Ironbridge Gorge & Ludlow

There was a time when the place in Shropshire now known as Ironbridge Gorge was the centre of the world. At least in industrial terms. This is where in 1709 Abraham Darby I discovered a process for smelting iron with coke instead of charcoal and, with his revelation, brought about the principles of mass production. Your base for this break is Telford, the bright hopeful 'New Town' named after the famous engineer Thomas Telford - an ideal base for exploring Ironbridge as well as Lovely Ludlow, the delightful small market town in South Shropshire, close to the border with Wales.\n\nNew for 2025 The 5-day tour also includes a visit to the award-winning David Austin Rose Gardens and the excellent RAF Museum Cosford to explore the fascinating story of the RAF and of the thousands of ordinary servicemen and women who have served in itExplore Shropshire
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, relax and enjoy the scenery as you head up to the West Midlands and Telford to check into your centrally located hotel, the 4* Mercure Telford Centre for your 3 or 4-night stay. DBB.\n\nDay 2 - 3 (or 4) - At leisure in Telford with three included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nIronbridge Gorge & Blists Hill Museum (all tours)\nIn recognition of the region's contribution to life as we know it, Ironbridge Gorge is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It incorporates several villages including Coalport and Coalbrookedale and of course, the world-famous bridge itself, majestic over the River Severn, erected in 1779. This pioneering structure marked a turning point in English design and engineering; after it was built, cast iron came to be widely used in the construction of bridges, aqueducts and buildings. The bridge was so successful that it gave its name to the spectacular wooded valley which surrounds it, now recognised as the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site. In 2017-18 English Heritage undertook a £3.6m conservation project on the Iron Bridge, to help safeguard the future of its historic ironwork\n\nStep back to a time and place where traditional life and industry sat side by side at the dawn of the modern age. At Blists Hill Victorian Town (entrance included), a delightful living open-air museum where you can visit restored Victorian shops, schools, factories and cottages, taste authentic food & sweets and join craftspeople demonstrating their trades in this authentically recreated working town\n\nStokesay Castle & Ludlow (all tours)\nStokesay Castle is one of the finest surviving fortified manor houses in England and was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England. It remains a treasure bypassed by time and one of the best places to visit in England to experience what medieval life was like. The Great Hall is unchanged for more than 700 years and its fine timber roof and staircase has treads cut from whole tree trunks. Inside the courtyard is a beautifully maintained cottage garden and there is also a moat walk. NB There is limited access for wheelchair users due to steps and staircases. There are no ramps or lifts.\n\nOnto lovely Ludlow - the delightful small town in south Shropshire, very near the border with Wales. The bustling open-air market is held every Monday and Wednesday in Ludlow town square with over forty stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, books and local crafts. You may like to visit the impressive Ludlow Castle, dating back to 1085 (admission applies - approx. £9 pp in 2024 - some steps and uneven surfaces) or just relax at the popular Millennium Green. Ludlow's townscape, based on the original medieval town plan, has fine examples of architecture from the Medieval, Tudor and Georgian periods\n\nRAF Museum Cosford & David Austin Roses (5 day only)\nThe RAF Museum Cosford is home to over 75 historic aircraft including the world's oldest Spitfire, the unique TSR2 and the mighty Vulcan bomber to name but a few. Visitors will discover a world-class collection of aircraft and artefacts displayed inside three wartime hangars. The award-winning National Cold War Exhibition explores the immense threat posed to world peace via immersive hotspots, thrilling displays of aircraft, iconic cars, models, tanks and even life-sized Russian dolls.\n\nLater on, it is just a short hop to the David Austin Rose Garden with six themed gardens and home to the National Collection of English Roses. Considered to be one of the finest rose gardens in the world, it is one of only three gardens in England to have received the 'Award of Garden Excellence' from the World Federation of Rose Societies. The abundance of colour and fragrance overwhelms the senses, making it a truly breathtaking experience and a wonderful place to stroll and relax. The Plant Centre features an amazing collection of potted roses as well as companion shrubs, trees and herbaceous but please note any purchases made are subject to space available in the coach and transported at the driver's discretion and at the owner's risk. There may also be very limited space on the feeder vehicle. Roses and plants are available to order online with home delivery (www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/collections/shop-all-roses)\n\nDay 5 - Depart the hotel this morning to head back to your home towns via interchange

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 3 or 4 nights in Telford with dinner & breakfast- Tea/coffee after dinner (self-service)- Entrance to Blists Hill Victorian Town (all tours)- Visit to Ironbridge Gorge & Ludlow (all tours)- Entrance to Stokesay Castle (all tours)- Visit to RAF Museum Cosford (5 day tour only)- Visit to David Austin Rose Garden (5 days tour only)- PorterageYour Hotel
\n\nMercure Telford Centre Hotel\nThis modern 4* hotel is conveniently located close to Telford's shopping, restaurants and bars. Guestrooms are comfortable with contemporary in design, TV, iron and hairdryer. The restaurant is light and bright and the bar offers a relaxed setting in which to enjoy a drink. There are several lounge areas plus leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. There is a lift as well as some ground floor rooms. NB Dinner may be served in a private dining room. Singles are double for sole use\n\n\n\n\n