Telford & Shropshire Delegate Guide 09

enjoy

DELEGATE GUIDE

RESTAURANTS ATTRACTIONS DAYS OUT SHOPPING

2009

Dare to indulge

Meet, Rest and Play It’s time to relax and indulge yourself in the very best of our destination

Welcome to an

amazing destination

Let us be your guide to one of the UK’s top visitor destinations that welcomes over 1.6 million visitors a year. Discover world class attractions, award winning restaurants, great days out, vibrant nights and a shopping paradise.

Have a wonderful stay

Enjoy your stay Check out our Special Discount Vouchers

Contents

Getting around Shropshire Enjoy the journey World Famous Town or Country Top 10 attractions Great days out Great nights out Shop til you drop Arts & Culture Eating out Spa Days Edge of adventure Stay a little longer Anniversaries, Festivals & Events Visitor information centres Special Offer Vouchers

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www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

than you think GettingaroundCloser Getting and you about however travel you will find Telford around and Shropshire well 2 hours from Shropshire connected.

London, 40 minutes from

Birmingham and 2.5 hours from Leeds and York.

By Road – The M54 links

By Coach – National Express

Shropshire to the heart of England while getting around the county is seamless with the A5 and the A49.

run services to many Shropshire towns. www.nationalexpress.com

By Rail – Shropshire is connected

By Air – With 2 international

to the mainline intercity network via Virgin and the new direct service from London Marylebone operated by Wrexham and Shropshire railways. Central Trains offer an excellent local service between the main towns. www.thetrainline.com www.wsmr.co.uk www.virgintrains.co.uk

airports on the doorstep getting here by air is simple. Birmingham Airport is only 40 minutes away while Manchester is just over 1 hour. www.bhx.co.uk www.manchesterairport.co.uk

By Bus – An excellent bus service is on offer to the major towns operated by Arriva while the Shropshire Hills Shuttle takes visitors to the beautiful villages and towns surrounding the Shropshire Hills.

Traveline 0871 200 2233. www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Telford & Shropshire A

B

C

D

E

F

A525

Whitchurch

A5

A5

G

25

A50

A48 3

Ellesmere

A41

14

Market Drayton

A496 A4 9 A

A51

Wem A5

A 34

A5

M6

Oswestry

41

2

A5 20

A 51

96

M6

A4

H

15

1

A49

1

A5

A44

28

A49

A5

3

2 A51

13

High Ercall

3

A51

2

TELFORD

A5

J7

A5

J6

J5

J4

M5

A41

Wellington

8

12 4

11

9

J3

A4 A4

A 4 49

A 4 83

A3 4

A4 4

SHREWSBURY A45

4

M6

Newport

A5

8

A 51 3

8

88

A45

M54

8

J2

J1 10a M 6

IRONBRIDGE

90

Church Stretton

A4

A 45 8

23

B4368

9

WOLVERHAMPTON

58

A 41

6

A48

Bridgnorth

BishopÕ s Castle

A4 42

A4

B4378

58

A4

88

89

A4 9

A4

A4

58

A 4 49

Much Wenlock

A442

A4

A49

A4

88

5

A4

7

42

A 45

8

A4 9

A

A4

A4113

A4

7

A 45 6

A44

LUDLOW A4

56

Maps not to scale

4

38

8

A449

A49

A4110

8

11

456

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

A44

8

Enjoy the journey INVERNESS A96 ABERDEEN

A94

A8

0

A9

EDINBURGH GLASGOW

A1

4 M7 A7

A 69 A66

NEWCASTLE

M1

M6

BELFAST

YORK

2 M6

PRESTON

LEEDS

MANCHESTER

M6

LIVERPOOL CHESTER

NOTTINGHAM

M54 TELFORD & SHROPSHIRE

M5 CARDIFF

A3 8

BRISTOL SOUTHAMPTON

WARWICK OXFORD M40

M4

M11

M4

A6

BIRMINGHAM COVENTRY

NORWICH

LEICESTER

LONDON M2

M3 M23

DUBLIN

BRIGHTON

PLYMOUTH

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Ironbridge 6

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

World Famous

One of the world’s must see destinations From the First Parliament to the place where the Industrial Revolution began – a rich heritage which has continued through the ages to create todays vibrant and innovative business and leisure district. Behind the breathtaking landscape lie stories of astonishing achievement, a magical experience, a must see destination.

