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Historic Houses | Festivals | Town Guides Environment & Transport | Gardens | Attractions | Tourist Attractions www.countysignpost.co.uk Shropshire Issue 10 - 2012 Issue 10 - 2012 The Ultimate The Ultimate Annual County Guide Annual County Guide download our free iPhone and Android apps

2012 Shropshire Signpost Magazine

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Annual county tourist guide - full of features on things to do and places to go

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Historic Houses | Festivals | Town GuidesEnvironment & Transport | Gardens | Attractions | Tourist Attractions

www.countysignpost.co.uk

Shropshire

Issue 10 - 2012Issue 10 - 2012

The Ultimate The Ultimate Annual County GuideAnnual County Guide

download our freeiPhone and Android apps

Telephone: 01948 841700 Hawsktone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle,

Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 5UYWebsite: www.hawkstone.co.uk

CONTENTS

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Welcome to the 2012 edition of ShropshireSignpost, your indispensable guide to thebest tourist attractions and days out thecounty has to offer.

We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure toread, both interesting and informative, and thatyou will take it away with you, to use again andagain.

We offer a taster of the visitor attractions andevents within the County, for both locals andthose who wish to visit from afar.

We are always interested to receive yourcomments and suggestions for future features - please contact the editor

County Signpost LtdCounty Signpost Ltd01743 87409801743 874098

[email protected]@countysignpost.co.uk

Historic Buildings

Festivals & Shows

Gardens & Outdoors

Attractions

Published by: County Signpost LtdEditor: Adam Davison

For a free download please visitour new map-driven, online magazine website

www.countysignpost.co.uk

Please mentionShropshire Signpostwhen visiting any of

the attractions.All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware,correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd doesnot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracieswhich slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd2012. No part of this magazine may be used orreproduced without the written permission of thepublisher.

Look out for the public transport information boxes throughout the magazine,

for details of bus routes and nearest trainstations to the attractions.

Click the QR code below for local bus times.

Go to your phone’s app storeto download our new, free

County Signpost app !

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With fascinating history and breathtakingcountryside, National Trust properties inShropshire offer something for everyone.

As well as delighting in country house splendourand beautiful scenery, visitors can enjoy a widerange of activities and events in 2012.

For even more great value days out, ask ourreception teams about annual National Trustmembership, which costs from as little as 25pper day for families and 14p per adult.

Attingham Park, nearShrewsbury

Attingham Park is one of Shropshire’s greatesttreasures and a fantastic family attraction. Withacres of stunning parkland to explore and astriking mansion at its heart, it is the perfect dayout. Attingham is open daily throughout the yearwhere you can enjoy seasonal highlights and adiverse events programme.

In 2012, from May to the end of September, thePark will be open until 7pm which is ideal forlocals to appreciate the summer evenings.Attingham is a great place for local people tohave a pleasant day out, a meeting place forfriends, regular walks and visits to witnessdetailed conservation work in progress.

Attingham Re-discovered is a major project ofconservation and restoration of the Regencyinteriors. This year the focus is reaching newheights and will literally be going through theroof. Plans are underway to replace a complexsecondary roof above the picture gallery andgrand circular staircase, both designed by famedRegency architect John Nash in 1805. You willbe able to watch the work unfold.

Attingham Hall was built in 1785 for the 1stLord Berwick to the design of George Steuart.The magnificent Regency interiors containcollections of ambassadorial silver, Italianfurniture and Grand Tour paintings.

Attingham was completed and furnished by the2nd Lord Berwick, but the extravagant taste ofthe lord and his wife led to bankruptcy and in1827 and 1829 there were sales of almost theentire contents. The house was then leased tothe 3rd Lord Berwick, who had been a diplomatin Italy for 25 years, and who turned Attingham’sfortunes around.

Spectacular parkland, landscaped by HumphryRepton in 1797, surrounds the house offeringmiles of walks. There are themed guided parktours throughout the year, including EstateWalks, Dawn Chorus and woodland walks aswell as popular Deer Park Rides.

For admission prices, opening times and a fullevents list contact the property on 01743708162.

THE NATIONAL TRUST

Attingham Park, © The National Trust

Bus Serv i ce : 81 + 96 - SHREWSBURY - TELFORDNearest Rai lway Sta t ion : Shrewsbury

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There is also an Attingham Park You Tubechannel and the chance to follow the estate’sgoings-on via Twitter and Facebook

Sunnycroft, near Wellington

One of Shropshire’s hidden gems is Sunnycroft,a Victorian Gentleman’s villa which providesvisitors with a fascinating glimpse of the past.

Sunnycroft is typical of houses that were builtfor prosperous professionals on the fringes ofVictorian towns and cities. It is a remarkablesurvival of a vanished way of life – both insideand out.

Its design reflects the patterns and concerns ofsmall town life and key rooms include theimposing Staircase Hall, Dining Room andBilliard Room.

Sunnycroft was given to the National Trust byJoan Lander in 1997. Miss Lander, who inheritedthe house from her father, was a highlyaccomplished embroiderer and examples of hertalent for needlework are on display in thehouse.

For 2012, there will be a new exhibition fromMarch, highlighting Miss Lander’s involvementin embroidering the Queen’s Coronation Robe.The display will include pieces of needleworkMiss Lander was working on at the same time asthe Robe; a film of her receiving herNeedlework Diploma from the then Queen (thelate Queen Mother); as well as a themed eventsprogramme.

The gardens reflect the early Edwardian period -complete with a magnificent WellingtoniaAvenue - and the mini-estate recalls an era whenself-sufficiency was part of the prosperouslifestyle. The paddock, stables, pigsties, chickenrun and kitchen garden are all still intact.

For admission prices or any further informationplease call 01952 242884.

Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth

Dudmaston is a fine example of a traditionalworking Shropshire estate with a mansion at itsheart.

Built in the 17th century, the classic setting ofDudmaston Hall provides a stunning contrast toits unique collection of modern andcontemporary art. It is a true house ofcollections from the intriguing modern artgalleries assembled by diplomat Sir GeorgeLabouchere, to the classical collections ofbotanical drawings and watercolours puttogether by his wife Lady Rachel.

There are nine acres of gardens to explore,which include the Rockery Bank and AmericanGarden, which are a glorious mass of colour inspring and summer and take on the seasonalhues of autumn.

The beautiful Big Pool provides a striking viewfrom the garden and library, whilst the Dingleoffers a wooded glen to explore.

Sunnycroft, © The National Trust

Bus Serv i ce : 297 - BRIDGNORTH - KIDDERMINSTER

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Dudmaston hosts a varied programme of eventsfor its visitors, from guided walks of the estateto children’s craft activities. The arts arecelebrated with lectures and workshops, and insummer, the grounds come alive with outdoortheatre and jazz evenings.

There are two estate walks of 5.5 and 4 milesboth starting from the Hampton Loade car park,which is another 1.5 miles towardsKidderminster off the A442.

For more details and event information callDudmaston Hall on 01746 780866.

Benthall Hall, near Broseley

Benthall Hall is situated on a plateau above thegorge of the River Severn. It is a fine stonehouse with a stunning interior, a carved oakstaircase, decorated plaster ceilings and oakpaneling.

The house and the Benthall family have beeninvolved in many important historical events,from the Civil War to the Industrial Revolution.During the Civil War a Parliamentary garrisonoccupied the house, the Royalists tried toretake the property later in the year but theywere unsuccessful.

Between 1710 and 1934 the Benthalls lostownership of the estate, and one of the newcustodians George Maw took full advantage of

the close proximity to Ironbridge. George Mawand his brother were able to develop their tilebusiness at Benthall because of the clay and coalavailable in this area, and they even used thehouse as part of their sales technique by layingtiled floors in the house. The tiled floor in theentrance hall has only recently beenrediscovered, because an oak floor wasconstructed on top.

George Maw was also a distinguished botanist;he assembled a collection of rare plants fromaround the world in the garden, including a largecollection of crocuses, which can still be seentoday in the spring and autumn. There is also anintimate and carefully restored plantsman’sgarden, old kitchen garden and a Restorationchurch.

For more details, call 01952 882159.

The Dudmaston Estate, © The National Trust / Richard Bifield

Benthall Hall, © NTPL / Richard Bifield

Bus Ser vi c e : 99/99a - TELFORD - BRIDGNORTH(Railway Station - Telford Central)

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Carding Mill Valley and theLong Mynd

Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd offerbreathtaking views across Shropshire, Cheshireand the Black Mountains.

The Long Mynd is an area of historic uplandheath, created when some of Britain’s oldestrocks were pushed to the surface along theChurch Stretton fault. The ancient landscapehas been shaped by human activity forthousands of years, and there are scatteredarchaeological remains from the Bronze Age,Iron Age and Medieval times.

The area is designated an Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty and a Site of Special ScientificInterest as it contains a number of habitatssupporting wildlife and plants. Heather, bilberryand gorse cover much of the hilltop and thestreams and bogs of the sheltered valleys arehome to birds of prey, plants and insects.

There are miles of paths for walkers and anetwork of bridleways, which are ideal for bothhorse riders and cyclists. Whether you take ashort stroll through Carding Mill Valley or amore rugged route to the Burway, there arebreathtaking views of beautiful countryside

A busy programme of events and activities isheld at Carding Mill Valley throughout the year

Walkers can enjoy exploring the heathland atCarding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd 365 daysa year. For information, call 01694 725000.

Wenlock Edge

Wenlock Edge is a stunning, geologicallyimportant wooded escarpment near the villageof Much Wenlock.

The limestone of Wenlock Edge is ofinternational repute as an example of old coralreef deposits. It supports an array of floweredgrassland and ancient woodland, making the areaan important Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI).

