This February, we will celebrate Shrewsbury as “The Origin of Independent Thinking” and birthplace of Charles Darwin – the most independent thinker of them all.
From free guided tours to brainteasing lectures and dance performances – join in the host of interactive events being staged in and around the town.
This two and a half week programme is the first of its kind and cements Shrewsbury’s rightful position as not only the birthplace of Charles Darwin but the inspiration behind his independent thinking which went on to change the story of evolution around the world.
For more information about the festival visit
https://originalshrewsbury.co.uk/darwin-shrewsbury-festival
FRIENDS OF THE FOLLIES WEEK – February Half Term – 16th-24th Feb
A Half Term of special offers as a thank you to our friends and visitors who have supported The Follies over the years.
Offers for all visitors:
– 25% off Annual Passes
– 25% off Friends of the Follies Memberships
– 10% off in the Gift Shop
FREE admission for anyone with an SY4 postcode
Annual Pass Holder Special Offers:
– Bring up to 6 of your friends for half price admission
– 10% off in Caspian’s Tea Room
– FREE Follies History & Guidebook
Friends of The Follies Members Offers:
– Bring up to 12 of your friends for half price admission
– 10% off in Caspian’s Tea Room
– FREE Follies History & Guidebook
Open 10am-5pm daily from 16th February 2019, last admission 4pm. Special offers available onsite only from 16th-24th February inclusive. Does not include online purchases.
* Free postcode admission applies to every adult who can show they live in the SY4 area with an original Utility Bill, Bank Statement or Drivers License. Children with these adults will also be permitted free of charge.
Standard prices can be seen here: http://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/opening-times-and-prices-2/
Peter Jebson plays Wurlitzer Theatre Organ at The Buttermarket in Shrewsbury. Raffle, Sales Table and Refreshments available. Cost £7 on the door (£6 for Members) – no advanced tickets needed. Live musical entertainment on a Sunday afternoon. Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2.30pm Concert start.
Make food you could serve for Fishlegs and Hiccup. Make Dragon Scale nachos, Yaknog, Dragon Poop sweets and more! £7.50 per accompanied 4-11 year old, booking essential.
We will be open between 10am and 4pm with an exclusive opportunity to get inside the buildings and see the works in progress at the site.
We will be running general tours throughout the day, going up through the south stairwell, which we’ve never had open to the public before. This will lead to the top floor, a huge and open space, with light flooding in through the newly fitted windows and with views out and across the town. Tours will be led by a Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings’ volunteer who will talk about some of the history of the site and about the renovation works in progress. These tours will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
In addition there will be three ‘Contractor Led Tours’ during the day at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. These will be more detailed tours with the Site Manager for Croft Building and Conservation Ltd, the main contractor for the project, and a representative of the Historic England team. You will hear about the scale and complexity of the repairs to the Main Mill and Kiln. These tours are part of the Heritage Skills programme at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation .
All tours are on a first come, first served basis so please turn up on the day to book onto a tour.
The Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings are working in partnership with Historic England and Shropshire Council on a major National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project to repair Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, the first cast-iron framed building in the world and the forerunner to the modern skyscraper.
Bring your teddy bear along for free advice on identification, age or ‘clinical’ needs. Some treatments such as eye replacements and claw stitching may be available for a small charge on the day (depending on time available). Other more complex repairs and restorations can be taken back to the studio workshop to be carried out.
The Spring Gala event will see up to 10 engines in steam, trundling along the beautiful Severn Valley. From the distant clank of a goods trains, to Autotrains puffing back and forth, prepare to venture back in time!
http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=65
Built in 1728 Burford House and its beauiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958. At one point in the garden is the spot where the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire meet. The countryside around theses three counties is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Kidderminster, Hereford, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Shrewbury.
We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the grounds of Burford House park and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different Spring shoots, plants, flowers and hopefully mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as our lovely hogweed and wild garlic soup.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds, a wild salad that we will pick on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
On the weekend of March 30th -31st the American Civil War society (ACWS) will be holding this years training event at Whittington Castle in Shropshire come along and see the infantry, cavalry (subject to availability) and Artillery being put through their drill, wander through the authentic living history encampments of the Union and Confederate forces listen for the crackle of muskets as you are taken back to 1861-1865 American Civil War.
