Category: Arts & Craft (4)

Arts & Craft in Shropshire

A few miles south of Bridgnorth near the village of Quatt lies Dudmaston Hall, the family home of Mr and Mrs Mark Hamilton-Russell.

The hall is a National Trust country house dating back to the 17th Century and is set within beautiful Shropshire countryside and as such is surrounded by extensive woodland walks of varying lengths and encapsulating beauty. In particular, the stroll through The Dingle towards The Big Pool is simply enchanting…and the view breathtaking once you reach it.

The hall is open Sunday – Thursdays with tickets to the hall and grounds available to purchase at the entrance.  A limited number of walking trails (yet still wonderfully scenic) may be open on Friday’s & Saturday’s.

The Orchard tea-room provides everything from hot lunches and sandwiches to cream teas. Plus the kitchen garden supplies the tea-room with fresh produce  throughout the season – so check our daily specials for a fantastic local dish.

The Adventure play area allows children to burn off any excess energy whilst parents recharge their own, sitting close by with a cup of tea and slice of cake.

The stable courtyard is home to Hall’s own shop, and alongside the many things for the garden you can buy, specialises in gifts for the ladies.

During the local school holidays there are trails and craft activity days every Monday and Wednesday.

For information on prices or to arrange a guided tour, please see the National Trust website for more details:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston-estate/

 

 

Dudmaston Hall

Dudmaston Hall, seen from across the Big Pool

Blists Hill, Ironbridge provides a great family day out, and lets you experience what Victorian life was like in a specially recreated old Victorian town.

Why not shop for traditional Victorian produce, sample authentic fish and chips or simply spend your shillings in the ‘Old Favourites’ Sweetshop. You’ll also meet Victorian characters as they go about their daily lives and can give you insight into their way of life over 100 years ago.

There’s much for the children to enjoy, have fun in the Victorian Fairground* or meet the animals and enjoy a journey around the town on a horse and cart.

Watch traditional craftmanship at work, including candle making, decorative plasterers and of course the Blast Furnaces.

For more information, visit their website: http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/our-attractions/blists-hill-victorian-town/

*Fairground open during summer months.

Opened in April 2008 and now employing 35 people, Battlefield 1403 is a range of traditional farm buildings on the Albrighton Estate.

Here you’ll find a range of locally produced foods at the farm shop and butchery, plus there’s a cafe, battlefield exhibition and falconry centre.

The beef and lamb is reared here on the farm, and when there is a gap in supply it is sourced from local farmers who rear meat that is as similar as possible to our own. In the summer months, the cattle and sheep can be seen up close, grazing in paddocks surrounding the buildings.

In the farm shop, you’ll find a range of excellent foods which are sourced locally. They have low food miles, full traceability and great taste. Seasonality, freshness and high standards of production are important to us.

Hot food at Sparrow’s Cafe is available until 4.30pm everyday (Sundays 3.30pm) but for refreshments, the café is open a little longer. A new menu is provided at different times of the year to utilise seasonal produce but the firm favourites such as Battlefield Beef and Shropshire Ale Pie, are always available! These changes in menu are also reflected in the range of ready meals prepared for sale in the shop. Most of the seating area is easily accessible by wheelchair but we suggest you call us to book a table should you require one on the ground floor. Otherwise there is no need to book unless your party is of more than ten people.

The Battlefield Deli was launched September 2010 and has since built a strong reputation for selling both locally produced cheeses and charcuterie, and others from further afield. In fact it was listed in the Independent newspapers’ top 50 Best Delicatessens supplement (26/02/11).

A falconry centre is also on site (open 7 days a week) where children can meet Barn Owls, European Eagle Owls, a Steppe Eagle, Harris Hawks, and much much more.  Entry is £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. You can also buy a family ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children) for £10.00.

With events throughout the year, Battlefield 1403 provides a relaxed & popular visitor destination where everyone feels welcome.

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 
9:30am – 5:30pm 
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free Of Charge

LOCATION: We’re located just off the A49 at Hall’s roundabout just north of Shrewsbury SY4 3DB

For more information, visit: www.battlefield1403.com

At Maws Craft Centre you’ll find over 20 independent craft shops all residing in a beautifully refurbished Victorian factory. If looking for something for the home or simply just browsing, there’s a shop for everyone it seems. There’s much to admire with many stores producing hand crafted goods – some of which you can watch being made on site.

Located between Coalport China Museum and the Tile Museum and just 1.5miles from Ironbridge. Visitors are provided with plenty of free parking. There is no admission fee either.

Relax and refuel in the Courtyard tea Room, where a variety of traditional tea room snacks are on offer. There’s also free Wi-Fi too.

The large courtyard also hosts events throughout the year and a variety of craft sessions, from card making to children’s ballet are also provided throughout the week. Check their website for more details.

The Centre is open 7 days a week (individual shops may vary).

Website: www.mawscraftcentre.co.uk

Address:
Ferry Road, Jackfield, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7LS