Celebrate our big birthdays in 2009

• 200 years ago evolution

naturalist Charles Darwin was born and lived in Shrewsbury.

• 300 years ago Abraham

Darby first smelted iron using coke fuelling an industrial revolution with a global impact.

• 200 years ago Much Wenlock

GP Dr William Penny-Brookes inspired the modern Olympic Games.

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Shrewsbury

England’s finest Tudor town with character shops and cosmopolitan cafes set among historic black and white buildings and ancient passageways with a castle, abbey, parkland, and boat rides on the River Severn. www.visitshrewsbury.com

Telford

A modern and ambitious town with all the facilities you need. The county’s largest indoor shopping complex, a 450 acre Town Park within walking distance of an ice rink, ten pin bowling, multiplex cinema, pubs and clubs. Top class hotels in and around town give a relaxing leisure experience. www.visitironbridge.co.uk

Shrewsbury – “England’s finest Tudor Town” 8

Ludlow

The gastronomic capital of Shropshire and internationally famous for its Food Festival. This 900 year old Norman Town is quintessential England. Ludlow Castle, medieval and Georgian buildings, award winning restaurants, boutique shopping and a colourful market are just some of the attractions. www.visitsouthshropshire.co.uk

Ironbridge

One of the World’s must see destinations. The town is a World Heritage Site with 10 award winning museums, traditional shops, lively pubs and excellent restaurants beautifully nestled around the world’s first Iron Bridge spanning the picturesque River Severn. www.visitironbridge.co.uk

Lonely Planet Guide

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Town or Country Breathtaking landscapes, quintessential English villages, modern and vibrant towns. From urban adventures to rural retreats, the choice is yours.

Bridgnorth

A beautiful market town on two levels with half timbered buildings and a taste of true old fashioned country charm. Home to the Severn Valley Steam Railway and England’s steepest inland Funicular Railway taking you on a magical 100ft trip to the top of town. www.bridgnorthshropshire.com

Discover more...

Visit Bishops Castle, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Craven Arms, Market Drayton, Newport, Church Stretton, Shifnal and Albrighton.

Much Wenlock

A 700-year-old picturesque town with half timbered black and white buildings containing speciality shops, fine dining restaurants, traditional inns and the remains of a 12th century priory. Walk the Wenlock Olympian Trail in the town where the Modern Olympics began. www.muchwenlocktourism.com.uk

Ludlow Castle www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Severn Valley Railway

Relax in style on a steam train and see the largest collection of working steam trains in the UK – the backdrop for many a movie.

Duration 2½ hrs return trip www.svr.co.uk

Wroxeter Roman Vineyard

A vineyard tour with lunch and wine on a Roman site for wine novice or connoisseur Duration 2-3 hours www.wroxetervineyard.co.uk

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Weston Park

Ironbridge Gorge Museums

10 amazing museums celebrating the history of the Ironbridge Gorge – a World Heritage Site. From Enginuity an interactive Science Museum to Jackfield Tile Museum and Coalport China Museum.

Duration from 30 minutes to 4 hrs for each site www.ironbridge.co.uk

Blists Hill Victorian Town

One of the UK’s largest open air museums recreating a 19th century Victorian town, step back in time, enjoy the Victorian Fairground, visit Victorian Shops, a magical experience.

Duration 2-4 hrs www.ironbridge.co.uk

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Top10 attractions

RAF Museum, Cosford

Free admission to this awesome museum. A massive collection of planes, missiles and aero engines – the UK’s largest display.

Duration 1-3 hours www.rafmuseum.org.uk

National Cold War Exhibition A world class attraction, home to Britain’s famous “V” bombers and a fascinating insight into this dangerous political era.

Duration 1 hour to half a day www.nationalcoldwarmuseum. org.uk RAF Cosford

Weston Park

One of England’s finest stately homes set in 1,000 acres. Explore the opulent house, grounds and gardens.

Duration 2-3 hours www.weston-park.com

Hawkstone Park Follies

An amazing fantasy land of 200-yearold grottos and architectural oddities in 100 acres.

