Valley Hotel
01952 432247
Welcome to Shropshire….England's largest inland county, a most beautiful and unspoilt part of the country. The County is host to some spectacular countryside, historic towns and villages, medieval castles, National Trust properties, not forgetting the Wroxeter Roman City remains and of course the wonderful World Heritage site of Ironbridge.
Ironbridge provides a wonderful tourist/leisure base to explore this corner of Shropshire and it s surrounding beauty. The Industrial Revolution was born here 300 years ago, and is the reason that Ironbridge has been crowned the World Heritage Site that it is today. Ironbridge itself is filled with activity, with numerous museums and attraction sites showcasing the fascinating history for all the family, not forgetting all of the breathtaking sights along with quaint shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy in between!
As well as being the home of the first Iron Bridge, the gorge is host to 10 award wining museum sites located in and around the valley, many of which re create this birthplace of industry. Blists Hill Victorian Town is a recreation of how the Victorians lived and worked, a must see whilst visiting this part of the world. Feel like you have travelled 100 years back in time as you experience the sights, sounds, tastes and smells that were once a part of this era. Enjoy the traditional Victorian Fair, a cone of fish and chips or watching how candles were made in the early 1900’s.. A thoroughly interactive and enjoyable day out.
Enginuity – the place to switch your imagination to an interactive Design and Technology Centre, find out for yourself how good ideas are turned into great products…
And don t forget to make time for the China Museum, Tar Tunnel, and Tile Museum. See the link between what was the Jackfeild Tile Factory with the Hotel, the home of the factory owner Arthur Maw. A selection of his marvelous tiles can still be seen in and around the hotel…
Click here for more information about the Ironbridge Gorge museums.
Welcome to Shrewsbury. For all the beauty of one of England’s finest medieval towns, it’s the flowers you may notice first – they are everywhere. Or perhaps you will be distracted by the colourful events taking place throughout the year or Shrewsbury's picturesque cobbled alleys and squares.
Either way you will soon realise there’s more to Shrewsbury than black & white buildings. Be astounded by the exceptional number of interesting, independent shops that makes Shrewsbury’s shopping so special. Or distract yourself with all the restaurants and eateries, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, numerous churches and spires, Shrewsbury Abbey or Shrewsbury Castle.
Don’t forget to wander down to the Quarry Park, and simply watch the world go by while enjoying a drink by the river, or relax on a river boat trip from Victoria Quay.
Shrewsbury's most famous son, Charles Darwin (born in Shrewsbury) would still recognise his home town, renowned to be one of England’s most splendid heritage towns with over 600 listed buildings and thats quite a list.
Sabrina Boat:
Sabrina is a triple deck, modern passenger boat capable of carrying 60 passengers in comfort with retractable roof and sides on the top deck. We are an independent business, with local management on board, the focus is to provide a first class service to both day and evening passengers. Whether you are interested in a relaxing boat trip during the day or you are embarking on an evening cruise, you are sure to receive a great welcome from the moment you step on board and will enjoy an exemplary level of attention from the crew throughout your journey.
Sabrina's qualified skippers and crew will ensure your comfort and safety on the river, whilst you relax and let our hospitality team take care of you.
www.sabrinaboat.co.uk
Shrewsbury Guided Tours:
Guided Tours for Groups can be arranged at any time of year and tailored to suit your requirements. Your group can be of any size. You will need one guide for every twenty people. A typical guided walking tour lasts about 90 minutes and includes the main sites and historic town centre. However the length and content can be easily adjusted to suit your group and itinerary.
https://www.visitshrewsbury.co.uk/shrewsbury-guided-tours.html
Shrewsbury Prison /Jail House Tours:
Walk in the footsteps of prisoners who have been residents of the wings during the last 200 years. Discover what happens behind the high walls and locked doors. Experience the hidden world of capital punishment and see first hand one of the last working execution rooms in the country
Visit us at The Dana Prison, Shrewsbury: ‘the world’s most interactive prison tour’.
https://www.jailhousetours.com/
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery:
Re-opened at the old Music Hall in April 2014, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery tells the stories that make Shropshire unique through its’ amazing galleries: Roman Gallery, Shropshire Gallery, Medieval, Tudor and Stuart Galleries and the Special Exhibition Gallery.
Come and explore millions of years of history through over one thousand remarkable objects in the extraordinary set of building that house Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
http://www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk
Shropshire Regimental Museum:
The Regimental Museum was established in 1985 and is housed in the medieval border fortress of Shrewsbury Castle.
The Castle houses the spectacular collections of the Shropshire Regimental Museum Trust including pictures, uniforms, medals, silverware, weapons and other artefacts from the 18th Century to the present day.