Three National Trust car parks at MuchWenlock, Wilderhope and Presthope, mark thestart of miles of walks to enjoy offering dappleshaded paths and dramatic views across theShropshire countryside.

Nearby, is the unspoilt Elizabethan limestonemanor house, Wilderhope Manor which datesback to 1586. Although unfurnished, the interioris of interest for its remarkable wooden spiralstaircase and fine plaster ceilings. The gabledproperty is now leased to the Youth HostelAssociation (YHA).

For general details about opening times andevents please call the National Trust on 01743708100 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Event highlights:

Following the success of last year’s Over theEdge Challenge walk, this year the NationalTrust is hosting an Over the Edge Marathon onSunday 8 July. For information, call 01694725000.

The Dudmaston Estate, © The National Trust / Richard Bifield

Bus Serv i ce : 435 - LUDLOW - SHREWSBURYNear est Rai lway Stat ion : Church Stretton

Shropshire Hills © The National Trust / Sara Thomas

Boscobel House and the Royal Oak

Boscobel House was built in about 1632, whenJohn Giffard of Whiteladies converted a timber-framed farmhouse into a hunting lodge. TheGiffard family were Roman Catholics, at a timewhen the religion suffered persecution.Tradition holds that the true purpose ofBoscobel was to serve as a secret place for theshelter of Catholics in times of need.

The house was, however, destined for greaterfame. Following the execution of King Charles Iin 1649, his eldest son made a brave thoughmisguided attempt to regain the throne. In 1651his hopes were crushed at Worcester in the finalconflict of the Civil War. Young Charles wasforced to flee for his life.

Initially the future King Charles II set out tocross the River Severn into Wales, but found hisway blocked by Cromwell's patrols. He soughtrefuge instead at Boscobel, hiding first in a treewhich is now known as The Royal Oak and thenspending the night in a priest-hole in the house'sattic. He then travelled on in disguise via othersafe houses before escaping to France.

Boscobel later became a much visited place,although it remained a working farm. Visitorscan also see the dairy, farmyard, smithy, gardens,and a descendant of The Royal Oak. WhiteLadies Priory, another of Charles's hiding places,is nearby.

Telephone 01902 850244www.english-heritage.org.uk

Ironbridge

The world’s first iron bridge was erected over theRiver Severn here in 1779. Britain’s best-knownindustrial monument, the bridge gave its nameto the spectacular wooded gorge which, thoughnow tranquil, was once an industrial powerhouseand the cradle of the Industrial Revolution.Ironbridge Gorge is now a World Heritage Site.

At the beginning of the 18th century, AbrahamDarby I pioneered the process of using cokemade from local coal to smelt local iron ore. Butindustrial expansion was hampered by the lackof a bridge over the Severn, which had to be asingle span to allow for barge traffic. An ironbridge was first suggested by the Shrewsburyarchitect Thomas Pritchard: he designed a singlebridge span 30 metres long, but died as workbegan. The project was then taken over byAbraham Darby III, who cast the bridge in hisCoalbrookdale foundry, using 378 tons of iron.Recent research shows that most parts were

ENGLISH HERITAGE

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individually cast to fit, each beingslightly different from the next: andthat traditional woodworking-stylejoints were adapted to assemble them.Costing over £6,000, this proclamationof the achievements of Shropshireironmasters was formally opened onNew Year’s Day 1781. It continued infull use by ever-increasing traffic untilclosed and designated an AncientMonument in 1934. Massivestrengthening works were laterundertaken, and in 1999-2000 EnglishHeritage assisted with a full survey ofthis revolutionary and iconic structure.

The Iron Bridge is the perfect place tobegin a tour of the Gorge’s manymuseums, and the many other EnglishHeritage sites nearby, includingBuildwas Abbey, Wenlock Priory andWroxeter Roman City.

Telephone 0870 333 1181www.english-heritage.org.uk

Wroxeter Roman City

Wroxeter (or 'Viroconium') was the fourthlargest city in Roman Britain. It began as alegionary fortress and later developed into athriving civilian city.

Though much still remains below ground, todaythe most impressive features are the 2nd centurymunicipal baths, and the remains of the hugewall dividing them from the exercise hall in theheart of the city. The site museum andaudio tour reveal how Wroxeter workedin its heyday, and the health and beautypractices of its 5,000 citizens.

In February 1859 workmen beganexcavating the baths complex, and byApril much of the present site wasexposed and thronged with fascinatedvisitors, including Charles Dickens.Donated by the landowner for public

viewing, Wroxeter thus became one of the firstarchaeological visitor attractions in Britain.

Thanks to a project between English Heritageand Channel 4, a Roman town house has beenerected at Wroxeter and is now open to thepublic. A TV series started on Thursday 20January and will run for six weeks, following ateam of modern builders as they set aboutbuilding the town house using traditional Romanmethods.

Telephone 01743 761330www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Stokesay Castle

Stokesay Castle is quite simply the finest andbest preserved fortified medieval manor housein England. Set in peaceful countryside near theWelsh border, the castle, timber-framedgatehouse and parish church form anunforgettably picturesque group.

Lawrence of Ludlow, a wealthy local wool-merchant wishing to set up as a countrygentleman, bought the property in 1281, whenthe long Anglo-Welsh wars were ending. So itwas safe to raise here one of the first fortifiedmanor houses in England, 'builded like a castle'for effect but lit by large domestic-stylewindows. Extensive recent tree-ring datingconfirms that Lawrence had completed virtuallyall of the still surviving house by 1291, using thesame team of carpenters throughout: moreremarkably, the dating also revealed that it hasscarcely been altered since.

Stokesay's magnificent open hearthed great halldisplays a fine timber roof, shuttered gablewindows and a precipitous staircase, its treadscut from whole tree-trunks. It is flanked by the

north tower, with an original medieval tiled floorand remains of wall painting, and a 'solar' orprivate apartment block, and beyond this the tallsouth tower - the most castle-like part of thehouse, self-contained and reached by adefensible stairway.

The solar block contains one of the few post-medieval alterations to the house, a fine panelledchamber. Its dominating feature is a fireplacewith a richly carved overmantel, still bearing thetraces of original painting in five colours. Thiswas added in about 1641, at the same time as thetruly delightful gatehouse: an example of theMarches style of lavishly showy timber-framing,bedecked with charming carvings of Adam andEve.

A few years later, in 1645 Stokesay experiencedits only known military encounter, surrenderingwithout fighting to a Parliamentarian force. Sothe house remained undamaged, and sensitiveconservation by Victorian owners and EnglishHeritage have left it the medieval jewel whichsurvives today.

Telephone 01588 672544www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Wenlock Priory

The tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory stand in apicturesque setting on the fringe of beautifulMuch Wenlock. An Anglo-Saxon monastery wasfounded here in about 680 by King Merewalh ofMercia, whose abbess daughter Milburge washailed as a saint. Her relics were miraculously re-discovered here in 1101, attracting both pilgrimsand prosperity to the priory.

By then Wenlock had been re-founded by theNormans as a priory of Cluniac monks. It is theimpressive remains of this medieval priorywhich survive today, everywhere reflecting theCluniac love of elaborate decoration. Parts ofthe great 13th century church still stand high;and in the adjoining cloister garth is a mostunusual monks' washing fountain, embellishedwith 12th century carvings. Once enclosed in anoctagonal building, 16 monks could wash here atonce before eating in the nearby refectory.

But perhaps the greatest glory is theextravagantly decorated chapter house of about1140, its walls bedecked with blind arcading onmultiple carved columns.

All of this is enhanced by the famous topiary-filled cloister garden, and set against thebackdrop of the complete infirmary wing,converted into a mansion after the priory'sdissolution and still a private residence. MuchWenlock was also the home of Dr. WilliamPenny Brookes (1809-95), originator of the still-continuing Wenlock Olympian Games, a majorinspiration for the modern InternationalOlympics.

Telephone 01952 727466www.english-heritage.org.uk

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As featured on BBC, ITV and S4C.“A Palace in Radnorshire”

“Enchanting”“Best visit to any house, anywhere, anytime”

TheHall

atAbbey-Cwm-HirAbbey-Cwm-Hir52 rooms of Victorian Splendour

•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, 7miles north west of LlandrindodWells/east of Rhayader.

Bookings are available for TOURS by the owners, throughout the year.

“The best we have seen”“Words fail me - an amazing house in an amazing setting”

To book contact Paul and Victoria Humpherstonon telephone 01597 851 727 or email:

[email protected] visit our website www.abbeycwmhir.com

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Over the last 2-3 years thousands of visitorsfrom all over the UK and overseas have touredThe Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir, a Grade 11*Gothic mansion some 7 miles north ofLlandrindod Wells. Such is its uniqueness, theHall has featured in 10 TV programmes over thelast 4 years. In September 2010, the Hall wonThe Small Business Award and In 2011 theLeadership Award, both at The Powys BusinessAward ceremony.

Owners Paul and Victoria Humpherstonrestored the property over the last 13 years. Thetours combine the outstanding gothicarchitecture with stunning interiors - showinggreat attention to detail and much designed andmade by Victoria and helpers.

Abbey-Cwm-Hir houses fascinating collectionsincluding a beautiful library packed with childrens adventure books in their originalbindings, and most notably the many enamelsigns !

As well as the collections, the house shows offVictoria’s interior design ideas and skills, featuressuch as the hand painted designs onto theexisting wallpapers, and gold highlighting of thetables and chairs.

Paul and Victoria say; “We have been describedas a museum, an art gallery, a stately home andeven as a 52 roomed film set! But we think ofourselves as a family home we share with others.Visitors see all 52 rooms guided by a familymember in a family atmosphere, we have noprivate apartments, and people laugh a lotbecause they never know what`s coming next.”

