry-welshborders.org.uk ot@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk
Oswestry Market
Markets have existed in Oswestry for centuries and they’ve been a major part of the town’s
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trading and historical importance. They remain one of the town’s biggest attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Oswestry has just completed a £140,000 refurbishment of the Indoor Market after winning a national place improvement award in the Times newspaper. By achieving the most votes, Oswestry Market won a new interior design by Sir Terrance Conran.
These long awaited improvements are set to really enhance the shopping experience for the customer. The indoor market is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday but there is also an Outdoor Market every Wednesday and Saturday. On top of this there is a fantastic Farmers’ Market held on the last Friday of the month which has an abundance of quality, local produce. www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk
OSWESTRY TOWN MUSEUM
The Story of Oswestry
Housed on the 3rd floor of the Guildhall, Lift Access available, in the former Oswestry Magistrates Court rooms.
As part of their plans to make Oswestry Town Museum a true reflection of the History of the Town of Oswestry the group behind the project have announced that the Museum will include a Timeline stretching from the formation of the rocks that Oswestry sits on right up to the present day and with space to update it in the future on an annual basis. Mark Hignett for the group said “We have to remember that what happens this year is next years history” adding “in particular visitors to the town next year could be interested in what happened the previous year as being part of the history of the town.”
For more information: www.oswestrymuseum.org.uk
E-Mail: info@oswestrymuseum.org.uk Telephone : Mark on 01948 781079
Open on market days Wednesday 10 – 4 Friday 10 – 4 Saturday 10 – 3.30
Other times and group visits by prior arrangement
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BISHOP'S CASTLE HERITAGE RESOURCE CENTRE
electoral rolls, census returns and other documents held at Shropshire Archives. These are too bulky and precious to leave Shrewsbury and have therefore been digitally photographed, and can now be viewed on-screen at BCHRC, and selected pages printed. This means that researchers can view an image of the original document, with no risk of transcription errors, and of a much higher quality than existing microfiche images.
Bishop's Castle's geographical remoteness has served to protect its heritage, and the town has kept much of its historic character. Bishop's Castle Heritage Resource Centre is a volunteerrun activity centre celebrating local history and keeping it within the community for people to use and enjoy. It is owned and run by the House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust, which also manages the House on Crutches Museum.
BCHRC has a secure museum standard store, in which the Museum's reserve collection is kept in safety, as well as other artefacts, documents and ephemera. You can view some of the collection online at www.bchrc.co.uk . Individuals and organisations can deposit their archives in the store for a small fee. More information on depositing can be found on the website.
An index of these resources is available at BCHRC or to download from the website www.bchrc.co.uk . BHRC is open to visitors from 10.30am to 1.00pm on Saturdays or at other times by arrangement. Please phone 01588 630556 (answerphone) or email mail@bchrc.co.uk. BCHRC is at 5 Chapel Yard, just off Bishop's Castle's High Street.
Other facilities and services are offered, from photocopying and laminating to specialised services such as the production of displays and digitisation of documents. The small meeting room is ideal for meetings and workshops up to a maximum of 12 people, and there is a small range of equipment for hire, such as display boards. There is a small charge for these.
In 2009 BCHRC secured a Heritage Lottery Fund grant to develop as a Local History Centre, and the volunteers worked closely with staff from Shropshire Archives to identify materials and resources relating to the Bishops Castle area that would enable them to help visitors with their family history or social history query. These resources include parish registers, tithe maps,
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House on Crutches Museum
CLUN MUSEUM There is also plan of the rail-way line, proposed over one hundred years ago from Craven Arms to Clun.
Children, Schools, Historical Societies and Clubs are very welcome with special opening times arranged to suit their needs by contacting the Curator. There are Children's Activity Sheets available for both floors so that they may discover and identify artefacts and their usage.
The Museum houses a multitude of local historical and agricultural artefacts and possesses an important collection of some 6,528 flints. The two silver Maces of the Borough of Clun, dating back to Elizabethan times (1580 & 1680) together with the Town Seal are on display on Bank Holidays.
The whole operation is serviced by dedicated volunteer Stewards who give their time freely and willingly. You will be warmly welcomed and any query that you might have will receive their best attention and advice.
Ground Floor - The items on display reflect the diversity of Trades in this once self contained rural town—the centre of a large Farming community: Smithy • Wheelwright • Clog maker •Saddler • Tailor • Baker • Brewer • to name but a few. It also houses the nationally recognised collection of Flints which were traded along the Clun/Clee Ridgeway. . First Floor - where the main theme is local memorabilia from both the First and Second World Wars, including several uniforms and a display devoted to evacuees who came here from Liverpool.