Duration 3 hours www.hawkstone.co.uk

National Trust

Attingham Park, Benthall Hall, Cardingmill Valley, Dudmaston Hall, Morville Hall, Sunnycroft, Wilderhope Manor – a host of National Trust properties to experience. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

English Heritage

Wenlock Priory and the fortified manor house of Stokesay Castle are definitely worth a visit. www.english-heritage.org.uk www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Bridgnorth www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Great days out

Shropshire Rocks

Hawkstone Park and Follies is a fantasy land. Explore a pitch black labyrinth cut into the cliff, walk across a bridge perched over a deep chasm. Climb to the top of the 100ft high Monument to enjoy panoramic views of 13 counties from this truly magical site.

Duration up to 3 hrs

A Taste of Shropshire

Shropshire is a gastronomic paradise. Try the gourmet delights at Michelin starred Mr Underhills or fine dining at the Hundred House or The Raven. Visit Ludlow, home to the famous International Food Festival. Taste the best of Shropshire at our famous gastro pubs, tour our vineyards and micro breweries.

Iron Mighty – World Heritage

Ironbridge is a World Heritage Site ranked alongside the Taj Mahal and Pyramids. Tourists from across the world come to see this “world gem” every year. Take a riverside walk to see the world’s first Iron Bridge.

Immerse yourself in 10 exciting and interactive museums. Fire your imagination in the place that changed the world.

Duration 1 hour – Weekend

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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RAF Cosford 14

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

More Great days out

While Away An Hour

If you have just an hour to spare why not wander around Tanners Wines in Shrewsbury and try a tasting or two... indulge yourself in one of our luxurious spas, take a walk on our beautiful Shropshire hills, a 30 minute cruise aboard Sabrina. Why not visit Shrewsbury Abbey, enjoy a walk in the park at the Quarry or visit a castle or two.

The Romance of Steam

Enjoy a three course lunch or cream tea aboard a restored 1930’s steam train chugging through 16 miles of glorious countryside on the Severn Valley Railway.

Duration 2½ hours

Live a Childhood Dream

Learn to drive a steam train at Severn Valley Railway and bring your childhood dream to life. Includes a 25 mile journey and up to 3 guest passengers.

Duration – half day www.visitironbridge.co.uk

RAF Museums Cosford

Home to one of the UK’s largest airplane collections. Take in the museum’s dynamic and unique National Cold War Exhibition telling the story of the Cold War. Duration 1hr to all day

Waterways

Cruise the lakes at Ellesmere, sail along the Severn in a Canadian canoe or float down the Shropshire Union Canal aboard a narrow boat.

Duration 1 day, weekend or 1 week

Championship Golf

Get in the swing at a choice of 30 golf courses and follow in the footsteps of home-grown stars such as Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle. Try some of our Championship courses including those at Hawkstone Park, Patshull Park, MacDonald Hill Valley and Telford Golf and Spa Hotel.

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The Furnace at Ironbridge www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Great Nights out From 7 ‘til midnight there is something to do to suit every taste from traditional fare and live music in stylish pubs and wine bars to international cuisine in sumptuous surroundings.

Ironbridge

Stroll along the riverside and take in the hustle and bustle of a lively night out in this award winning destination. There are plenty of pubs and wine bars, fine restaurants and live entertainment venues in this special town with a truly convivial atmosphere. Try real ale at the Coalbrookdale Inn, fine dining at Da Vinci’s, the trendy Malthouse, contemporary Indian Cuisine at Pondicherry or award wining cuisine at Chez Maw at the Valley Hotel.

Shrewsbury

The streets simply buzz in Shrewsbury at night time and you’re spoilt for choice for dining delights from the historic 16th century Drapers Hall to a 6 Course gourmet experience at Renaissance.

Cocktails and fine dining at Grazia or drinks in the atmospheric Armoury overlooking the riverside.

What about entertainment at the new Theatre Severn, film fun at the Old Market Hall, or dancing at the Buttermarket night club.

Bridgnorth

Traditional Inns speckle the streets of Bridgnorth with live entertainment from pubs and wine bars and fine dining at restaurants such as the Hundred House or Bambers set down one of the quaint side streets in this beautiful medieval town. www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Telford Shopping Centre 18

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Shop til you drop

Shropshire is a shopping paradise. From the medieval cobbled streets of Shrewsbury packed full of boutiques and an amazing array of individual shops to Telford’s popular indoor shopping centre and the county’s traditional food and craft markets.

