Day 1: We make our way to the beautiful county of Shropshire arriving in time to freshen up before dinner.
Day 2: Our first excursion today takes us to the Black Country Museum Living Musuem one of the most extraordinary open-air museums in the country. Covering 26 acres of former industrial land, the Black Country Museum is perfectly placed to tell the story of the world’s first industrial landscape. Over fifty authentic shops, houses and workshops have been reconstructed to preserve the character of the region. Take a trip on a tram to explore the canal-side village and wander around the original shops, houses and industrial workshops. In the afternoon we visit Wightwick Manor, A Victorian manor house that sits in 17 acres of woodland and beautifully landscaped gardens. It boasts an envious collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings and William Morris interiors alongside an archive full of letters and photos covering the Mander family’s lives.
Day 3: This morning, we travel to Shrewsbury for a relaxing cruise on the River Severn. Taking in the beautiful views, we will enjoy commentary from the captain during our leisurely 45-minute journey with tea, coffee and biscuits served on board. Later today we travel to the area of Oswestry, home to the British Ironwork Centre. The Ironworks is an award-winning destination, famous for incredible art and sculpture, walking trails, fabulous shopping and an extensive café. They have the UK’s largest collection of decorative metalwork, national projects and beautiful finds from around the world.
Day 4: After breakfast we make the short journey to RAF Museum Midlands, dedicated to the history of aviation and the Royal Air Force. Housed in wartime aircraft hangers there is a huge display of aircraft and exhibits including the world’s oldest spitfire, as well as exhilarating virtual experiences After our visit we make the short journey to Blists Hill Victorian Town and step back in time to the dawn of the modern age. Experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life, we will be able to visit Victorian shops and cottages and exchange money for pounds, shillings and pence in the bank. Meet craftspeople demonstrating their trades and taste authentic food in the recreated working town.
Day 5: After breakfast, we make our way home.