Access for all is available with ramp and chair lift and for the visually impaired audio and Braille guides, tactile pictures, and an illuminated tactile map of the town.
Opening Times Easter - 31st October TUESDAYS: 2.00pm - 5.00pm SATURDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS: (Mondays & Tuesdays) 11.00am- 1.00pm 2.00pm - 5.00pm
For special openings at other times Contact Curator:
J Kent Tomey • Stapledon Mount Pleasant • Clun • SY7 8JJ Tel/Fax 01588 640681 Email: k.tomey@btinternet.com
Nominal charge 50p. Under 16's/students Free
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MARKET DRAYTON’S OWN MUSEUM
The story of Drayton
It’s called “The Story of Drayton”, because that’s exactly what it is.
It’s all about the Town. Everything in the Collection was donated by the people of Market Drayton, used by them, and often manufactured by them. So the families, lifestyle, events, and stories emerge from all these bits and pieces.... more than 10,000 of them, collected over the course of nearly thirty years..
In the Shop they sell the Town. That’s to say you will be given a potted history in five quick chapters, from earliest times to the present. There’s also the odd diversion and digression.
Don’t miss the house behind, where a home is on display.... with the trophies on the mantelpiece, china in the dresser, books in the bookcase, medicine in the bathroom, and so on in kitchen, yard and outhouse. Here, as you can imagine, the past often rubs shoulders with the present.
The things you can see range from a prehistoric plant stem to a hand-pulled hearse, a bottle collection, panoramic school photographs, a horse-drawn seed drill, lamps, money boxes, and mangles. And you’ll find stories ranging from Clive of India’s pies to gingerbread secrets, the WC War, and death at the theatre, not to
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mention Arthur Phillips’ vertical take-off aircraft of 1908.
Membership fees - £6 per person, £10 for families. Opening times - May until October, mornings of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Arrangements for other times can be made by email ipictonr@talktalk.net. The museum is within easy reach of the Town Centre at 53 Shropshire Street.
You are assured of a warm welcome, at the same time helping you share the past (and present) of this the largest and most important market town in the area. www.peter-quita.demon.co.uk/ museum/home.htm Postcode : TF9 1HG
Shifnal Museum & Archive Centre
Shifnal Museum and Archive Centre opened in December 2009 in the former Fire Station in Shrewsbury Road . There is a good display of photographs of the town, showing how it has changed over the years, and a collection of articles from days gone by is being built up. The museum holds lots of useful information on the people in the town’s past, such as births deaths and marriages, and census information right back to 1841.
The Museum is open on Thursday afternoons from 2.00 to 4.00, and on Saturday mornings from 10.00 to 12.00. There are also special events throughout the year. Shrewsbury Road, Shifnal.
Ditton Priors Local History Centre The Centre holds an extensive archive, much of it on a database, on the history of the village. There is a recently researched story of Ditton's wartime Admiralty Armaments Depot, and the next project is on evacuees in the village. The Centre is adjacent to the Oak Farm shop and Tearooms, which are open Wednesday to Saturday throughout the year.
Opening hours are Saturdays 12 -4pm from April 7th to end October. Or by appointment Ditton Priors Local History Centre By Oak Farm Tearoom Station Road Ditton Priors WV16 6SS
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WHITCHURCH HERITAGE CENTRE 2012 Opening Hours:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Whitchurch is Shropshire's only town to be continually inhabited on the same site since being built in Roman times.
10.00 10.00
closed 10.00 10.00 10.00 -
4.00 4.00
4.00 4.00 1.00
FREE ENTRY All areas wheelchair accessible Disabled parking adjacent to Heritage Centre, Visitor Information, Customer Service Point, and a selection of gift Items for sale.
The current displays, exhibits, and activities in the Heritage Centre reflect the town's historic roots.
Many of the exhibits are geared towards children and are very much hands on with a Roman Archaeology sand pit where coins and a skull can be uncovered and a brass rubbing table where budding artists can create their own masterpieces to take home.
There is also a giant puzzle depicting a typical nursery rhyme theme created from an illustration by the famous Victorian Illustrator Randolph Caldecott. The Caldecott Gallery houses a fine collection of artwork, books, photographs & memorabilia relating to the composer Edward German and artist Randolph Caldecott.