Telford Shopping Centre

In the top 15 UK shopping centres – Telford has all the major brands in 160 stores with a choice of relaxing cafes all under one roof. www.telfordshopping.co.uk

Shrewsbury and the Wyle Cop Tread the quaint streets of Shrewsbury past black and white buildings for those special boutiques, designer shops, antique and arts shops, delicatessens, and an award winning wine merchant. www.shrewsburyshopping.co.uk

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

Shrewsbury Darwin Shopping Centre and Pride Hill

Stroll through the pedestrianised main street and check out the shopping malls at not one but two indoor shopping centres with all the High Street brands at your service. www.shrewsbury-shopping.co.uk

Ludlow

Quaint shops in an idyllic town setting with food and drink delights for all. A gourmet capital for the connoisseur. Don’t miss Ludlow Food Market.

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OMH CafĂŠ Bar www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Arts & Culture

A visit to the theatre of your choice, an exclusive cinema experience, art galleries, museums and so much more...

Theatre Shrewsbury’s exciting brand new riverside Theatre Severn, opens in early 2009, with a 650 seater auditorium and will be the place to see the best of theatre from national concerts, plays, live music and dance. The Place theatre at Oakengates, Telford, attracts star performers from around the UK. Entertainment Go to the cinema at the Old Market Hall in Shrewsbury’s historic Square where you sit in an Elizabethan setting, enjoy a refreshing drink and watch a cultural film. For late night entertainment take in Shrewsbury’s Buttermarket night club.

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

Museums Browse art galleries galore across Shropshire. View fine and contemporary art including artists of international standing.

Experience high calibre Shropshire arts and crafts from glass blowing to jewellery making, ceramics to fine furniture.

Get Crafty Make your own tile at the Jackfield Tile Museum, walk through an Edwardian Tube station, hotel bar, hospital and a 1930’s front room to view the fashionable tiles of the day.

Visit designers and craft makers at Fusion in Jackfield, Ironbridge.

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Appleyards – Shrewsbury www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Eating out Every taste is catered for – from fine dining in a top hotel to a fun trip to a microbrewery or one of Shropshire’s fine delicatessens.

Dine in style

Enjoy dining at a Michelin Star restaurant or at a traditional inn using the very best local produce all with the hospitality to match.

Tastings

Whatever your tipple, take a trip to the new Ironbridge Brewery, Tanners Wines and Wroxeter Roman Vineyard where you can have a lazy lunch and taste true English Ale and Award winning wine on a Roman site.

Ludlow Food Festival

Visit the world famous gourmet capital to experience Ludlow foods at their best.

Shropshire Takeaway

Take something of Shropshire home with you – to savour! Marvel at Maynards Meats farm cured bacons and hams, check out centuries old Applebys Cheese of Hawkstone, and their cloth bound cheeses.

Wash it down with Hobsons Ale, the traditional Shropshire beer with roasted malts, from Cleobury, voted the best in Britain at the Great British Beer Festival.

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Lake Vyrnwy Spa 24

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Spa days

Relax and unwind at a wide choice of luxury spas.

Q Hotels Telford Golf and Spa Hotel

One of Shropshire’s top resort and spa hotels it promises a luxurious spa experience. Overlooking the World Heritage Site, the hotel boasts 6 treatment rooms, a relaxation room, nail bar, leisure club and championship golf course too. www.qhotels.co.uk

Mercure Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, Shrewsbury

Set in 15 acres, the hotel is away from it all offering a relaxing time for a spa day or break after shopping and sightseeing in medieval Shrewsbury. www.mercure.com

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel and Spa, Whitchurch

Pure indulgence, treat yourself to a soothing hot stone massage or invigorating swim in the 20m pool then take it easy in the thermal suite or their luxurious candlelit treatment rooms. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, Welsh Borders

Imagine yourself inside a 25,000 acre estate with spectacular views over Lake Vyrnwy and the fringes of Snowdonia...you are here to relax in style and pamper yourself. www.lakevyrnwy.com

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Virgin Balloons www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Edge of adventure

Shropshire rocks with activities high in skies or at ground level. Creative, outdoor, indulgent or rewarding the area is a treasure trove of exciting activities whatever the event.

Sports and Adventure Courses Outdoor activities galore to test your nerve, from a challenge on the adventure rope to canoeing down the River Severn, hot air ballooning, falconry, rafting and more.

