Excursions are by luxury coach with pick up points in Shrewsbury at the Abbey Foregate Car Park and at St Chad's Church, or occasionally, in Church Stretton. We visit historic houses, stately homes, gardens, historic churches, as well as other venues in Shropshire or neighbouring counties.  Guided tours are usually arranged and lunch facilities (for full day trips), comfort breaks, etc are always included.

They are usually a full day, sometimes a morning or afternoon only  and are individually costed.

Some images of recent excursions can be seen below (Click on any image to enlarge)

The current programme can be seen and downloaded below

(please note that phone numbers and contact details have been removed in order to comply with the General Data Protection Rules)

Tuesday 3rd September 2024

Chedham's yard, Wellesbourne

Enjoy a nostalgic day out at Chedham's Yard in Wellesbourne which was  a Blacksmith's and Wheelwright's workshop for 150 years until Bill Chedham, 5th generation of the family business, closed the gates in the mid 1960's. In its heyday the yard repaired horse drawn waggons and carts, farmers tools and everyday items. In 2006 Chedham's Yard won the BBC 2 Restoration Village competition and is now run by volunteers. The visit includes a guided tour, story of yard and finishes with tea, coffee and cake. We will be taking lunch at the nearby Stag's Head Inn prior to our visit (included). The menu will be included with the booking form, please mark your selections and return both. This excursion is restricted to 25 people. Please note that the yard is uneven and sensible shoes should be worn.

Cost     Members £49.00         Non Members £54.00

Depart: Abbey Car Park           9.45am                              St Chads 10.00am      

Return:  Abbey Car Park          18.15pm                            St Chads 18.30pm      

 

Wednesday 18th September 2024 

Dudmaston Estate

Dudmaston Estate's history spans almost a a Millenium, lived in by the same family through inheritance and marriage for over 875 years and never sold. It started with a Norman knight and today Dudmaston is home to the Hamilton-Russell family; its story continues to revolve around the rythms of the local community. Included will be a guided tour of the house but you can also visit the newly refurbished art gallery (which celebrates nature featuring woks by esteemed botanical artists such as John Nash and Mary Grierson, as well as examples of Lady Labouchere's own artwork from the 1970's  including her watercoilours), or wander around the gardens. There is a tearoom for a snack before departrure (not included).

En-route to Dudmaston we will stop at the Fox Inn, Much Wenlock, for a light meal with a drink (included), the menu will be enclosed with the booking form. Please ring the pub at least a week beforehand to book your choice(s). 01952 743449.

Please note entry to Dudmaston Estate is free for National Trust Members. Please remember to bring your card, non-members will be asked to pay £14.00 on arrival. Because of tour restrictions there will be a maximum of 20 persons on this excursion.

Cost     Members £45.00          Non Members £50.00

Depart: Abbey Car Park           10.30am                            St Chads 10.45am

Return: Abbey Car Park           17.15pm                            St. Chads 17.30pm

 

Wednesday 2nd October 2024 

Chirk Castle

The magnificiently  sited Chirk Castle was built on the Welsh border by Marcher Lord Roger Mortimer and completed in 1310. During the 17c and 18c it was home of the Middleton family. Research in the archives discovered correspondence  between Fanny Middleton Biddulph and Charles Darwin.

Some of their stately apartments have been restored for our appreciation. Explore with care the medieval dungeons and towers. Enjoy at leisure the landscaped gardens, stunning views, and perhaps some colour in the autumn Woodlands. Find a sheltered spot to picnic or relax.  There is a cafe and shop, and a "virtual tour" using a National Trust iPad is available on request. We will pause for light refreshments on the way home.

 Cost    Members £36.00                         Non Members £41.00

Depart: Abbey Car Park           9.00am              St Chads 9.15am

Return: Abbey Car Park           17.30pm            St Chads 17.45pm

 

Wednesday 8th October 2024 

Discover Tewkesbury

Tewksebury is a medieval town on the edge of the Cotswolds in north Gloucestershire, sited on the confluence of the Severn and Avon. A huge Norman Abbey was built there in 1121 as part of a Benedictine monastery. It was also the location of one of the major battles in the War of the Roses in 1471. The town has not moved on with modern times and remains very much as it was centuries ago with timber framed buildings and cute shuts (alleys).

Our day begins with morning coffee, etc, en route at Trumpet Corner Tea Room (included). Onwards to Tewkesbury in time for lunch (not included) stroll wherever it pleases you: cafes, shops or riverside. We re-assemble mid-afternoon in the Old Baptist Chapel for tea and cake (included) and an introduction to the John Moores museum which is housed in a timber framed terrace opposite. This has narrow and difficult staircases so will not suit everybody. It is therefore optional and pay on the day £3.00. The Abbey and Abbey Gardens are adjacent and most welcoming - plenty of guiding brochures, shop and of course cakes. We depart homeward bound from the Abbey.

Cost     Members £46.00         Non Members £51.00

Depart: Abbey Car Park           9.00am              St Chads 9.10am         Str 9.30am

Return: Abbey Car Park          18.00pm              St Chads 18.10pm      Str 17.40pm