THE HALL ATABBEY-CWM-HIR: 2012

Spring and Summer 2012In looking at 2012 Paul says“ We will again beopen each day of the year with the housedecorated in all rooms for Valentine’s, and forEaster, for all of April.”

A Retro SummerFrom 1st April to end September, The GardenRoom will be decorated for a Retro Summerwith soft furnishings complementing the 30`s,40`s and 50`s memorabilia.

Christmas at The HallIn 2011 we enjoyed a fascinating tour of thehouse by Paul, with the Hall being splendidlydecorated for Christmas - of particular notewere the different themes for each of theChristmas trees. We came away inspired !

The Gardens and GroundsThe grounds include a romantic walled garden, alake and waterfall, courtyards and terraces andsome splendid mixed woodland. They overlookthe ruins of the 12th c “Abbey of The LongValley” in a spectacular setting, and are amidstthe most beautiful in Wales.

PricesThe price for the guided tour of all 52 roomsand full access to the 12 acre gardens remains at£13.00pp for groups (ten persons or over) andfor repeat visitors, and £15.00pp for individuals.Visits to the gardens only are £5.00pp

Telephone 01597 851727www.abbeycwmhir.com

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WHITTINGTON CASTLE

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Visit these strikingly picturesque and romanticruins which are steeped in much history, tales ofbitter border warfare, romance and legend.

Tearoom serving snacks and cakes, gift shop andsecond hand bookshop. The Castle has a licensefor Civil Ceremonies, birthday parties, meetings,group tours; school visits, Paranormal GhostVigils can all be arranged. Visit our website forfurther details.

Opening TimesSummer March-Nov Wednesday to Sunday 10-4pmWinter Nov-March Thursday to Sunday 10-4pmOpen Bank Holiday Mondays & Wednesdayduring February half term

Free entranceCar Park £1 via Pay & Display machine

Whittington CastleCastle StreetWhittington

OswestryShropshireSY11 4DF

Telephone 01691 662500E-Mail [email protected] www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Bus Serv i ce - 70 - Oswest ry t o Shr ewsbur y &449 - Oswestr y to Wel shampton (Rai lway

Stat ion - Gobowen)

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The Stream in the Sky

Spanning the borders of Shropshire and Wales isone of the UK’s most unusual and spectacularWorld Heritage Sites., the Pontcysyllte Aqueductand Canal. This eleven mile stretch of theLlangollen Canal is officially recognised byUNESCO as one of the most outstandingheritage sites in the whole world. Itencompasses not one but two amazingaqueducts which carry the canal high above theCeiriog and Dee valleys.

To walk across the 126 foot high aqueduct ofPontcysyllte or the only slightly lower Chirkaqueduct, four miles away, is to put your faith inthe genius of Thomas Telford and the skill ofeighteenth century engineers and workmen. AtPontcysyllte, crossing the stream in the sky is aunique experience as birds fly beneath you andboats glide beside you. At Chirk the canal andtowpath cross high above the River Ceiriog andalongside the nineteenth century railway viaductbefore plunging both walkers and boats into the400 metre long tunnel, ‘The Darkie’.

It’s easy to visit the World Heritage Site from it’sShropshire end at Chirk, from Trevor for thePontcysyllte Aqueduct, and from Llangollen forthe scenic Horseshoe Falls. Trains fromShrewsbury & Wrexham go to Chirk justminutes from the Chirk Aqueduct and there arebus services connecting all the main parts of thesite.

For more information visit :www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk

Contact Visitor Information at Oswestry MileEnd Tel: 01691 662488 email :[email protected]

Or Visitor Information at The Heritage Centre,Oswestry Tel: 01691 662753 email:[email protected]

THE PONTCYSYLLTEAQUEDUCT AND CANAL

Chirk Aqueduct

Just over the Shropshire border into Wales (fourmiles beyond Powis Castle on the A483) you willfind the sensory delight of Glansevern Gardens.With over 25 acres on the banks of the RiverSevern and the Kerry hills as a back-drop youcan while away many hours. The romance ofthe gardens is matched by the Hall itself, a GreekRevival house of great elegance and charmwhich dates from 1801.

Glansevern is a place of calm and tranquility, asensation fostered by the presence of water inevery direction – the river on one side, fountainsand pools in the garden itself, a lake surroundedby trees with an island folly and a delightfulwater garden, a riot of colour and growth, setamong the lake’s feeder streams.

The remodelled walled garden is a revelation-nine “rooms”, each with its own distinctiveplanting theme. Each compartment is alsoinvisible from the others- a box of nine surpriseswith colour and interest throughout the seasons.

Beyond the flower-filled herbaceous borders andformal gardens is a tree-lined walk down to theSevern which passes a massive rock garden withit’s mysterious grotto and a romantic, perfectlyround folly that overlooks 2 rivers and the valleybelow.

At the riverside is a bird and wildlife watchersparadise and a haven for contemplation with awildflower water meadow and a newly builtraised bird-hide.

After you’ve exhausted yourself in the gardensthe sensory pleasures continue in the fullylicensed tearoom, renowned for its home-cooking. Irresistable treats are on offer formorning coffee, lunch and tea. And for thosewho want a bit of retail therapy too there is aGift Shop across the courtyard from thetearoom.

So whether you have an hour or a dayGlansevern Gardens is a truly worthwhile destination.

www.glansevern.co.ukEmail: [email protected] 01686 640644Groups by appointment any day ofthe week. Dogs are welcome on alead.

Bus Serv i ce : X75 - SHREWSBURY - LLANIDLOES

THE GARDENSAT GLANSEVERN

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Rocke Cottage TearoomRocke 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 HoldaysTelephone 01588 660631

Abcott, Clungunford, Craven Arms SY7 0PX

The Dorothy Clive Garden was created in 1940by the late Colonel Harry Clive, who lived atElds Gorse, the large white house to the West ofthe garden.  He began by transforming a disusedVictorian gravel quarry, so his wife Dorothy,who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, couldtake more stimulating daily exercise. The disusedquarry - now called ‘The Quarry Garden’ - is abeautiful two acre woodland, including some ofthe country’s finest collections ofrhododendrons and azaleas. Sadly, in April 1942,Dorothy died, but work on the garden continuedunabated and it subsequently became the focusof Colonel Clive’s life. In 1958 Colonel Clive setup the ‘Willougbridge Garden Trust’ creating aMemorial to Dorothy as well as preserving aplace of rest and recreation for the public.Colonel Harry Clive, the Trust’s first Curator,died in 1963, leaving a garden of outstandingbeauty and interest for all to enjoy and savourfor years to come.

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THE DOROTHY CLIVEGARDEN

Now extending to twelve acres, The DorothyClive Garden is delightfully woven into themagnificent tapestry of the Shropshire andStaffordshire borders and has fine views over thesurrounding countryside. It is an intimate andinformal garden embracing a variety oflandscape features, including a south facingHillside Garden, an Alpine Scree with sculptedpool as well as an eclectic gravel gardenincluding a beautiful laburnum arch.   Plantenthusiasts will find many unusual speciesthroughout the garden as well as specimen trees,shrubs and a diverse collection of perennials.There are plentiful summer borders withseasonal plants such as philadelphus, deutzia,roses and various herbaceous plants. The gardenalso hosts some superb walks, such as theBluebell and daffodil walk.

The garden is open 10.00am - 5.30pm daily frommid March until the end of September. Thereare various events taking place, please see thewebsite for further details :www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

There is also a garden tea room with a terracelawn which is open from 11.00am - 5.00pm formid morning snacks, lunch and afternoon tea(with home baking).

Situated on the A51 on the northStaffordshire/Shropshire border, the Dorothy

Clive Garden is two miles out of Woore village,mid way between Nantwich and Stone. From theM6, exit at junction 15 and take the A 53 thenthe A51.

Facilities are available for disabled visitors.Parking is free and dogs are admitted on leads.

For further information, please contact theAdministrator on 01630 647237 or email [email protected]

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“Managing woodlands nowand for the future.”

The Green Wood Centre is part of the nationalwoodland charity, Small Woods, and is based inCoalbrookdale just a short way from historicIronbridge.

Small Woods supports the sustainablemanagement of woodlands and the productionand marketing of wood products for localmarkets.

The Green Wood Centre promotes sustainableliving through a wood based economy byrunning courses in woodland management andrelated activities and making landscape furniturefrom local FSC timber.

They deliver courses accredited by the OpenCollege Network in Coppicing, Hedge Laying,Coppice Products, Sustainable WoodlandManagement, Introduction to Small Woodland

Management and Woodland Monitoring andEvaluation. A social forestry programme is alsooffered, providing courses for youngsters atForest School, those Not in EmploymentEducation or Training, and also to the probationservice. The programme uses the woodland asan environment to promote self-reliance andproblem-solving in a healthy environment. TheCentre also offers various craft courses,including : basket weaving, coracle making,longbow making and willow weaving.

Come and try one of the three circular walksfrom the Centre, The Rotunda and DaleCoppice, Strethill Walk and Ropewalk Meadowand Loamhole Dingle (each of about two miles).As you set out on the walks, you will pass the‘ecopod’ – a ‘wooden sleeping hut’ which isavailable for overnight hire !

Cherry’s Real Food Café@ The Green WoodCentre is open Tuesdays to Sundays 11.00am –4.00pm, and Wednesdays to Sundays 11.am -3.pm in the winter. Specialising in good rustic

GREEN WOOD CENTRE

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food with a good range of vegetarian dishes,which is home-made on site or sourced fromlocal suppliers.

Woodland HallIs an award winning environmentally friendlybuilding, with a striking and unique architecturallook, offering a tranquil yet at the same timevibrant atmosphere. It is a prime example ofhow green wood can be used to create modernecologically sound architecture.