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Contact Details : 12 St Mary's Street Whitchurch Shropshire SY13 1QY
Telephone : 01948 664577
Email: heritage@whitchurch-shropshire-tc.gov.uk Web : www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk
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THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY AND THE ENGINE HOUSE AT HIGHLEY
It’s amazing how quickly a new attraction can seem as though it has been there for years. This is clearly the case with The Engine House, the Visitor & Education Centre at Highley on the Severn Valley Railway. Although it actually only opened at Easter 2008, it has already become an essential part of a visit to the Railway.
The SVR celebrated it’s 40th anniversary last year and on May 23rd, it was 40 years to the day when the first public steam train departed from Bridgnorth for the then terminus at Hampton Loade. There were various celebratory events during the year and The Engine House played a full part in them, including hosting displays and exhibitions marking this remarkable milestone. Bu s Service : 125 - BRIDGNORTH - KIDDERMINSTER 436 - BRIDGNORTH - SHREWSBURY
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The Engine House
© Debbie Piggott
Perhaps the most surprising exhibit is the first item you see. At the entrance sits a Morris Minor, which although it seems incongruous, actually acts as a reminder of the role of the motor car in the demise of the railway branch line. The building can house up to 10 locomotives which are displayed long with special sound effects and dry ice. You can explore the engines - there is even wheelchair access to one of them - and both from the gallery above, and from ground level (which is actually below the normal platform height) you can really appreciate the size and power of these engines. Other exhibits inside include an illustration of the restoration work, an explanation of how a
The Engine House at Highley
steam locomotives works and a re-creation of the founding meeting of the SVR in the Coopers Arms pub in Kidderminster.
It is a very accessible visitor centre with something for the whole family; there are babychanging facilities, an outdoor play area and a very spacious outdoor picnic table area. Don’t forget to visit Buffers Cafe Restaurant and watch the trains go by as you eat at a table on the spacious outdoor balcony, which has great views of the valley, the river and the railway!
Make sure you break your journey there and spend some time at The Engine House at Highley – when it is combined with a relaxing journey along the whole Severn Valley Railway, it makes for a great day out on the line !
Special Events 2012 • A Victorian Weekend - May 19th & 20th • Bridgnorth Station Gala - June 16th & 17th • Step Back to the 1940s - June 23-24th & June 30-1st July • Peep behind the Scenes - July 21st & 22nd • Steam & Whistle activity Club - August, selected dates • Bridgnorth Beer Festival - September 6-8th • On the Buses - September 9th • Autumn Steam Gala - September 21st - 23rd • Diesel Enthusiasts Gala - October 4th - 6th • The Jazz Train - October 27th • Halloween Specials - October 20th - 28th • Remembrance Day Service - November 11th • Santa Steam Specials - December 1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd
Telephone 01299-403816 for the SVR: or 01746-862387 for The Engine House: Visit www.svr.co.uk
Up close at The Engine House
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PARK HALL, OSWESTRY The Countryside Experience Discover the delights of Park Hall Countryside Experience, the national award winning farm attraction near Oswestry. This amazing family farm park is like no other. There’s a day packed with action, fun and adventure waiting for all the family, and with a generous helping of cuddly and friendly animals for everyone to enjoy, there’s not a minute to waste.
Get up close to your farmyard favourites with a regular schedule of interactive events. Feed and pet the Kune Kune pigs; groom the miniature Shetland pony, or be enchanted by the sheer magnificence of Charm and Rio the heavy horses. Don’t miss your opportunity to hand milk a real cow or cuddle up to the adorable bunnies and guinea pigs in the small animal centre. Just jump on the cart ride to see more animals around the farm.
Action packed fun can be found in two massive indoor play barns. The main arena has a large toy tractor circuit and bouncy castles while the Warren Playbarn has the traditional nets, slides and ropes.
Outside the action continues at the Crazy Farm Adventure Course and at the fantastic climbing areas in the woodland. There are also play houses for younger visitors and great walks for all the family.
Best of all for the kids are the brilliant driving activities. The junior driving school, the 4x4 land-rovers and quad bikes offer a range of driving fun for different ages. Have a go on the mechanical diggers and test your co-ordination skills too.
When you are ready to slow down the pace wander through the Welsh Guards Museum, visit the Victorian School or take a walk to the Iron Age Roundhouse. These fascinating heritage exhibits are well interpreted so there’s lots to learn too.
There are numerous seasonal activities happening throughout the year, these include lamb feeding, pig racing, Easter egg hunts, summer maize maze, Halloween and the wonderful The Santa Experience.
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Shrewsbury Museums Service
Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
So treat the kids to a truly memorable family day out and get involved with the farming fun at this national award-winning family attraction.
Details at www.parkhallfarm.co.uk Telephone 01691671123 or email info@parkhallfarm.co.uk
Park Hall Countryside Experience, Burma Road, Oswestry, Shropshire. SY11 9AS.