On the weekend of March 30th -31st the American Civil War society (ACWS) will be holding this years training event at Whittington Castle in Shropshire come along and see the infantry,cavalry (subject to availability) and Artillery being put through their drill, wander through the authentic living history encampments of the Union and Confederate forces listen for the crackle of muskets as you are taken back to 1861-1865 American Civil War.
Real Ale Train
6.30pm departure from Llangollen Station
Step on board and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying the Real Ales on offer at our well stocked bar.
Double return journey – arrive back approximately 9.30pm.
£18 Advanced ticket price includes a free Llangollen Railway pint glass.
REAL ALE – £3 per pint, Wines and Soft Drink also available
Food will be available to purchase from The Station Cafe + Bar on the evening, along with a BBQ on the platform.
Reserved seating will be provided for parties of eight or more.
It is not advised that children attend this event.
Advanced tickets – £18 per person with a FREE Llangollen Railway Pint Glass
Tickets purchased on the evening – £20 per person
Due to the terms of our premise licence – Passengers are NOT permitted to bring their own alcohol on board the Real Ale Train. Any alcohol brought will be removed from the customer for the duration of the event, the railway reserves the right to refuse admittance if the request is not complied with. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Enjoy a morning in the Shropshire countryside learning about a free superfood that grows on our doorstep. Take part in the Wild Garlic Walk and pick your own to use, looking out for wildlife along the way!
Head back to the Centre in time for lunch. Centre Manager, Grant Wilson will be doing a Wild Garlic Pesto making demo in the afternoon. Pesto will be available to try and buy on the day too.
FREE ENTRY.
10am-2pm All dishes will be suitable for vegans and vegetarians. This inspiring cookery workshop will teach you how to create exciting and nutritious dishes with confidence using seasonal herbs and fresh Spring produce. We will learn about combining flavours, colours and textures so that your cooking is delicious to eat, beautiful to behold and packed full of all those vitamins that nature offers as we move away from those long winter months.
Not just for vegetarians and vegans, this hands-on day is aimed at anyone who wants to understand more about using herbs and vegetables in their cooking.
You don’t need to have a veg patch as some of the best greens can be foraged for free! As always, bring plenty of containers as you will take home all you make in the day.
£35 per person, booking essential.
Llangollen Railway are having a 1940’s weekend
Bake a Libum – the sweet cheesecake sometimes offered to household spirits. Cook an egg dish – the most popular of all Roman appetizer ingredients and pottage their main food. Finish with a date and nut sweet.
£7.50 per accompanied 4-11 year old, booking essential.
collection of food and craft stalls from around the County
Built in 1728 Burford House and its beauiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958. At one point in the garden is the spot where the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire meet. The countryside around theses three counties is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Kidderminster, Hereford, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Shrewbury.
We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the grounds of Burford House park and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different Spring shoots, plants, flowers and hopefully mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as our lovely hogweed and wild garlic soup.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds, a wild salad that we will pick on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
Living History Encampments, French and Allies. Skirmish each day at 3ish, informal talks, drill displays. The scene is set “With the French advance into Portugal, and in turn the withdrawal of Crauford’s Light Division back across the Coa, the Siege of Almeida has now begun.
This FREE one-day festival will be a great day out for the entire family, from more than 70 food, drink and crafty stalls to live music, loads of kids entertainment, sports, hands-on experiences, displays, animals and much more.
Everything to entertain and educate your youngsters with tractor rides, farm visits, hands-on activities, pond dipping and taking part in the field to fork journey,through to huge inflatables, go karting, bubble football, huge big top with circus skills, craft, tractor displays and educational free activities! For the adults there will be beer, gin, tastings and hands on workshops…
Field to Fork Festival is a FUN way to examine the journey of our food from where and how it is grown, all the way to our plates.