It is an ideal cost effective venue forconferences, meetings and events for up to 70delegates where cost is not compromised byfacilities or service.The Woodland Hall also has a Civil WeddingLicence and the “WOW” factor of the hallcombined with our food and level of servicewhich will ensure your special event, whether itis for a wedding or party, will be one toremember.

Ecopod - wooden sleeping hut

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The Green Wood Centre is the firstestablishment in Shropshire to achieve a Goldaward in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

VolunteeringContact the Green Wood Centre for details ofhow to become a volunteer to maintain the sitebuildings and woodland.

Telephone 01952 432769www.greenwoodcentre.org.uk

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Green Wood CentreGreen Wood Centrenr Ironbridge, Telfordnr Ironbridge, Telford

•Cherry’s Café•Hall for hire - meetings/celebrations

•Basic Accommodation•Professional Courses

www.greenwoodcentre.org.ukTel. 01952 432769 Cafe 01952 435857

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HOME FARM,ATTINGHAM

If you are visiting the National Trust’sAttingham Hall at Atcham nearShrewsbury, make time for a visit toHome Farm Attingham.

Home Farm is it is a working farm opento the public. As well as being able to lookaround the historic farm and see itsanimals, visitors are able to visit thetearooms and also buy Home Farm’s ownorganic dairy ice cream.

When visiting the farm, you will see a traditional, but fully working, Shropshirefarm. Most of the buildings are around200 years old and so the farm has retaineda traditional feel.

There is a Jersey dairy herd of around 100that you can see being milked every day at3.30pm. There are also many rare breedsof cattle, pigs, sheep and fowl.

After visiting you might like to stop offfor refreshments in the tearoom, makesure to try the home-made cakes and youcan also buy Home Farm’s dairy ice creammade with organic Jersey milk from theirown herd.

For the younger visitors there is aplayground and you can also buy bags ofanimal food to use around the farm.There are several picnic tables on the site,and dogs are welcome on leads. There isgood access for disabled visitors.

Telephone 01743 709243www.homefarmattingham.co.uk

Celebrating great beers,bangers, bread, music andmore!

Ludlow Spring Festival is now in its fourth yearand with over 15 0 real ales on draught fromsmall breweries in Wales and the Marches, producers selling seriously good food, a huge display of classic cars all washed down withfantastic music inside Ludlow Castle, who couldbe surprised at the success of Ludlow newest festival!

BeerNow this will be a real ale lovers paradise of over150 different beers from SIBA members

showcasing the best in Wales and the Marchesalongside perry, cider and Marches wines andliqueurs for a bit of variety. There will be topbands playing in here to entertain you from11.00 am right through to closing.

A quick walk outside the festival pub marqueeand you’ll find yourself amongst a dazzling arrayof fabulous classic cars – more than 200 will bepresent over the weekend with many of the larger cars (those that can’t fit through the castlegate) in the square on Sunday.

Bread, Bangers and more...More than 60 passionate small producers areexhibiting this year, so as well as great food on

LUDLOW SPRINGFOOD FESTIVAL

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May 12th - 13th

the day; you’ll be able to take home some lovingly produced fare. The food on offer isdiverse and includes artisan cheeses and breadsto fresh fish, meat and game; you’ll also findhomemade cakes, fudge, preserves and pickles.A number of local cider, wine and liqueur makers are also represented.

BREAD - Now if you have never cooked REALbread, then this will be a whole new experiencefor you as bread demonstrations will be takingyou through the process from yeast through toflour varieties and dough making. For those withthe passion locally milled flour producers, localbakers will be on site to buy from and to answerquestions.

Telephone 01584 873957www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

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It’s a vibrant festival of music, dance and cultureheld in a picturesque Dee Valley setting. Ifyou’re planning on visiting anywhere thissummer, make sure it’s Llangollen InternationalMusical Eisteddfod.

First held in 1947 to relay an internationalmessage of peace, goodwill and harmony to thebackdrop of song and dance, the Eisteddfod hascontinued to grow. Each year, colourfulcompetitors arrive from all around the world,from the Philippines and Canada, Finland andGhana.

Expect an array of colour and a celebration ofcultures when competitors and visitors alikecome together on Tuesday 3 July to open the66th Eisteddfod with the traditional Parade ofNations through the town.

Other Eisteddfod highlights throughout theweek include the delivery of the AnnualLlangollen Peace Message, the symbolic andmoving Sound of Silence where the entire fieldcomes together to link arms and the return ofFolk Friday – a whole day dedicated to live folkmusic on the outdoor stages.

As the sun sets each night, internationallyrenowned artists descend on Llangollen townin star-studded evening concerts. Opera starsWynne Evans (Grand Finale: Sunday 8th July) andLesley Garrett (Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert:Wednesday 4th July), Broadway and West Endstars Alfie Boe (Thursday 5th July) and JohnOwen Jones (Grand Finale: Sunday 8th July),world famous conductor Karl Jenkins, TheRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra andinstrumentalists Alison Balsom (Queen's

July 3rd - 8th

LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONALMUSICAL EISTEDDFOD

Alison Balsom

John Owen Jones

Diamond Jubilee Concert: Wednesday 4th July) andNicola Benedetti are just some of the namesscheduled to appear in 2012.

The honour and title of Choir of the World willbe on the line at the international choralcompetition on Saturday 7 July. Here, thewinners of the Mixed, Chamber, Barbershop,Male and Female choirs during the week returnto the stage to determine who is the ultimatewinner. The winner will also take home thecoveted Pavarotti Trophy.

Leading the week’s activities will be theLlangollen Eisteddfod President Terry WaiteCBE: “People from different religious, ethnic,racial and social backgrounds gather together inLlangollen to share and express themselvesthrough the language of music. Music has thecapacity to breathe a certain harmony into thesoul and those who experience harmony andpeace within are better able to work for peacethroughout the world.”

For more information or to book tickets for theconcerts, visit the bilingual website,www.international-eisteddfod.co.uk or contactthe Box Office on 01978 862001.

Lesley Garrett Alfie Boe

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Wynne Evans

PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL

Situated in an intimate town on thePowys/Herefordshire border, the PresteigneFestival has become a mecca for those seekingartistic nourishment and musical discovery inidyllic surroundings. With a truly forwardlooking commissioning policy, the organisationworks closely with composers and artists tocreate and curate inspiring programmes andevents for an ever-widening Festival community.

2012 is a very special year for the PresteigneFestival – we celebrate thirty years of promotinggreat music in the unspoiled countryside of theWelsh Marches; we’ll take this opportunity tolook back over past successes and to lookforward to an exciting and ever more diversefuture. The Festival takes place over a busy six-day period at the end of August – we’ll promoteover thirty events of which sixteen are concertssupported with complimentary activities toinclude talks, walks and literary events. Our mainconcert venue is St Andrew’s Church inPresteigne, for many years the jewel in theFestival’s crown, with other performances givenat village churches and halls in the surroundingarea.

Popular Scottish-based composer Sally Beamishis to be composer-in-residence for the 2012Festival, and there will be an exciting crop ofcommissions from composers who have strong-held links with Presteigne: two new orchestralpieces – a saxophone concerto from Australiancomposer Peter Sculthorpe and Variations on atheme of Reger for string orchestra by Matthew

Taylor; chamber piecesinclude an oboe quintetfrom Michael Berkeley,a string quartet by JohnMcCabe, together witha new work for twoviolins and viola fromCecilia McDowall, apiece for solo cello byElizabeth Winters andthree songs for sopranoand piano by JamesFrancis Brown, PeterFribbins and Alan Mills.

Tom Poster

23rd - 28th August 2012

Carducci Quartet

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2012 will see artistic horizons extended withfurther outreach activity. Throughout the schoolyear, children from five local primary schoolswill be working with professional writers andmusicians as part of Singing Histories, anexciting education project which culminates withthe performance of a new work by Liz Lane tobe premiered at a special community concert inJuly 2012. The Festival is also to continue itsassociation with Dominic Horne and theBirmingham Conservatoire, in the promotion ofa third competition for composers with acomposers’ workshop in Birmingham. Thewinning work will be premiered at the 2012Festival by virtuoso saxophonist, Amy Dickson.The Presteigne Festival City Tour, which takesplace in autumn 2012, will visit important venuesin Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and Oxford – atrio of two violins and viola will perform aprogramme of repertoire first heard at theFestival in August.

Apart from exciting pieces by contemporary andtwentieth-century British composers, othermusic to be performed includes importantworks by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy,Dvorak, Ross Edwards, Grieg, Haydn,Hindemith, Mendelssohn, Mozart,Rachmaninov, Saint-Saëns, Schubert, Schumann,Richard Strauss and Webern – a magnificentarray by anyone’s standards.

An impressive collection of performing talentwill be in evidence at the Festival in 2012, manyartists returning specially to join in our thirtiethanniversary celebrations: the Carducci Quartet,world-class wind players Nicholas Daniel (oboe)and Amy Dickson (saxophone), popular stringplayers GemmaRosefield (cello),

Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola) and Retorica violinistsHarriet Mackenzie and Philippa Mo, pianistsTom Poster, Simon Lepper and CatherineMilledge, singers Gillian Keith (soprano),William Purefoy (countertenor), Matthew Long(tenor) and Michael Bundy (baritone), the Cityof Canterbury Chamber Choir and thePresteigne Festival Orchestra conducted byartistic director, George Vass.

Continuing its important partnership with BBCRadio 3, two concerts from the Festival are to bebroadcast.

www.presteignefestival.comTelephone 01544 267800

Amy DicksonNicholas Daniel Gemma RosefieldSarah-Jane Bradley

Retorica

The Church Stretton Arts Festival celebrates 46years with a kaleidoscope of events.