Shrewsbury Castle & The Shropshire Regimental Museum
Coleham Pumping Station
Telephone 01743 281205 Or visit www.shrewsburymuseums.com The Iron Age Roundhouse
Bus Ser vic e : 70 - SHREWSBURY - OSWESTRY Nearest Railway Station : GOBOWEN
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ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM, COSFORD
The Visitor Centre is home to the Refuel Restaurant serving hot and cold meals and snacks. The Checkpoint Charlie Café serving light snacks and drinks and the well stocked Museum Shop are both located within The National Cold War Exhibition.
The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom. 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition.
This landmark building contains 18 aircraft, military transport, missiles, memorabilia, interactive kiosks and hotspots of information. This unique exhibition reflects the social, cultural and political history of the Cold War era circa 1947 – 1989, in a fun and innovative way. A major feature of this unique exhibition is Britain’s three post-war V-Bombers the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant. A Number of these aircraft are suspended in flying attitudes including a Dakota, Canberra, Meteor, Lightning and Javelin. Visitors are able to view them from an elevated viewing gallery. RAF Museum Cosford is one day that everyone from small children upwards will enjoy whatever the weather. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by fun ‘n’ flight. Packed with hands on excitement, it’s the easy way to answer all those questions about how aircraft stay up in the air. The advanced flight simulator is also a great way to get an instant flying experience.
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Access around the Museum is easy with wide aisles for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Wheelchairs and electronic scooters are available free on arrival at the admissions desk, on a first come first served basis. Admission is FREE of charge.
Directions
By Road From Junction 3 of the M54 take the A41 south towards Wolverhampton. Follow brown tourist signs to Royal Air Force Museum. By Rail Cosford Train Station is located on the Central Trains Birmingham to Shrewsbury line (via Wolverhampton) then a half mile walk. Please check timetable before visiting. By Bus The 892 bus service from Wolverhampton to Wellington runs along the A41. The nearest stop is the Cosford Garage, approximately a 1 mile walk to the Museum gates. By Cycle The Museum is conveniently located along National Cycle Route 81 which runs from Wellington to Albrighton. Free cycle racks are situated next to the Museum Visitor Centre. By Air Clients can also fly into the Cosford site by prior arrangement with Air Traffic Control. Please call us first for details. Bu s Service - 891 - Telford to Wolverhampton Near est Railway Station : COSFORD
T: 01902 376200 E: cosford@rafmuseum.org W: www.rafmuseum.org
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RELAX AT RAYS FARM In 2012 Rays Farm Country Matters will be celebrating twenty two years as a tourist attraction; it is a farm for the animals and for people who wish to enjoy a close encounter with them.
Enjoy the grace and splendour of over forty owls on display at the farm. Many of these beautiful birds have been rescued from the wild. Some arrived as injured or orphaned, all requiring much loving care for their survival.
Visitors are welcome to explore the woodland area around the farm where paths and bridges have been constructed.
Refus - The old red steer stag
Located in the heart of the beautiful South Shropshire countryside, Rays Farm is owned and operated by Frank and Rose Cartwight and their daughter Julie. The term ‘Rays’ comes from the Anglo Saxon for streams - hence ‘the farm by the streams’.
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For those who wish to linger, a little longer, amongst the collection of woodcarvings, you will find picnic tables and benches. Wild deer now use the woodland paths created for visitors. Rabbits, Badgers, Mink, Voles, Kingfishers and Woodpeckers inhabit the old woodland.
For the younger visitor, there is an outdoor wooden play area for the over 4s, and an indoor toddler play area; don’t miss the well stocked sweet shop !
The Sweet Shop
Deep in the farm’s ancient woodland is a world of mystical wood carvings - tree spirits, gnomes gathering firewood, Billy Goat Gruff and the Troll, the Fox and the Gingerbread Man to name just a few. Don’t forget to look out for “Excalibur” the sword belonging to King Arthur. With over 50 carvings, some over seven foot tall, there are lots to see. Watch out for Dr Foster on his way to Gloucester.
Back at the farm take a rest in the tea-shop or browse around an interesting selection of toys and gifts.
New outdoor play area
Relax and enjoy wildlife and nature as it was intended - ancient woodlands, winding pathways, wild flowers and ferns.
Telephone 01299 841255 www.raysfarm.com
See the advert on page 11 for more details
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HAWKSTONE PARK
Historic Hawkstone Park, with its hidden pathways, concealed grottos, secret tunnels and remarkable collection of follies, is perhaps the most magical and wondrous tourist attraction Shropshire has to offer.