There is also a Modern Army display (including information on The Rifles), items from the collections of the Lords Lieutenant of Shropshire and a history of the Castle itself.
http://www.shropshireregimentalmuseum.co.uk/
St Chads Church:
St Chads’s is both a holy place and is very much in the Catholic Tradition of the Church of England and centered on the Mass (the Eucharist or Holy Communion).
https://stchadschurchshrewsbury.com/
St Marys Church:
The spire of St Mary’s is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated Shrewsbury’s skyline. You will find St. Marys Church on St Mary’s Street, a short walk from Pride Hill and The Parade shopping centre.
https://www.stmarysparish.org/
Shrewsbury Abbey:
There has been a place of worship on this site since Anglo-Saxon times. The Abbey was founded as a Benedictine Monastery by Roger de Montgomery in 1083 on the site of an existing Saxon church. After the dissolution of the monasteries in the reign of King Henry VIII the part of the Abbey building which survived continued as a Parish Church - as it is to this day.
http://www.shrewsburyabbey.com/
The Quarry & the Dingle:
Shrewsbury is fortunate to have its own 29-acre parkland known as The Quarry. Throughout the year you’ll find a host events taking place at The Quarry Park, including The Carnival, Shrewsbury Regatta and Dragon Boat Racing to name just a few.
At its centre lies The Dingle, a formal floral masterpiece created by world renowned gardener Percy Thrower of Blue Peter fame - during his 28 years here as our Parks Superintendent. It’s a beautiful sunken garden landscaped with alpine borders, colourful bedding plants, shrubbery and water features.
https://www.visitshrewsbury.co.uk/shrewsbury-town/quarry-park.html
Attingham Park:
Surrounded by acres of parkland, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs, run wild or find that perfect spot to relax in. The Mansion tells the story of the Berwick family and how their fortunes rose and fell, while in the vast grounds there are miles of walks, an organic walled garden and large playfield. Full of life and locally loved, there’s something new to see all year round. When will you plan your next adventure?
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Take a steam train journey through the breathtaking countryside of Bridgnoth to Kidderminster. The line dates back to 1862 and still remains for visitors to enjoy the route which closely follows the meandering course of the River Severn.
Stopping at the many country stops along the way allows a break from the journey, to enjoy the charm of the traditional stations which provide access to local villages and riverside walks. A trip filled with unspoiled beauty and fantastic views.
Home of the late William Penny Brookes and the Modern Olympic Movement, this quintessential village of Much Wenlock is located only 4 miles from the hotel. Discover Much Wenlock's Olympian heritage with a self-guided walk around the town, not forgetting to also visit this village's other attractions which include the English Heritage Site Wenlock Priory and the old Guildhall. Be sure not to leave this 700-year-old village without paying a visit to the selection of wonderful shops, cafes, and traditional pubs that offer a welcoming personal service. A perfect stop for a lunch or a traditional Afternoon Tea.
Enjoy the character, charm and stories that this welcoming stately home has to offer. Apart from the house with its architecture and history, there is the beautiful gardens, park, fine dining and farm shopping, for those of all ages to enjoy. If all that isn't enough, Weston is home to the Granary Art Gallery, featuring monthly selling exhibitions by acclaimed artists as well displaying loaned items from private collections. A number of special events and activities also take place throughout the year.
This magnificent stately home is a ‘must see’ when staying in Shropshire and is only 20 minute drive from the hotel.
Outside of the Ironbridge Gorge lies a number of market towns, all worthy of a visit in their own right. Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin, makes an excellent shopping day out, with a whole host of shops that would not be found on the average high street. This town is full of character and charm, and if you have time between the shopping, a riverside cruise or trip to the castle may be the perfect alternative.
Bridgnorth, the starting station for the Severn Valley Railway, is also home to some wonderful riverside walks, traditional tea rooms and displays of traditional artwork. The High and Low town split is connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain. Enjoy views of low town and the river Severn whilst enjoying the castle gardens up in high town.
A little further afield is Ludlow, South Shropshire's gem of a town nestled on the Welsh border. Steeped in history, this bustling country town is a must for those with particular interest in antiques and the arts. Ludlow also has a reputation for fine dining and cuisine, so make sure you leave enough time for a leisurely lunch!
Hawkstone Historic Park & Follies is a unique place. Created in the 18th Century by the Hill family (Sir Rowland and his son Richard), Hawkstone became one of the greatest historic parklands in Europe.
Centred around the Red Castle and the awe-inspiring Grotto Hill, it offers visitors hours of delight and excitement and stunning views of the Shropshire countryside and beyond. Hawkstone follies is a historic parkland that covers 100 acres. Intricate pathways, ravines, arches and bridges, the towering cliffs and follies, the hermit in his hermitage and King Arthur addressing his troops in the awesome caves combine to create a magical visit that can last around 3.5 exhilarating hours.
Voted '2003 Adventure of the Year' by the Good Britain Guide, its eccentric collection of follies and woodland walks offer a delightful day out and fun for all the family. Hawkstone Park is also home to a 66 bedroom Hotel, restaurant and two 18 hole golf courses.
Wroxeter, and what remains of this, the fourth largest city in Roman Britain, is only a short drive from the hotel and is a fascinating visit. Much still remains both below and above ground at this English Heritage museum Site with an audio tour to reveal how Wroxeter worked in its Heyday and the practices of its 5,000 citizens.
Valley Hotel,