The Festival, a key part of Shropshire’s artisticcalendar, includes concerts by professionals andlocal amateurs.

The Season starts on Sunday 22nd July withJaqui Dankworth and the award-winningMidland Youth Jazz Orchestra and will concludewith a recital by Tasmin Little, the internationalviolin virtuoso, accompanied by Martin Roscoe.

July 22nd - August 4th

CHURCH STRETTONARTS FESTIVAL

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Pascal & Ami Rogé

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Bus Serv i ce : 435 - LUDLOW - SHREWSBURYNearest Rai lway Sta t ion : Church StrettonHaydn Lute Trio

On the 23rd July the Arts & Crafts Exhibitionopens - the largest in the area with over 600exhibits last year. The exhibition is open dailythroughout the Festival. Other highlights of thefestival include :

The Haydn Lute Trio•

Rebecca Vaughan ‘I, Elizabeth’,•

about Queen Elizabeth 1st.

An evening with Colin Dexter•

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 LudlowRoad, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694)724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 SandfordAvenue and Church Stretton VIC. Ring andRide Transport available free for all events;telephone (01694) 720025. Art Exhibitioninformation from Joan Arnfield 01694 724170.

www.strettonfestival.org.uk

Opus Anglicanum

Classico Latino

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The unforgettable festival - it’slike no other...

The 2012 Ludlow Marches Food and DrinkFestival will take place on 7-9 September inLudlow, Shropshire, England, the small townwith the large reputation for good food anddrink.

In 2011, the Festival featured more than 150 topquality small independent food and drink producers from the Marches, the England-Walesborder country, inside Ludlow Castle.

Spend the day inside Ludlow Castle enjoying theindependent food and drink producersand suppliers of real food, ale, cider, perry,wine, bread, bangers and everything in betweenplus more from the Marches, with samplesand tastings (some free).

Highlights include:

In the Castle

In the town

Ludlow Sausage Trail, visit 5 of the top butchersin the country to vote for the best.

The Real Ale Trail will help you wash down all

LUDLOW FOODFESTIVAL

7th - 9th September

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, •

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those goodies and visiting over 12 pubs andtrying the best real ale on offer across thecounty. The bread trail takes you around 3 of thetowns best bakers discovering the best loaf outthere!As well as the food producers, throughoutLudlow's historic town centre there is seeminglyno end of food-related events, such as thepudding tastings in the Methodist Church andeven more food traders on the market square.

This was Britain's first successful food and drinkfestival when it started back in 1995. It's grownconsiderably since then, with large numbers ofvisitors from throughout the UK, as well as fromoverseas - but this ‘not for profit’ organisationhas stayed firmly with the original idea ofhighlighting the great food and drink that isavailable in the Marches, and to have a greattime!

Telephone 01584 873957www.foodfestival.co.uk

A Family Fun Festival

Step back in time to the bygone era of the 1800sand imagine yourself in the heart of theVictorian era. Horses clip clopping along thestreets pulling carriages, urchins running alongbehind, ladies in their spectacular crinoline andbustle dresses, gents tipping their hats as streetentertainers.

This year the Llandrindod Wells VictorianFestival promises to bring you an exciting selec-tion of events that are sure to please the wholefamily. Whatever your age, you are bound tofind something that will interest you and bring asmile to your face, some might even find youbreaking into fits of laughter. The surroundingbackdrop of incredible Victorian architecturedating from the spa town’s heyday in the late1800’s further enhances the festivities.

Take a trip down memory lane and rekindlethose feelings of nostalgia with our many enter-tainers. Street Entertainers will enthral you withtheir many skills. Don’t miss the dog show andthere will even be the Panic Circus - childrensentertainment. Watch the spectacle of theVictorian Costume Parades and best dressedcompetitions. Men, here’s your chance to heck-le the ladies as they surge on Middleton Street asSuffragettes .

Exhibitions are of plenty and local clubs andorganisations have really pulled out the stops toproduce interesting displays. Look out for ourvery own Queen Victoria and her ‘Knightings’ -where people choose what name they want andwhy !

The culmination of the festival is a stunningtorchlight procession and spectacular fireworksdisplay over the town’s beautiful lake. A breath-taking sight not to be missed.

With many, many more events going onthroughout the 9 days, there is sure to be some-thing for every member of the family and wehope that you come along and experience all thefun of the festival for yourselves.

For more information please contact: MariePowell, Festival AdministratorVictorian Festival, Wadham House, MiddletonStreet, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DGTel: 01597 823441 email: [email protected], www.victorianfestival.co.uk

Llandrindod WellsVictorian Festival

18th - 26th August

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King Arthur’s Labyrinth(between Machynllethand Dolgellau in MidWales) takes visitors, byunderground boat,through a gushingwaterfall and across athousand years, back tothe time of KingArthur.

Wales’ leading national newspaper The WesternMail said that King Arthur’s Labyrinth is ’Wellworth a Visit’ they were absolutely right.

Once inside the Labyrinth, you’ve travelled backto the darkest of the Dark Ages when the nativeCeltic people are defending themselves againstthe all powerful Saxon invaders. Out of thedarkness came Arthur… His feats of bravery,his supernatural powers and his strength ofleadership brought defeat to his enemies andpeace to the island of Britain. His fame wassung throughout the land.Enjoy myths, legends and stories from the DarkAges and from the time of King Arthur as youare guided around torchlit tunnels and vastunderground caverns by your mysterioushooded boatman. Stories of dragons, mightybattles, ferocious giants and many more come tolife with dramatic scenes, light shows and soundeffects.

As your journey ends the mysterious boatmansails you out of the Labyrinth and back to thepresent day – but be warned, beware of theDragon....

Dry when wet, cool when hot this is the perfectall-weather attraction for all ages.

Back above ground is a further attraction, Bards’Quest. Take on the Bards’ challenge and searchthe paths of time for hidden myths, legends andstories. Once found, be enthralled by some greatstories 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 Groupsand School Visits. Preferential rates are availablefor groups of 15 or more.

Tours of the Labyrinth start from Corris CraftCentre which is located on the main A487 roadbetween Machynlleth and Dolgellau.

A further attraction, the Bards’ Quest also startsfrom Corris Craft Centre. Admission to theBards' Quest is half price when purchased withadmission to the Labyrinth tour.

King Arthur’s Labyrinth is easily accessible bypublic transport. There are direct trains fromBirmingham 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 passesnearby.

Telephone 01654 761584www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk

KING ARTHUR’SLABYRINTH

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For over a century Bridgnorth CliffRailway has been transporting thepeople of Bridgnorth up and down the111 ft sandstone cliffs that separateHigh Town from Low Town and theRiver Severn.

It is first and foremost a workingrailway; its importance to both thetownspeople of Bridgnorth and tovisitors to the town is undiminished byage.

The railway operates two carriages onparallel tracks. Connected by steelcables, the carriages serve tocounterbalance each other - as onerises to the top station, the other runsto the bottom station.

The cars are now powered by anelectric winding engine, but wereoriginally driven by a system of waterbalance, each carriage carrying waterballast in a tank beneath the passengercompartment.

Next to the Top Station are TheWinding House Tearooms viewingpanels through to the Engine Room,and a Terrace area with wonderfulviews across the River Severn.

Directly above the Bottom Station, the newly-refurbished Stoneway Guest house offers aunique B&B experience.

Do visit England’s only remaining inland electricfunicular railway !

Telephone 01746 762052www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk

BRIDGNORTH CLIFFRAILWAY

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LLANDRINDOD WELLSVICTORIAN FESTIVAL18TH - 26TH AUGUST 2012

OVER 200 EVENTS PACKEDINTO NINE FUN-FILLED DAYS

FOR ALL THE FAMILY !

Tel: (01597) 823441

www.victorianfestival.co.ukVictorian Festival Office

Wadham HouseMiddleton Street

Llandrindod WellsPowys

LD1 5DG

The Spaceguard Centrewww.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

Do you know the correct way to run a bath?How can you trap insects with a turnip? Whatwas the first thing Queen Victoria did after hercoronation? These and many other questionsare answered on the new Judge’s Lodgingwebsite. This Victorian museum in Presteignehas long had a reputation for liking the quirkierside of history, so the new site is packed withhandy hints the Victorian way, recipes for ice-cream and jelly, strange facts, along withinformation about the building and learningresources. Visit it and you will be guaranteed tofind something to fascinate.

Visit the museum itself and you will be in for aneven bigger treat, for this award-winning historicjudge’s accommodation and court offers a mostunusual journey back in time. Wander throughthe judge’s private apartments and make yourselfat home, for The Judge’s Lodging an historic

house with a difference – you can touch! Youcan lie on the beds, read the judge’s books andeven pump water in the kitchen. Below stairsthere is the full range of servants’ rooms toexplore, with kitchens, sleeping quarters andworkrooms; a whole gaslit world to discover.The tour is finished by a trip to the vast echoingcourtroom, where you are haunted by the echoesof trials long since concluded. You are guidedthrough this Victorian world by aneavesdropping’ audiotour featuring the voice ofactor Robert Hardy.

‘These days it’s common enough to find well-preservedperiod buildings tagged with such clichés as ‘frozen intime’ or ‘a real time capsule’. These places may please theeye but too often they don’t convince. The Judge’s Lodgingis different for one simple reason: it smells right. One stepthrough the baize-covered entrance door, and the odour ofparaffin lamps fills your nostrils. The power of scentevokes domestic life in the 19th century more vividly thatany stage-setting could.’ Alex Ramsay, World ofInteriors.

