SUGGESTED ITINERARIES FOR A WINTER BREAK AT THE WALKMILL
‘There’s never bad weather in Shropshire,
you’re just wearing the wrong clothes!’
The Walkmill luxury holiday cottage are the perfect place to do nothing – simply chill out and relax. However, if you are feeling a little more energetic we have put together some suggested itineraries to give you an idea of how you could spend a weekend (or longer!) at The Walkmill during January, February and March 2012. These itineraries have been put together by Gilly and Brian Bachelor and are based on their personal recommendations!
The long weekend
Arrive late Friday afternoon, get settled into your luxury, award winning cottage, and either enjoy a cosy evening in, in front of the log fire or take the short walk to either The Inn on the Green or The Crown. You are guaranteed to receive a warm welcome at both pubs, which serve traditional pub food and fantastic local ales at reasonable prices. Gilly and Brian Bachelor are on-hand if you have any questions about your stay, or would simply like some local recommendations.
You have lots of choice as to how to spend a wonderful Saturday in Shropshire. After a lie-in and a leisurely breakfast take a drive to:
Ludlow – have a wander around the lovely town centre, visit the Castle (open weekends in January, from February open 7 days/week), and enjoy lunch at the Castle Tea Rooms, or any one of the many cafes and restaurants. On the way home call in at the Ludlow Food Centre where you can buy fantastic local produce. You will find plenty of wonderful treats to enjoy back at the cottage, and great presents to take home to loved ones. You can also enjoy afternoon tea at their super Café. After all that exertion, enjoy an evening in, in front of the log fire, perhaps watching a DVD from our extensive collection.
Or visit Shrewsbury. Larger than Ludlow, it has many independent shops, restaurants and cafés, plus all those you’d expect to find on the High Street. We can provide details of a walking tour which will give you an overview of this historical town and its riverside parks and gardens. You may also like to visit the Old Market Hall, a charming cinema, where you can enjoy an afternoon film or simply pop in for coffee, cakes or a light lunch.
On Sunday why not take a short trip across the border to Wales. You will pass Harry Tuffins (legendary super market!) on the way to Montgomery. This is a lovely little border town (England/Wales), wrap up warm for a walk around the ruins of Montgomery Castle (you may also see some early lambing!) and have lunch in the Castle Kitchen or The Checkers Restaurant and Bar (also perfect for dinner).
Or stay local and take a walk on the Stiperstones where you will have fantastic views of Shropshire and Wales. There are walks for all levels. Enjoy tea and home-baked cakes at the Bog Visitor Centre – an absolute must! The unusually named Bog Visitor Centre is the old school house and one of last remaining buildings from The Bog Village, demolished in 1972. The Centre is the only visitor facility for the Stiperstones upland region in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and provides a wealth of information about its mining history, its people, and the current work to restore the surrounding landscape.
Or visit the Long Mynd one of Shropshire’s most famous landmarks (this heathy wilderness enjoys wonderful views, nationally significant geology and fascinating archaeology) and Cardingmill Valleythe dramatic steep sided valley and gateway to The Long Mynd. This is excellent walking country with much of interest to the naturalist; the Chalet Pavilion in Carding Mill Valley offers information about the area, as well as a tea-room and shop.
Monday – depart after another wonderful night’s sleep.
If you are staying longer you might enjoy an afternoon at Ludlow Races on 1st, 8th and 22nd February or a visit to our local towns of Bishops Castle, Church Stretton and Clun.
From March onwards we highly recommend a visit to Powis Castle and/or Attingham House, on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. Further afield Ironbridge with its numerous museums or Cosford Air Museum make excellent day’s out.
We are also a great destination for special-interest breaks including ‘food & drink’ and ‘antiques’.
Food & Drink
For local produce check out www.shropshirehills-buylocal.co.uk a website committed to supporting and promoting local food and drink producers.
Eating Out at Up-Scales Restaurants – perfect for celebrations!
La Becasse, Ludlow. The stunning oak-panelled restaurant and state-of-the art kitchens behind the scenes under the guidance of Head Chef Will Holland, attracted attention from the moment it opened as the sister restaurant to Berkshire restaurant L’ortolan, where chef patron Alan Murchison has held his Michelin star since 2003.
Mr Underhill’s, Ludlow. Michelin starred restaurant which looks onto a courtyard garden, romantically candle-light at night, and the River Teme beyond. Mr Underhill’s has been serving award-winning food for over 29 years.
The Checkers Restaurant & Bar, Montgomery. This former coaching inn is enjoying a new lease of life following its renovation in 2010. Today it’s a harmonious combination of old and new, with a relaxing bar and lounge area, beautiful dining room. This is our favourite, and has recently been awarded a Michelin Star.
Antiques
Visit Church Stretton’sthriving Antiques Centre with its 60 stalls and Ludlow antiques (open-air) market held every 1st and3rd Sunday in the month. Also between 25-26th February, visit a 3 day antiques fair held at the Ludlow Race Course.
If you would like any further information about www.thewalkmill.co.ukplease visit our website or call Gilly Bachelor on 01588 650 737 or email enquiries@thewalkmill.co.uk