Come and Join us for a trip through the beautiful Dee Valley, sit back and enjoy your Fish and Chips while watching the world go by.
The Fish and Chips can be collected from the café from 6pm and taken on the train to enjoy, there is a bar on board in case you fancy a glass of wine or a bottle of beer. Soft drinks are also available.
train departs at 6.30pm
Book early as this is a very popular event.
Adults £22 Children £15
Our event has grown rapidly over the past few years, from humble beginnings based in a local pub to an event which attracted around 11,000 visitors for the 2018 weekend.
Set in the stunning backdrop of the Ironbridge Gorge, we recreate the experience of life during WW2 on both the home front and in occupied Europe with civilian, Allied and Axis re-enactors.
This is a non-profit making, charity fundraising event in which we raise funds for Pilgrim Bandits. So far last year’s event raised over £10,000, with donations still to be collected.
Please note the Royal Warwicks are attending this event as re-enactors and are not hosting the event
Travel on the special evening train from Llanfair Caereinion; at Welshpool we will serve your choice of meal to enjoy on the return journey, with a pause at Castle Caereinion for a tub of delicious dairy ice cream. Advance booking essential.
This special train will operate in addition to our daytime service.
Ordinary fares apply on our daytime service, but special fares will be applicable on the evening Fish & Chips train.
Further information and bookings available soon.
Travel on the special evening train from Llanfair at 18.30; at Welshpool we will serve you your fish and chips to enjoy on the journey. We pause in Castle Caereinion to pick up ice cream too. Advance booking and menu selection essential.
Built in 1728 Burford House and its beauiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958. At one point in the garden is the spot where the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire meet. The countryside around theses three counties is both beautiful and rich in wild edible plants and fungi. On the outskirts of Tenbury Wells, it is within easy reach of Ludlow, Leominster, Bromyard, Kidderminster, Hereford, Worcester, Bridgnorth and Shrewbury.
We will meet outside the cafe at Burford House. The course starts there with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers. Tea or coffee is available from the cafe.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the grounds of Burford House park and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different Spring shoots, plants, flowers and hopefully mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as our lovely hogweed and wild garlic soup.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds, a wild salad that we will pick on the day and possibly even some wild garlic pesto.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
Burford House and its beautiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958.The countryside around the three counties is rich in edible plants and fungi.
The course begins at Burford House Cafe with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the gardens and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different plants, fruits and mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for homemade refreshments such as a lovely wild food soup or elderflower champagne.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds and a wild salad that we will pick on the day.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
Collection of fantastic food and craft producers
Clwyd Veteran and Vintage Machinery Society Ltd are pleased to announce that THE ANNUAL VINTAGE VEHICLE AND MACHINERY RALLY AND CRAFT SHOW will once again take place on SATURDAY 15th and SUNDAY 16th JUNE 2019 at the Oswestry Showground, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4TB.
Sections including Steam Engines; Vintage Commercial Vehicles, Fire Engines, Buses and Campervans; Stationary Engines; Horses; Vintage Tractors and Horticultural machinery; Vintage Caravans; Outdoor Displays and Collections; Organs; Classic, Vintage and Veteran Cars; Vintage Pedal Cycles, Vintage Motor Cycles. Spectators will be able to see many of these vehicles in motion in the Ring. There is also a Model Hall, Craft Hall, Trade and Auto Jumble Stands.
Real Ale Train
6.30pm departure from Llangollen Station
Step on board and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying the Real Ales on offer at our well stocked bar.
Double return journey – arrive back approximately 9.30pm.
£18 Advanced ticket price includes a free Llangollen Railway pint glass.
REAL ALE – £3 per pint, Wines and Soft Drink also available
Food will be available to purchase from The Station Cafe + Bar on the evening, along with a BBQ on the platform.
Reserved seating will be provided for parties of eight or more.
It is not advised that children attend this event.