In 2011 the Judge’s Lodging received the HighlyCommended second place in a major newheritage award scheme, Hudson's HeritageAwards choice of the best heritage site in Britainfor Education, Family and Community work.The awards were presented on 1st December atthe Marriot Grovesnor Square, London, bycelebrity hosts Lloyd Grossman and LucindaLambton.

THE JUDGE’S LODGING

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This award is not just just for the museum'seducation and family services. It alsoacknowledges the fantastic new PresteigneCommunity Collections project started this year,where a group of local volunteers have joinedstaff in working with the town's collection ofobjects.

In the summer of 2012 there will be a newexhibition ‘Sporting Life in Presteigne’ with aspecial focus on 2011 BBC Wales SportsPersonality of the Year, World SupersportChampion Chaz Davies. Also this summer,discover more about the world of Dickens’work throughout the period rooms. In theautumn, find out more about some familieswhose trades and inventions have madePresteigne the place it is today.

For any information on the museum and any ofits activities, visit the website or just call the staffwho are always happy to chat.

Telephone 01544 260650www.judgeslodging.org.uk

Images © Alex Ramsay

Ironbridge Gorge Museum tohost Digital Art Installation As part of the London 2012Festival

Ironbridge Gorge Museum is hosting a fantastic,free to enter digital art installation, CORE,designed by renowned international artist KurtHentschläger as part of the London 2012Festival. With over 1,000 events across thecountry and more than 10 million freeopportunities for people to get involved throughdance, music, theatre, the visual arts, film anddigital innovation, this will be the UK’s biggestever nationwide festival.

IRONBRIDGE GORGEMUSEUMS

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CORE forms the next generation of theChicago-based artist’s generative 3D and audiowork. This world-class piece of art will bepremiered at the Engine Shop, Enginuity, one ofthe ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums on 23rdMarch 2012 and remain until the autumn.

You will be able to experience a digital worldmade up of a series of virtual aquariumscontaining dynamic bodies in extreme motionwhose movements are neither predictable norrepeated. These identical humanoid figuresinteract both instinctually like schools of fish orflocks of birds and at other times they appearchoreographed like ballet dancers orsynchronised swimmers.

The installation will generate new audiences inthe West Midlands and will leave an importantlegacy for the region as part of the London 2012Festival. It’s been made possible thanks to thegenerous support of Arts Council England andthe Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Step Back in Time

While CORE is at the cutting edge of today’sdigital technology, in other parts of the WorldHeritage Site you can step back in time at the tenIronbridge Gorge Museums and see the latest‘gadgets’ and how people lived over 100 yearsago.

Chat to the costumed characters in their homes,shops and places of work at Blists Hill VictorianTown; marvel at magnificent china and see craftspeople at work in Coalport China Museum andwalk through the galleries and period roomsettings adorned with beautiful tiles at JackfieldTile Museum. The Coalbrookdale Museum ofIron celebrates the early iron industry while theMuseum of The Gorge explains the area’simportance; finally walk cross the world’s firstIron Bridge and imagine what the area was likearound 300 years ago at the beginning ofindustrial development.

Telephone 01952 433424www.ironbridge.org.uk

Blists Hill

Heritage Area

Follow the path taken by the limestone quarriedfrom Llanymynech Rocks down the inclinedplanes to the lime kilns and thence to the canalor railway. Visit one of only 3 remainingHoffman Kilns in the country (the only onecomplete with chimney) and explore it bothinside and out! You can also wander and picnicin the woodland and meadows.

The site is always open. There is car parkingadjacent to the canal or behind the Dolphin pubin the village.

Visit the website www.llanymynech.org.uk todownload a map and other information.

Telephone 01691 839147, or email [email protected]

Location: on the A483 next to the canal inLlanymynech. Grid Ref: SJ266211. Post CodeSY22 6EA

Wharf Visitor Centre

Open 1.30 - 4.30 Sundays and Bank Holidaysfrom Easter to end of September

Boat Trips, Exhibition, Gifts and LightRefreshments

www.llanymynech.org.uk www.duchess-countess.org.uk

LLANYMYNECHLIMEWORKS

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Tanat Valley Light Railway Company, NantMawr Visitor Centre, Nant Mawr, NearOswestry, Shropshire, SY11 9DW

Telephone 01948 - 781079

website www.tvlr.co.uk e-mail [email protected]

Just off the A495 at Porthywaen near Oswestry

Opening times from Easter to September open10 - 5 every day, other times open most Tuesdaysand Weekends, group visits or tours by priorarrangement, phone for details

Facilities include Toilet, woodland walks, naturetrail, picnic area, car parking, small museum,wildlife pond, all free to visit (donations verywelcome).

TANAT VALLEYLIGHT RAILWAY

A picturesque working water mill with 38ft. castiron waterwheel producing wholemeal flourtraditionally. Family owned for 250 years.Personal guided tours for all visitors, by millersAlan & Peter George.

Daniels Mill is set in the idyllic Shropshirecountryside, deep in a wooded valley crossed bya 19th Century viaduct carrying the SevernValley Railway to Bridgnorth. Visitors are takenback in time when the mill wheel turns and asteam train crosses the viaduct at the same time.Heavy French Burr millstones turn locallygrown wheat into flour in the traditional wayused for centuries.

There are conducted tours for all visitors to themill. A small gift shop is open and 100%wholemeal flour is available for sale. The tearoom offers scones made from our own flour.

Organised parties and schools are welcome byprior appointment throughout the year. Eveningparties accepted throughout the year. Please

allow up to 2 hours to visit. Reductions forparties numbering 20 and over. Lightrefreshments available by arrangment - see thewebsite for more details. Newly re-opened for2012 the Stables Tearoom, serving light bitesand drinks.Directions

Daniels Mill is brown sign posted fromBridgnorth. From the Severn Valley Railway inBridgnorth (Holybush Road) turn onto B4363Cleobury Mortimer road. After ¼ mile turnright on to the B455 towards Eardington.Daniels Mill is situated approx ¾ mile on right.

Prices £4.00 Adults, £3.00 Concessions

Open Times6th April - 31st October, 11am-4pm

Telephone 01746 762753www.danielsmill.co.uk

DANIELS MILL

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Come and see a great collection of itemscovering over 2,000 years of local history.

Visit the Northgate Museum in high townBridgnorth. Packed full of treasures, (there areover 4000 items in the collection) the museumshould be the first stop for anyone wanting todiscover the history of the town and the localarea. From an Edwardian till to a model ofTrevithick’s Steam Engine, The museum’scollection will interest the whole family.

The museum, founded in 1951, is run by volunteers from the Bridgnorth & DistrictHistorical Society, which is a registered Charity.

There is no charge for admission, but the museum rel ies on donations and museum salesto remain open.

Fully accredited by the Museums, Libraries andArchives Council.

More information of the collection can be seenon the website 'bridgnorthmuseum.org.uk' andresearchers are welcome.

Opening times: from April to October - Saturdays 1.30 pm to 4 pmSundays 11.00 am to 4 pmBank Holidays 11.00 am to 4 pmSchool Holidays (every day) 11.00 am to 4 pm

Postcode : WV16 5AE

BRIDGNORTH’SNORTHGATE MUSEUM

Bus Ser vi c e : 436 - Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury & 890Nearest Rai lway Sta t ion : Bridgnorth

The Centre is set within Oswestry ParishChurchyard formerly called Holbache House itwas the second oldest grammar school foundedin 1407. It now houses Oswestry TouristInformation centre, a coffee shop and art exhibitions which change monthly.

Opening times; Every day except Sunday 10am-4pm. Longer opening in summer.

Entry is free

Postcode SY11 2TETelephone 01691 662753www.oswestry-welshborders.org.ukot@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk

Oswestry Market

Markets have existed in Oswestry for centuriesand they’ve been a major part of the town’s

trading and historical importance. They remainone of the town’s biggest attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide.

Oswestry has just completed a £140,000refurbishment of the Indoor Market afterwinning a national place improvement award inthe Times newspaper.  By achieving the mostvotes, Oswestry Market won a new interiordesign by Sir Terrance Conran.

These long awaited improvements are set toreally enhance the shopping experience for thecustomer.   The indoor market is open everyWednesday, Friday and Saturday but there is alsoan Outdoor Market every Wednesday andSaturday.  On top of this there is a fantasticFarmers’ Market held on the last Friday of themonth which has an abundance of quality, localproduce.   

www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

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OSWESTRY VISITOR &EXHIBITION CENTRE

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The Story of Oswestry

Housed on the 3rd floor of the Guildhall, LiftAccess available, in the former OswestryMagistrates Court rooms.

As part of their plans to make Oswestry TownMuseum a true reflection of the History of theTown of Oswestry the group behind the projecthave announced that the Museum will include aTimeline stretching from the formation of therocks that Oswestry sits on right up to thepresent day and with space to update it in thefuture on an annual basis. Mark Hignett for thegroup said “We have to remember that what happensthis year is next years history” adding “in particularvisitors to the town next year could be interested in whathappened the previous year as being part of the history ofthe town.”

For more information:www.oswestrymuseum.org.uk

E-Mail: [email protected] : Mark on 01948 781079

Open on market daysWednesday 10 – 4Friday 10 – 4Saturday 10 – 3.30

Other times and group visits by priorarrangement

OSWESTRY TOWNMUSEUM

Bishop's Castle's geographical remoteness hasserved to protect its heritage, and the town haskept much of its historic character. Bishop'sCastle Heritage Resource Centre is a volunteer-run activity centre celebrating local history andkeeping it within the community for people touse and enjoy. It is owned and run by the Houseon Crutches Museum Collection Trust, whichalso manages the House on Crutches Museum.

BCHRC has a secure museum standard store, inwhich the Museum's reserve collection is kept insafety, as well as other artefacts, documents andephemera. You can view some of the collectiononline at www.bchrc.co.uk . Individuals andorganisations can deposit their archives in thestore for a small fee. More information ondepositing can be found on the website.

