THE WELSH MARCHES ~ 08

July 28th ~ 7 nights

Brookfields at Church Stretton has become one of our most popular guest houses in recent years and it is from this convenient and luxurious base that we spend six very varied days exploring the borderlands of Powys, Shropshire & Herefordshire - The Welsh Marches.
Our planned day trips for 2008 will see us 'spider out' in six different directions to show you the very best of the area, its attractions and range of scenic splendour. One day will be spent to the east along the Severn Valley including a visit to unique Bridgnorth with its old town standing high on a sandstone escarpment commanding wonderful views over the river and offering a rich historical backdrop. We will also sample a delightful arboretum, the atmospheric historic church of Upton Cressett at the end of a lovely little 'no through' valley and visit Dudmaston House with its beautiful Dingle Valley walk and important collection of modern art. A second day will see us heading south to visit historic Ludlow described by Sir John Betjeman as 'the most perfect town in England'. We will also explore the wonderful private garden of Stockton Bury, see 'England's finest 13th century fortified manor house' at Stokesay and travel to Weobley - the very best of Herefordshire's famed black and white villages. A third day we will head west, after a look around our charming little host town of Church Stretton, crossing the remarkable Long Mynd, England's 'Little Switzerland', then taking a short stroll to enjoy wonderful views from Mitchell's Fold stone circle before sampling Glansevern Gardens and another fine black & white village, this time riverside Berriew in Montgomeryshire. Heading north on a fourth day we hope to arrange a private visit to the gorgeous gardens of Wollerton Old Hall before exploring the Roman remains of Wroxeter, once the 4th largest city in Britain, and then heading back southward to enjoy another private visit, this time to Preen Manor Gardens & Church set on the site of a 12th century Cluniac monastery and affording fine views of Wenlock Edge. Our other two outings will see longer days and us venture further afield - one day south-west to the 'Book Town of Hay on Wye before ascending Hay Bluff to journey into the beautiful Black Mountains which offer spectacular views. We then travel the Gospel Pass for a visit to the remains of remote Llanthony Priory and home along the Golden Valley; our sixth day will take us further west through the Clun Forest & on a collection of scenic, empty lanes heading to Rhayader and the peerless beauty of the Elan Valley & its reservoirs. A week of contrasting beautiful scenery, pretty Byways and fascinating visits in an area fairly described as one of Britain's 'best kept secrets'! We will eat out on one night of this holiday - as ever, the cost is included in the price shown.

Based at Church Stretton in Shropshire.

Guest House : Brookfields - a large,elegant & comfortable Edwardian house with views to The Long Mynd.

Train meeting from Shrewsbury.

All prices are in GB pounds (GBP), per person, per holiday, and are pretty much all-inclusive - see holiday information page for full details.
Double, twin or single en-suite or private bathroom 995.00