Scenia Shropshire & Victorian Farm

Rural Shropshire, noted as an area of outstanding natural beauty, situated on the border between England & Wales is a patchwork of rich rural scenery, peaceful and relatively undiscovered.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner
• Included excursion to Acton Scott “Victorian Farm” & Ludlow
• Included excursion on The Severn Valley Railway and to Bridgnorth
• Included excursion to Ironbridge Gorge Museums
• Visit Stratford-upon-AvonDAY 1 Departure: A morning departure, stopping for lunch and refreshments en route in Lichfield before continuing to our chosen hotel.

DAYS 2-4 At leisure with three included excursions. The Severn Valley Railway and Bridgnorth: Today we take a journey back in time with a trip on the Severn Valley Railway from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. This full size standard gauge railway operates regular steam hauled passenger trains following the course of the River Severn as it meanders through unspoilt countryside.With very few roads, much of the scenery and the quaint “olde worlde” country stations can be viewed from the railway line. Arriving in Bridgnorth we have free time for shopping and sightseeing before returning to our hotel driving via Much Wenlock and the Wenlock Edge.

Acton Scott & Ludlow: We visit Acton Scott, a 1,200 acre estate in the heart of the county with a historic 19th Century Working Farm, featured in the BBC documentary series “Victorian Farm”, which re-enacted agricultural life in Britain in 1885. For a year the team wore period clothing and used only authentic materials to discover the real experience of a Victorian Farm. Shire Horses were the main source of power and it is these that work the surrounding land. You can watch daily displays of typical Victorian domestic and rural skills. This afternoon we travel to Ludlow, perched on a cliff overlooking the River Teme.With nearly 500 listed buildings, it is one of England`s finest medieval towns.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums: Today we visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museums (admission included). Ironbridge is recognized as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and the site of the world’s first iron bridge. A collection of ten award-winning museums is spread along the banks of the River Severn, each paying tribute to the success of Ironbridge by bringing the industrial age to life. A particular favourite is Blists Hill, a detailed re-creation of a small Victorian Town. This open air museum allows visitors to experience Victorian Life at first hand.

LAST DAY Travel home via Stratford upon Avon: This morning we depart for Stratford upon Avon with free time for shopping and sightseeing. We then depart, arriving home during the evening.Menzies Baron’s Court, Walsall

This contemporary hotel in the town of Walsall offers comfortable accommodation and a warm welcome. The 94 en suite bedrooms have hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel has 3 floors, with lift access to the first and second floor only and porterage is included. Other facilities include a lounge bar and a popular brasserie style restaurant. Tea/coffee is served after dinner.