Created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill, the woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs has been described as a lost world deep in the heart of Shropshire and is one of the greatest naturalist landscape creations in Britain.
My son and I picked a glorious summer day to explore this English Heritage designated Grade 1 landscape, but I’m sure it is as enchanting at any time of the year. Paths twist and turn, rise and fall, and reveal something unexpected around every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers, monuments, tunnels, passageways, precipitous rock tracks, rustic ‘sofas’ and romantic secret valleys.
The monument to Sir Rowland Hill bears the inscription “The righteous shall be held in everlasting remembrance” and was restored thanks to the Barclay Borthers in 1992. The
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view you are afforded after climbing the 153 steps is truly breathtaking; on a clear day you can see thirteen (of the old) counties of England & Wales !
We wandered through a grotto where legends were created, and marvelled at the natural wonder of The Cleft from the Swiss Bridge. The rest of our trek was spent along the lower walkways.
We ended our journey in the delightful Caspian Tearoom with a very welcome drink and refreshing ice-cream.
It really was an amazing day out and I would urge anyone who is capable of the full three hour walk to give it a go. If you are not feeling that energetic there are walks of one hour, two, and two-and-a-half hours also. As most of the tracks involve steep climbs and many steps, sensible walking shoes are a must, unless you merely choose to walk the Grand Valley, which is wheelchair accessible. I would also recommend taking a drink and some refreshments with you it’s a long walk ! For those less able-bodied, there are the Silver Safaris on Thursdays - June to September - which includes a complimentary LandRover to the key high points of the park (during normal opening hours, prior booking is requested).
Special Events for 2012
• April 6 - 9th Easter Grotto • May 6th Dawn Chorus • June 3rd - 4th Rhododendron Walks • June 5th - 4th Victorian Jubilee Celebration • June 9 - 10th - Discovery Club • August 4 - 5th Myth & Magic •August 4, 5, 11 & 12th Activity Weekends • August 25 - 27th Medieval Weekend • October 13th Robert Wiseman ‘Welly Walk’ • October 24 - 31st Kids Halloween Trail • October 31st End of Season ‘Horrific’ Halloween Extravaganza
This first class tourist attraction benefits from a Three Star Country House Hotel, the Hawkstone Park Hotel, located within its grounds. The hotel has sixty en-suite bedrooms.
The site also has a picturesque tearoom serving refreshments and snacks throughout the day, a picnic pack service, gift and book shop and free parking. A packed lunch is advisable as you may be some distance from the tearoom when hunger strikes - this also makes Hawkstone Park Follies a very good value day out.
Winner of 2010 Beacon Radio ‘Shropshire’s Best’ - Best Day Time Family Attraction. Hawkstone Park has won many awards including a Civic Trust Award, a Commendation in the Heart of England Visitor Attraction of the Year and a Europa Nostra Diploma for ‘the sensitive and imaginative restoration of a unique landscape’.
Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700 www.hawkstone.co.uk
Near est Railway Station : WEM
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THE
SPACEGUARD CENTRE
The Spaceguard Centre is a working astronomical observatory that specialises in Near Earth Objects (NEOs); asteroids and comets that could potentially hit the Earth. You might have seen the movies “Deep Impact” and “Armageddon”, but the threat of NEOs hitting the Earth is more real than most people realise. The Spaceguard Centre offers the opportunity for people to visit and find out about the possibility of a genuine “Deep Impact”, and what we can do to stop such an event.
samples from impact craters. The Spaceguard Centre is an intriguing place and a great day out for anyone.
A guided tour takes you around all of the facilities at the Spaceguard Centre, looking at what we do, why we do it and how. You will learn about the threat that asteroids and comets pose to the Earth and how we could protect not just ourselves but all life on the planet.
We have a unique indoor observatory with a 13 inch telescope and a robotic telescope system capable of tracking asteroids and comets that could be a threat to the Earth. We also have a small planetarium and an orrery. There are many more fascinating exhibits such as meteorites and
There are conducted tours of the Centre every day except Mondays and Tuesdays (we are open on Bank Holidays though) at 10.30 am (May to September only), 2 pm and 4 pm. Tours last for about 1 ½ hours and cost £6 for adults and £3 for children (under 15). We advise visitors to ring ahead, just to make sure that we have places of the relevant tour, as we can only take limited numbers (25). School parties are welcome by prior arrangement.
Telephone 01547 520247 e-mail: mail@spaceguarduk.com http://www.spaceguarduk.com
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TITLE BOX
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