In 2009 BCHRC secured a Heritage LotteryFund grant to develop as a Local History Centre,and the volunteers worked closely with stafffrom Shropshire Archives to identify materialsand resources relating to the Bishops Castle areathat would enable them to help visitors withtheir family history or social history query. Theseresources include parish registers, tithe maps,

electoral rolls, census returns and otherdocuments held at Shropshire Archives. Theseare too bulky and precious to leave Shrewsburyand have therefore been digitally photographed,and can now be viewed on-screen at BCHRC,and selected pages printed. This means thatresearchers can view an image of the originaldocument, with no risk of transcription errors,and of a much higher quality than existingmicrofiche images.

An index of these resources is available atBCHRC or to download from the websitewww.bchrc.co.uk . BHRC is open to visitorsfrom 10.30am to 1.00pm on Saturdays or atother times by arrangement. Please phone01588 630556 (answerphone) or [email protected]. BCHRC is at 5 Chapel Yard,just off Bishop's Castle's High Street.

Other facilities and services are offered, fromphotocopying and laminating to specialisedservices such as the production of displays anddigitisation of documents. The small meetingroom is ideal for meetings and workshops up toa maximum of 12 people, and there is a smallrange of equipment for hire, such as displayboards. There is a small charge for these.

BISHOP'S CASTLE HERITAGERESOURCE CENTRE

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The Museum houses a multitude of localhistorical and agricultural artefacts andpossesses an important collection of some 6,528flints. The two silver Maces of the Borough ofClun, dating back to Elizabethan times (1580 &1680) together with the Town Seal are on displayon Bank Holidays.

The whole operation is serviced by dedicatedvolunteer Stewards who give their time freelyand willingly. You will be warmly welcomed andany query that you might have will receive theirbest attention and advice.

Ground Floor - The items on display reflect thediversity of Trades in this once self containedrural town—the centre of a large Farmingcommunity: Smithy • Wheelwright • Clog maker•Saddler • Tailor • Baker • Brewer • to name buta few. It also houses the nationally recognisedcollection of Flints which were traded along theClun/Clee Ridgeway..First Floor - where the main theme is localmemorabilia from both the First and SecondWorld Wars, including several uniforms and adisplay devoted to evacuees who came herefrom Liverpool.

There is also plan of the rail-way line, proposedover one hundred years ago from Craven Armsto Clun.

Children, Schools, Historical Societies and Clubsare very welcome with special opening timesarranged to suit their needs by contacting theCurator. There are Children's Activity Sheetsavailable for both floors so that they maydiscover and identify artefacts and their usage.

Access for all is available with ramp and chair liftand for the visually impaired audio and Brailleguides, tactile pictures, and an illuminated tactilemap of the town.

Opening TimesEaster - 31st OctoberTUESDAYS: 2.00pm - 5.00pmSATURDAYS & BANK HOLIDAYS:(Mondays & Tuesdays)11.00am- 1.00pm2.00pm - 5.00pm

For special openings at other times ContactCurator:

J Kent Tomey • StapledonMount Pleasant • Clun • SY7 8JJTel/Fax 01588 640681Email: [email protected]

Nominal charge 50p. Under 16's/students Free

CLUN MUSEUM

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The story ofDrayton

It’s called “The Story ofDrayton”, because that’s exactlywhat it is.

It’s all about the Town.Everything in the Collection wasdonated by the people ofMarket Drayton, used by them,and often manufactured bythem. So the families, lifestyle,events, and stories emerge fromall these bits and pieces.... morethan 10,000 of them, collectedover the course of nearly thirtyyears..

In the Shop they sell the Town. That’s to say youwill be given a potted history in five quickchapters, from earliest times to the present.There’s also the odd diversion and digression.

Don’t miss the house behind, where a home ison display.... with the trophies on themantelpiece, china in the dresser, books in thebookcase, medicine in the bathroom, and so onin kitchen, yard and outhouse. Here, as you canimagine, the past often rubs shoulders with thepresent.

The things you can see range from a prehistoricplant stem to a hand-pulled hearse, a bottlecollection, panoramic school photographs, ahorse-drawn seed drill, lamps, money boxes, and mangles. And you’ll find stories ranging fromClive of India’s pies to gingerbread secrets, theWC War, and death at the theatre, not to

mention Arthur Phillips’ vertical take-offaircraft of 1908.

Membership fees - £6 per person, £10 forfamilies. 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 e-mail [email protected]. The museum iswithin easy reach of the Town Centre at 53Shropshire Street.

You are assured of a warm welcome, at the sametime helping you share the past (and present) ofthis the largest and most important market townin the area.

www.peter-quita.demon.co.uk/museum/home.htmPostcode : TF9 1HG

MARKET DRAYTON’SOWN MUSEUM

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Shifnal Museum & ArchiveCentre

Shifnal Museum and Archive Centre opened inDecember 2009 in the former Fire Station inShrewsbury Road . There is a good display ofphotographs of the town, showing how it haschanged over the years, and a collection of articles from days gone by is being built up.

The museum holds lots of useful informationon the people in the town’s past, such as birthsdeaths and marriages, and census informationright back to 1841.

The Museum is open on Thursday afternoonsfrom 2.00 to 4.00, and on Saturday morningsfrom 10.00 to 12.00. There are also specialevents throughout the year.

Shrewsbury Road, Shifnal.

Ditton Priors Local HistoryCentre

The Centre holds an extensive archive, much ofit on a database, on the history of the village.There is a recently researched story of Ditton'swartime Admiralty Armaments Depot, and thenext project is on evacuees in the village.

The Centre is adjacent to the Oak Farm shopand Tearooms, which are open Wednesday toSaturday throughout the year.

Opening hours are Saturdays 12 -4pm fromApril 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 is Shropshire's only town to becontinually inhabited on the same site sincebeing built in Roman times.

The current displays, exhibits, and activities inthe Heritage Centre reflect the town's historicroots.

Many of the exhibits are geared towards childrenand are very much hands on with a RomanArchaeology sand pit where coins and a skullcan be uncovered and a brass rubbing tablewhere budding artists can create their own masterpieces to take home.

There is also a giant puzzle depicting a typicalnursery rhyme theme created from anillustration by the famous Victorian IllustratorRandolph Caldecott. The Caldecott Galleryhouses a fine collection of artwork, books,photographs & memorabilia relating to thecomposer Edward German and artist RandolphCaldecott.

2012 Opening Hours:

Monday 10.00 - 4.00Tuesday 10.00 - 4.00Wednesday closedThursday 10.00 - 4.00Friday 10.00 - 4.00Saturday 10.00 - 1.00

FREE ENTRYAll areas wheelchair accessibleDisabled parking adjacent to Heritage Centre,Visitor Information, Customer Service Point,and a selection of gift Items for sale.

Contact Details :12 St Mary's StreetWhitchurchShropshireSY13 1QY

Telephone : 01948 664577

Email: [email protected] :www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk

WHITCHURCHHERITAGE CENTRE

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It’s amazing how quickly a new attraction canseem as though it has been there for years. Thisis clearly the case with The Engine House, theVisitor & Education Centre at Highley on theSevern Valley Railway. Although it actually onlyopened at Easter 2008, it has already become anessential part of a visit to the Railway.

The SVR celebrated it’s 40th anniversary lastyear and on May 23rd, it was 40 years to the daywhen the first public steam train departed fromBridgnorth for the then terminus at HamptonLoade. There were various celebratory eventsduring the year and The Engine House played afull part in them, including hosting displays andexhibitions marking this remarkable milestone.

The Engine House

Perhaps the most surprising exhibit is the firstitem you see. At the entrance sits a MorrisMinor, which although it seems incongruous,actually acts as a reminder of the role of themotor car in the demise of the railway branchline. The building can house up to 10locomotives which are displayed long withspecial sound effects and dry ice. You canexplore the engines - there is even wheelchairaccess to one of them - and both from thegallery above, and from ground level (which isactually below the normal platform height) youcan really appreciate the size and power of theseengines.

Other exhibits inside include an illustration ofthe restoration work, an explanation of how a

THE SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY ANDTHE ENGINE HOUSE AT HIGHLEY

Bus Serv i ce : 125 - BRIDGNORTH - KIDDERMINSTER436 - BRIDGNORTH - SHREWSBURY

© Debbie Piggott

steam locomotives works and a re-creation ofthe founding meeting of the SVR in theCoopers Arms pub in Kidderminster.

It is a very accessible visitor centre withsomething for the whole family; there are baby-changing facilities, an outdoor play area and avery spacious outdoor picnic table area. Don’tforget to visit Buffers Cafe Restaurant and watchthe trains go by as you eat at a table on thespacious outdoor balcony, which has great viewsof the valley, the river and the railway!

Make sure you break your journey there andspend some time at The Engine House atHighley – when it is combined with a relaxingjourney along the whole Severn Valley Railway, itmakes 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 & June30-1st 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

The Engine House at Highley

Up close at The Engine HouseSignpost ? page

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The Countryside Experience

Discover the delights of Park Hall CountrysideExperience, the national award winning farmattraction 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 agenerous helping of cuddly and friendly animalsfor everyone to enjoy, there’s not a minute towaste.

Get up close to your farmyard favourites with aregular schedule of interactive events. Feed andpet the Kune Kune pigs; groom the miniatureShetland pony, or be enchanted by the sheermagnificence of Charm and Rio the heavy horses. Don’t miss your opportunity to handmilk a real cow or cuddle up to the adorablebunnies 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 massiveindoor play barns. The main arena has a large toytractor circuit and bouncy castles while theWarren Playbarn has the traditional nets, slidesand ropes.