Cycling

Try a tandem for two, a group bike experience or take a solo bike ride along trails and routes across the county. Leafy lanes to trails or try some of the best off road courses within less than 20 minutes.

Walking

3,500 miles of footpaths including the 210 mile Severn Way and the breathtaking Shropshire Hills ideal for hill and fell walking from Cardingmill Valley and The Wrekin.

Horse Riding

Over 20 equestrian centres and lots of bridleways to choose from.

Championship Golf Courses

Tee off at one of 30 golf courses including where Sandy Lyle practised at Hawkstone Park, voted 18th favourite in the world, and picturesque Patshull Park. www.visitironbridge.co.uk

The Wrekin

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The Old Orleton www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Stay a little longer

With so much to do why not stay a little longer and make a weekend of it. Stylish country house hotels, stately homes, contemporary town centre hotels, homely guest houses or get away from it all retreats. We have over 4000 bedrooms and one that is perfect for you.

Fresh ideas For great Weekend Breaks and Packages visit

www.visitironbridge.co.uk or www.shropshiretourism.info

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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April

4th April CBSO – British Classics Concert Theatre Severn 12th - 13th April Midlands Festival of Transport Weston Park

27th June Play in the Park Midsummer Night’s Dream Weston Park

23rd - 26th April Shrewsbury International Cartoon Festival Shrewsbury

27th & 28th June West Mid Show West Midlands Showground

May

16th July Le Grand Cirque Fantazie Theatre Severn

9th May Baroque Brilliance Concert Theatre Severn

June

1st – 6th June Blood Brothers Theatre Severn

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14th June Cosford Air Show RAF Museum Cosford

July

10th - 13th July Wenlock Olympian Games Much Wenlock

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Anniversaries, Festivals & Events Shropshire rocks whatever the time of year with over 300 festivals and events. Here’s just a taster of what you can enjoy in 2009

18th - 19th July Brass Band Festival Ironbridge

19th - 20th September The Midland Game Fair Weston Park

August

26th September Ironbridge World Heritage Site Festival Ironbridge

22nd - 23rd August V Music Festival Weston Park

October

15th - 16th August Shrewsbury Flower Show The Quarry in Shrewsbury

31st August Coracle Regatta Ironbridge Ironbridge

September

11th - 13th September Ludlow International Food Festival Ludlow

23rd - 25th October Bridgnorth Jazz Festival Bridgnorth

November

7th November Darwin Firework and Bonfire Spectacular West Midlands Showground

For more 2009 Annniversaries, Festivals and Events Check out www.visitironbridge.co.uk

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

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Visitor information centres For friendly assistance and advice on accommodation, things to see and do and much more contact one of our TIC’s.

Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 281200 Fax: 01743 281213 Email: visitorinfo@shrewsbury. gov.uk

Ludlow Tel: 01584 875053 Fax: 01584 877931 Email: ludlow.tourism@ shropshire-cc.gov.uk

Telford Tel: 01952 238008 Fax: 01952 291723 Email: touristinfo@ telfordshopping.co.uk

Market Drayton Tel: 01630 653114 Fax: 01630 652226 Email: marketdrayton.scf@ shropshire-cc.gov.uk

Bridgnorth Tel: 01746 763257 Fax: 01746 766625 Email: bridgnorth.tourism@ shropshire-cc.gov.uk

Much Wenlock Tel/Fax: 01952 727679 Email: muchwenlock.tourism@ shropshire-cc.gov.uk

Church Stretton Tel: 01694 723133 Fax: 01694 723045 Email: churchstretton.scf@ shropshire-cc.gov.uk Ellesmere Tel/Fax: 01691 622981 Email: ellesmere.tourism@ shropshire-cc.gov.uk

Oswestry Town Tel: 01691 662753 Fax: 01691 657811 Email: ot@oswestrywelshborders.org.uk Whitchurch Tel: 01948 664577 Fax: 01948 665432 Email: whitchurch.heritage@ ukonline.co.uk

Ironbridge Tel/Fax: 01952 884391 Email: tic@ironbridge.org.uk 32

www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Enjoy your stay Check out our Special Discount Vouchers

www.visitironbridge.co.uk

All information correct at time of going to press.

telford-shropshire.com