Days Out
Below are some suggestions for days out that we have put together ourselves based on the sort of things we know that our previous guests have enjoyed.
For some more ideas take a look at the Shropshire Gold website where you will find some wonderfully themed itineraries taking in the best of what Shropshire has to offer, including some fantastic hidden gems.
Itinerary 1 - Wenlock Edge and Much Wenlock
Spend the morning exploring the thickly wooded escarpment of Wenlock Edge.
Park in one of the three National Trust car parks and follow any one of the marked trails to discover dramatic views, dappled paths, historic quarries and limekilns, and abundant fossils, as well as rare flowers, mammals, birds and insects.
A leaflet is available in the Cottages to help you find your way.
Then head down into Much Wenlock, a stunningly beautiful medieval town and birthplace of the modern Olympic Games.
After a heart warming, home-cooked lunch in one of the ancient coaching inns take a stroll around the town to discover the traditional shops, the Guildhall and Museum.
Just a short walk from the town centre are the dramatic ruins of Wenlock Priory.
After all this it will be time for afternoon tea in one of the many cafes or tea rooms and if you are then up for an 'interesting' drive home come back along Wenlock Edge to Church Stretton, taking the narrow road from there up over the Long Mynd to Ratlinghope and then over the Stiperstones back to Hope Park Farm. In our opinion this is one of the most scenic routes in the county but it is not for the faint-hearted.
Approximate distance from Hope Park Farmhouse – 25 miles, 45 minutes
Itinerary 2 – Ludlow – Gastronomic capital of Shropshire
It’s easy to spend the whole day in Ludlow, a thriving market town and architectural gem.
Spend the morning exploring the castle, the finest of medieval ruined castles set in glorious countryside but still at the heart of the town.
You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch, with more restaurants and inns than you will care to count, so take your time choosing the place for you as you stroll around the time.
After lunch there is still much to discover with many speciality shops to explore.
Hopefully you will also have time to take in St Lawrence’s Church, custodian of the ashes of AE Housman, the celebrated poet and author of ‘A Shropshire Lad’.
On your way home why not stop off at the Ludlow Food Centre, a unique food shopping experience where farming, food production and retailing infuse together to create a very special environment? Stock up on some local specialities to take home with you.
Approximate distance from Hope Park Farm – 25 miles, 45 minutes
Itinerary 3 – Powis Castle
Powis Castle is one of the few Baroque gardens to survive almost intact since the 1680s. You can wander the grand Italianate terraces blasted from the solid rock.
Spend the morning admiring the terraces, formal and informal gardens – a delight for enthusiasts as well as lovers of beauty and tranquillity. The gardens are of the highest horticultural
and historical importance.
2012 sees the launch of the all-new castle and garden-inspired restaurant with new interiors and an exciting new menu. So why not give it a try for lunch especially as, to celebrate the
connection with Clive of India, there will be a different curry dish every week and taking inspiration from the Italianate terraces they will also be offering a pasta dish.
After lunch there is plenty of time to explore the interior of the castle – if you visit on a Thursday you might like to join one of their taster tours to find out more – and before you leave you will want to browse the Courtyard and Stable shops for a souvenir, gift or plant.
On your way home we recommend a stop off at Coed-y-dinas Garden Centre and Country Store with everything you could need for the home, garden and country living. Set in magnificent old farm buildings there are some fine examples of Victorian architecture. The Howard restaurant is set in one of the oldest buildings and makes the ideal place to enjoy a speciality coffee and a cake.
Next door to the garden centre is Llyn Coed-y-dinas Nature Reserve – a haven for waterfowl and other birds. A short walk from the car park to the bird hide passes through a beautiful wild flower meadow - what better way to finish off your day?
Approximate distance from Hope Park Farm – 15 miles, 35 minutes.
Print