01943 605999
The Shrewsbury Flower Show
Annually in August.
Shrewsbury is a pretty floral place most of the time – as you might expect for a town where Percy Thrower was Parks Superintendent for 28 years. However, possibly the biggest and most important events in the regions gardening calendar is the Shrewsbury Flower Show. It is believed to be the biggest such show that is organised by a horticultural society and one of the country’s Premier Flower events, attracting top exhibitors from all over the country. Shrewsbury Flower Show is a flourishing institution running as it has every August since 1875 and this is your chance to see over 3 million flowers in one go. The show is also mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records as being ‘The World’s Longest Running Horticultural Show’. The show attracts the best floral exhibitors from all over the World and visitors flock in their thousands to see the show each year. The reputation of the show also ensures that it attracts the most expert and horticultural judges in the UK.
This tailor-made package includes executive coach travel throughout the holiday and from three nights’ accommodation on a half board basis at a 3* or 4* hotel in Shropshire to suit your group’s requirements. The content of your preferred itinerary will be discussed with you at the time of enquiry.
- Our itinerary could include:
- Old Prison at Northleach
- Hampton Court Castle & Gardens
- Guided walking tour of Shrewsbury
- River Severn Cruise
- Ironbridge and the museums
- Guided walking tour of Chester
- Lunch Cruise in Chester
- RAF Cosford
- Shrewsbury Annual Flower Show
- Bewdley and the Thomas Telford’s Bridge
- Group Organiser benefits
- No single room supplements (selected tours only)
To tailor-make your tour or for a personalised quotation call 01943 605999.
Sample Itinerary (Shorter duration with less visits is also possible)
Day 1 - Old Prison at Northleach is home to the ‘Escape to the Cotswolds’ Visitor Centre, the Rural Life Collection and the Cotswold Lion Café (refreshments payable locally). Hampton Court Castle & Gardens. Tour the 15th Century medieval castle and visit the award winning gardens and parkland which has 1,000 acres of imagination.
Day 2 - Shrewsbury guided walking tour of the town, followed by a relaxing 40 minute River Severn cruise on the ‘Sabrina’ including tea & coffee and live commentary. This cruise travels from Victoria Quay near the Welsh Bridge and gently sails to the English Bridge and back. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore this medieval county town packed with timber-framed black & white buildings, steep narrow streets and alleyways. In fact it boasts over 600 listed buildings including the Castle, now a regimental museum and the world-famous Shrewsbury Abbey, home of the fictional Brother Cadfael. Charles Darwin was born and educated in Shrewsbury and all around you will find reminders of his association with the town.
Day 3 - Ironbridge walk across the world famous Iron Bridge of 1779 and also visit the Museum of the Gorge, located a short walk along the riverside. The Gorge was like in 1796 with the help of a giant 12m long model. Understand more about the area's history and discover why the Gorge was made a World Heritage Site during a short film. Blists Hill where you will meet the Victorians in this recreated Victorian town. Costumed staff will welcome you warmly and you will be given a fascinating insight into how life was lived in Victorian times. Exchange your money in the Bank; admire the goods in the Grocers, Bakery and Sweet shop. Find out about curious remedies in the Chemist and see the printer and candle-maker in action. Check out the season’s latest fashions in the General Draper and Outfitters, have a portrait taken in the Photographers, mail your letters and post-cards in the Post Office, select from a massive range of ‘Victorian’ treats in the Sweet Shop and enjoy a delicious portion of traditionally made fish and chips in the Fried Fish Dealers. Visitors can ride the short distance through the woods on the narrow gauge railway in to the Clay Mine where they will learn more about the vital importance of the mining industries in the Ironbridge Gorge. A fun AV show in the mine features a father and son team telling their experiences as clay miners. The Mine Experience last about 20 minutes and has an additional. Jackfield Tile Museum. Wander through the original gas-lit trade show room, galleries and period room setting, where you will see, touch and even walk on magnificent British tiles. Galleries show exquisite examples of individual tiles and period room settings depict various locations that would have been decorated with tiles. Walk through an Edwardian Tube Station, a hotel bar, a children's hospital ward and a 1930’s 'front room'. Huge panels depicting medieval stories and nursery rhyme scenes have been rescued from buildings and now grace the walls of the galleries.
Day 4 - Historic City of Chester was founded by the Romans in AD79, and still shows many signs of its long and fascinating history. Built on the banks of the River Dee, the city attracts visitors from around the globe. We begin with walking tour accompanied by your Roman Centurian Guide who will take you on a light-hearted journey through the Roman heritage of Chester. Board the L’eau-t Cuisine Broad-beam Restaurant Cruiser which is moored alongside the Mill Hotel for your included lunch. The starter course is served, and you sail away along the Shropshire Union Canal towards the Northgate Lock returning to collect the main course and continuing your journey towards Hoole Lane Lock and beyond, before returning to the mooring point where your voyage ends. This afternoon you will have free time to explore further. Completely unique to Chester are ‘The Rows’ which date to medieval times when they were built on top of Roman ruins. Retaining much of their original character, these half-timbered buildings with under crofts house unusual boutique and individual stores.
Day 5 - RAF Cosford is a museum which houses in excess of 70 aircraft of international importance in three Wartime Hangars within the National Cold War Exhibition. See the world’s oldest Spitfire and a Lincoln Bomber which are just two of the highlights in the War in the Air Collection. The Transport Collection includes the Comet 1A and Gnat T1, previously used by the Red Arrows. The engine and missile collections total over 60 and are arguably one of the finest collections in the world. Shrewsbury and the Annual Flower Show where we will spend the afternoon and evening, which climaxes with a firework display. A day ticket for the Flower Show is included as is a return coach transfer later this evening, whilst dinner is at your leisure in Shrewsbury.
Day 6 - Bewdley is described as the most perfect small Georgian town in Worcestershire. Its strongly defined character is based upon a collection of fine historic buildings and a series of landmark set pieces which include, Thomas Telford’s Bridge (1798), the imposing St. Anne’s Church and the river frontage and former quayside.
Please note that all quotes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Tickets for the Flower Show will not be purchased until your group booking is confirmed and we know the exact passenger numbers.
With all packages we supply a tailor-made flyer to assist in the promotion of your group holiday, along with a booking form which provides us with all the details we require from each participant.