Outside the action continues at the Crazy FarmAdventure Course and at the fantastic climbingareas in the woodland. There are also play houses for younger visitors and great walks forall the family.

Best of all for the kids are the brilliant drivingactivities. The junior driving school, the 4x4land-rovers and quad bikes offer a range of driving fun for different ages. Have a go on themechanical diggers and test your co-ordinationskills too.

When you are ready to slow down the pacewander through the Welsh Guards Museum,visit the Victorian School or take a walk to theIron Age Roundhouse. These fascinatingheritage exhibits are well interpreted so there’slots to learn too.

There are numerous seasonal activitieshappening throughout the year, these includelamb feeding, pig racing, Easter egg hunts,summer maize maze, Halloween and thewonderful The Santa Experience.

PARK HALL, OSWESTRY

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ShrewsburyShrewsburyMuseums ServiceMuseums Service

Coleham Pumping Station

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

Telephone 01743 281205 Or visit

www.shrewsburymuseums.com

Shrewsbury Castle & The Shropshire Regimental Museum

So treat the kids to a truly memorable family dayout and get involved with the farming fun at thisnational award-winning family attraction.

Details at www.parkhallfarm.co.uk Telephone 01691671123 or email [email protected]

Park Hall Countryside Experience, Burma Road,Oswestry, Shropshire. SY11 9AS.

Bus Ser vi c e : 70 - SHREWSBURY - OSWESTRY

Nearest Rai lway Sta t ion : GOBOWEN

The Iron Age Roundhouse

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The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford housesone of the largest aviation collections in theUnited Kingdom. 70 historic aircraft aredisplayed in three wartime hangars and withinthe 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 eracirca 1947 – 1989, in a fun and innovative way.A major feature of this unique exhibition isBritain’s three post-war V-Bombers the Vulcan,Victor and Valiant. A Number of these aircraftare suspended in flying attitudes including aDakota, Canberra, Meteor, Lightning andJavelin. Visitors are able to view them from anelevated viewing gallery.

RAF Museum Cosford is one day that everyonefrom small children upwards will enjoy whateverthe weather. Children and adults alike will befascinated by fun ‘n’ flight. Packed with handson excitement, it’s the easy way to answer allthose questions about how aircraft stay up in theair. The advanced flight simulator is also a greatway to get an instant flying experience.

The Visitor Centre is home to the RefuelRestaurant serving hot and cold meals andsnacks. The Checkpoint Charlie Café servinglight snacks and drinks and the well stockedMuseum Shop are both located within TheNational Cold War Exhibition.

Access around the Museum is easy with wideaisles for pushchairs and wheelchairs.Wheelchairs and electronic scooters are availablefree on arrival at the admissions desk, on a firstcome first served basis.

Admission is FREE of charge.

ROYAL AIR FORCEMUSEUM, COSFORD

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DirectionsBy RoadFrom Junction 3 of the M54 take the A41 southtowards Wolverhampton. Follow brown touristsigns to Royal Air Force Museum.By RailCosford Train Station is located on the CentralTrains Birmingham to Shrewsbury line (viaWolverhampton) then a half mile walk.  Pleasecheck timetable before visiting.By BusThe 892 bus service from Wolverhampton toWellington runs along the A41.  The neareststop is the Cosford Garage, approximately a 1mile walk to the Museum gates.By CycleThe Museum is conveniently located alongNational Cycle Route 81 which runs fromWellington to Albrighton.  Free cycle racks aresituated next to the Museum Visitor Centre.By AirClients can also fly into the Cosford site by priorarrangement with Air Traffic Control. Please callus first for details.

T: 01902 376200E: [email protected]: www.rafmuseum.org

Bus Serv i ce - 891 - Telford to WolverhamptonNear est Rai lway Sta tion : COSFORD

Located in the heart of the beautiful SouthShropshire countryside, Rays Farm is owned andoperated by Frank and Rose Cartwight and theirdaughter Julie. The term ‘Rays’ comes from theAnglo Saxon for streams - hence ‘the farm bythe streams’.

In 2012 Rays Farm Country Matters will be celebrating twenty two years as a touristattraction; it is a farm for the animals and forpeople who wish to enjoy a close encounter withthem.

Enjoy the grace and splendour of over fortyowls 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 woodlandarea around the farm where paths and bridgeshave been constructed.

For those who wish to linger, a little longer,amongst the collection of woodcarvings, youwill find picnic tables and benches. Wild deernow use the woodland paths created for visitors.Rabbits, Badgers, Mink, Voles, Kingfishers andWoodpeckers inhabit the old woodland.

For the younger visitor, there is an outdoorwooden play area for the over 4s, and an indoortoddler play area; don’t miss the well stockedsweet shop !

RELAX AT RAYS FARM

Refus - The old red steer stag

Signpost ? page The Sweet Shop

Deep in the farm’s ancient woodland is a worldof mystical wood carvings - tree spirits, gnomesgathering firewood, Billy Goat Gruff and theTroll, the Fox and the Gingerbread Man to namejust a few. Don’t forget to look out for“Excalibur” the sword belonging to KingArthur. With over 50 carvings, some over sevenfoot tall, there are lots to see. Watch out for DrFoster on his way to Gloucester.

Back at the farm take a rest in the tea-shop orbrowse around an interesting selection of toysand gifts.

Relax and enjoy wildlife and nature as it wasintended - ancient woodlands, winding pathways,wild flowers and ferns.

Telephone01299 841255www.raysfarm.com

See the advert on page 11for more details

New outdoor play area

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Historic Hawkstone Park, with its hiddenpathways, concealed grottos, secret tunnels andremarkable collection of follies, is perhaps themost magical and wondrous tourist attractionShropshire has to offer.

Created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill,the woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs hasbeen described as a lost world deep in the heartof Shropshire and is one of the greatestnaturalist landscape creations in Britain.

My son and I picked a glorious summer day toexplore this English Heritage designated Grade1 landscape, but I’m sure it is as enchanting atany time of the year. Paths twist and turn, riseand fall, and reveal something unexpectedaround every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers,monuments, tunnels, passageways, precipitousrock tracks, rustic ‘sofas’ and romantic secretvalleys.

The monument to Sir Rowland Hill bears theinscription “The righteous shall be held ineverlasting remembrance” and was restoredthanks to the Barclay Borthers in 1992. The

view you are afforded after climbing the 153steps is truly breathtaking; on a clear day you cansee thirteen (of the old) counties of England &Wales !

We wandered through a grotto where legendswere created, and marvelled at the naturalwonder of The Cleft from the Swiss Bridge.The rest of our trek was spent along the lowerwalkways.

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HAWKSTONE PARK

We ended our journey in the delightful CaspianTearoom with a very welcome drink andrefreshing ice-cream.

It really was an amazing day out and I wouldurge anyone who is capable of the full threehour walk to give it a go. If you are not feelingthat energetic there are walks of one hour, two,and two-and-a-half hours also. As most of thetracks involve steep climbs and many steps,sensible walking shoes are a must, unless youmerely choose to walk the Grand Valley, which iswheelchair accessible. I would also recommendtaking a drink and some refreshments with you -it’s a long walk ! For those less able-bodied,there are the Silver Safaris on Thursdays - Juneto September - which includes a complimentaryLandRover to the key high points of the park(during normal opening hours, prior booking isrequested).

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 aThree Star Country House Hotel, theHawkstone Park Hotel, located within itsgrounds. The hotel has sixty en-suite bedrooms.

The site also has a picturesque tearoom servingrefreshments and snacks throughout the day, apicnic pack service, gift and book shop and freeparking. A packed lunch is advisable as you maybe some distance from the tearoom whenhunger strikes - this also makes Hawkstone ParkFollies a very good value day out.

Winner of 2010 Beacon Radio ‘Shropshire’sBest’ - Best Day Time Family Attraction. HawkstonePark has won many awards including a CivicTrust Award, a Commendation in the Heart ofEngland Visitor Attraction of the Year and aEuropa Nostra Diploma for ‘the sensitive andimaginative restoration of a unique landscape’.

Telephone 01948 841777 / 841700www.hawkstone.co.uk

Signpost ? pageNear est Rai lway Stat ion : WEM

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The Spaceguard Centre is a workingastronomical observatory that specialises inNear Earth Objects (NEOs); asteroids andcomets that could potentially hit the Earth. Youmight have seen the movies “Deep Impact” and“Armageddon”, but the threat of NEOs hittingthe Earth is more real than most people realise.The Spaceguard Centre offers the opportunityfor people to visit and find out about thepossibility of a genuine “Deep Impact”, andwhat we can do to stop such an event.

A guided tour takes you around all of thefacilities at the Spaceguard Centre, looking atwhat we do, why we do it and how. You willlearn about the threat that asteroids and cometspose to the Earth and how we could protect notjust ourselves but all life on the planet.

We have a unique indoor observatory with a 13inch telescope and a robotic telescope systemcapable of tracking asteroids and comets thatcould be a threat to the Earth. We also have asmall planetarium and an orrery. There are manymore fascinating exhibits such as meteorites and

samples from impact craters. The SpaceguardCentre is an intriguing place and a great day outfor anyone.

There are conducted tours of the Centre everyday except Mondays and Tuesdays (we are openon Bank Holidays though) at 10.30 am (May toSeptember only), 2 pm and 4 pm. Tours last forabout 1 ½ hours and cost £6 for adults and £3for children (under 15). We advise visitors toring ahead, just to make sure that we have placesof the relevant tour, as we can only take limitednumbers (25). School parties are welcome byprior arrangement.

Telephone 01547 520247e-mail: [email protected]://www.spaceguarduk.com

THESPACEGUARDCENTRE

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