Ironbridge Gorge & Ludlow

There was a time when the place in Shropshire now known as Ironbridge Gorge was the centre of the world. At least in industrial terms. This is where in 1709 Abraham Darby I discovered a process for smelting iron with coke instead of charcoal and, with his revelation, brought about the principles of mass production. Your base for this break is Telford, the bright hopeful 'New Town' named after the famous engineer Thomas Telford - an ideal base for exploring Ironbridge as well as Lovely Ludlow, the delightful small market town in South Shropshire, close to the border with Wales

All aboard for a special September weekend including a day at the Ludlow Food Festival which takes place in the grounds of Ludlow Castle. The original festival for food and drink lovers is sure to be a hit.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Discover the Shropshire Hills!
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, relax and enjoy the scenery as you head up to the West Midlands for your 3 or 4-night sty. DBB.

Day 2 - 3 (or 4) - At leisure in the West Midlands with two included excursions

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Ironbridge Gorge & Blists Hill Museum (All tours)
In recognition of the region's contribution to life as we know it, Ironbridge Gorge is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It incorporates several villages including Coalport and Coalbrookedale and of course, the world-famous bridge itself, majestic over the River Severn, erected in 1779. This pioneering structure marked a turning point in English design and engineering; after it was built, cast iron came to be widely used in the construction of bridges, aqueducts and buildings. The bridge was so successful that it gave its name to the spectacular wooded valley which surrounds it, now recognised as the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. In 2017-18 English Heritage undertook a £3.6m conservation project on the Iron Bridge, to help safeguard the future of its historic ironwork. Step back to a time and place where traditional life and industry sat side by side at the dawn of the modern age. At Blists Hill Victorian Town (entrance included), a delightful living open-air museum where you can visit restored Victorian shops, schools, factories and cottages, taste authentic food & sweets and join craftspeople demonstrating their trades in this authentically recreated working town

Bridgnorth & Ludlow (May & August only)
Bridgnorth was once one of the busiest river ports in Europe, but nowadays, the Severn, clear and unpolluted, is a quiet haven for anglers, walkers and wildlife. The river divides the town into High Town and Low Town, the two being linked by seven sets of ancient donkey steps and a Victorian funicular, the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway (Small fare applies - not included). Maybe enjoy King Charles I's' 'finest view' from Castle Walk, before checking out another of the valley's superlatives, the Castle Keep that leans at an impossible angle greater than the Tower of Pisa. Onto lovely Ludlow - the delightful small town in south Shropshire, very near the border with Wales. The bustling open-air market is held on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays in Ludlow town square with over forty stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, books and local crafts. You may like to visit the impressive Ludlow Castle, dating back to 1085 (admission applies - approx. £8 pp in 2023 - some steps and uneven surfaces) or just relax at the popular Millennium Green. Ludlow's townscape, based on the original medieval town plan, has fine examples of architecture from the Medieval, Tudor and Georgian periods

Ludlow Food Festival (September only)
Lovely Ludlow - the delightful small town in south Shropshire, very near the border with Wales. Its townscape, based on the original medieval town plan, has fine examples of architecture from the Medieval, Tudor and Georgian periods. The Food Festival takes place in Ludlow Castle and each stage at the Festival hosts different Chef, Producer and Speaker appearances every day. You can expect a bumper foodie day, full to the brim - celebrating some of the finest producers and chefs of the region. There will be popular trails, feasts, masterclasses, workshops and a fantastic live fire cooking stage (based on 2023 programme - subject to change). NB The Castle grounds are laid to grass, with some gravelled sections. Entrance to the Castle itself has a rough cobbled surface. Due to road closures on the day, the coach will get as close as possible to the festival to drop off but please be prepared for a walk (approx.10-15 mins) to the castle

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Shrewsbury (August 5 day tour only)
Tucked in a loop of the River Severn near the Welsh border, this medieval market town is famous for its cobbled streets and Tudor centre. The town itself is a wonderful mixture of old and new. The picturesque black and white timber-framed buildings, historic landmarks and ancient town walls sit side by side with modern architecture. You'll find little boutiques down Shrewsbury's crooked medieval alleyways and independent retailers outnumber the big chain stores here by almost half

Return Day - Depart the hotel this morning to head back to your home towns via interchange

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 3 or 4 nights in West Midlands with dinner & breakfast- Excursion to Bridgnorth & Ludlow (May & Aug on;y)- Entrance to Ludlow Food Festival (September only)- Entrance to Blists Hill Victorian Town- Visit to Ironbridge Gorge- Porterage & welcome drinkYour Hotels




Mercure Telford Centre Hotel (May & Aug only)
This modern 4* hotel is conveniently located close to Telford's shopping, restaurants and bars. Guestrooms are comfortable with contemporary in design, TV, iron and hairdryer. The restaurant is light and bright and the bar offers a relaxed setting in which to enjoy a drink. There are several lounge areas plus leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. There is a lift as well as some ground floor rooms. NB Dinner may be served in a private dining room. Singles are double for sole use








Buckatree Hall Hotel (September only)
This 3* country house hotel was rebuilt in the 1920's by Sir John Bayley, the founder of Wrekin college.It is set in its own mature gardens and woodland beside a scenic lake at the foot of the Wrekin in tranquil Shropshire. There is an elegant restaurant with lake views, a relaxed bar and a lounge. All guestrooms feature TV, ironing facilities, safe and free WiFi. There is a lift as well as some ground floor rooms. Please note this hotel does not have any rooms with walk-in showers