Advanced tickets – £18 per person with a FREE Llangollen Railway Pint Glass
Tickets purchased on the evening – £20 per person
Due to the terms of our premise licence – Passengers are NOT permitted to bring their own alcohol on board the Real Ale Train. Any alcohol brought will be removed from the customer for the duration of the event, the railway reserves the right to refuse admittance if the request is not complied with. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Back for a 7th year with over 200 amazing food, drink and artisan craft stalls, 2 live music stages, cookery demo’s, hands on cookery clases, kids cookery, TONS for the kids to enjoy, animals, masterclasses and LOTS more!
We had the best year in 2018! We had more demo stages, more music, more kids activities and LOADS more food & drink than ever before!
We had 200 Food, drink and craft exhibitors as well as cookery demonstrations, a chef school, a free kids entertainment, a HUGE screen for the World Cup, a BBQ stage and tons more!
We turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this light-hearted journey back to wartime Britain – don’t forget to dress up!
With a fantastic selection of daytime attractions up and down the line, get dressed up and join in with the celebrations with costumed re-enactors on our stations and in our trains helping to tell the wartime story! The return of the Battle, Big Band Show and a whole host of other much-loved attractions will keep you entertained.
Your tickets permit ‘Freedom of the Line’ travel, so you can visit each station and their attractions and gain entry to The Engine House Visitor Centre on the day of your choice.
More information available soon.
Summer Ball is back for 2019 at our charity headquarters! Three course sit down meal with catering from the fabulous Get Gourmet Catering, wonderful music from live band The Beautiful Ways and John Davies Disco, bar and promise auction, in a beautiful setting near Wenlock Edge in our marquee. Ticket only event, £40 per ticket includes a welcome drink!
Burford House and its beautiful gardens have been open to the public since 1958.The countryside around the three counties is rich in edible plants and fungi.
The course begins at Burford House Cafe with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes.
Then we’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the gardens and along the River Teme, teaching you how to identify the different plants, fruits and mushrooms that we find.
There will be a break along the way for homemade refreshments such as a lovely wild food soup or elderflower champagne.
After the walk we will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what we have found. This will include some treats made from our recent finds and a wild salad that we will pick on the day.
After the course we will email you a list of everything we talk about on the day; to help you remember what you have learnt.
There are limited spaces available so please book your tickets online.
huge food and drink festival and free to visit . loads of local producers
Cheese and Wine Train
Enjoy a glass of wine and some locally sourced cheese with some tasty crackers while traveling behind a steam train through the beautiful Dee Valley. There will be an on board bar
Reserved seating will be provided for parties of eight or more.
It is not advised that children attend this event.
tickets – £30 per person
Tickets include return train travel to Carrog, a glass of wine and a serving of cheese and crackers
Real Ale Train
6.30pm departure from Llangollen Station
Step on board and soak up the atmosphere whilst enjoying the Real Ales on offer at our well stocked bar.
Double return journey – arrive back approximately 9.30pm.
£18 Advanced ticket price includes a free Llangollen Railway pint glass.
REAL ALE – £3 per pint, Wines and Soft Drink also available
Food will be available to purchase from The Station Cafe + Bar on the evening, along with a BBQ on the platform.
Reserved seating will be provided for parties of eight or more.
It is not advised that children attend this event.
Advanced tickets – £18 per person with a FREE Llangollen Railway Pint Glass
Tickets purchased on the evening – £20 per person
Due to the terms of our premise licence – Passengers are NOT permitted to bring their own alcohol on board the Real Ale Train. Any alcohol brought will be removed from the customer for the duration of the event, the railway reserves the right to refuse admittance if the request is not complied with. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Travel on the special evening train from Llanfair Caereinion; at Welshpool we will serve your choice of meal to enjoy on the return journey, with a pause at Castle Caereinion for a tub of delicious dairy ice cream. Advance booking essential.
This special train will operate in addition to our daytime service.
Ordinary fares apply on our daytime service, but special fares will be applicable on the evening Fish & Chips train.
Further information and bookings available soon.
Travel on the special evening train from Llanfair at 18.30; at Welshpool we will serve you your fish and chips to enjoy on the journey. We pause in Castle Caereinion to pick up ice cream too. Advance booking and menu selection essential.
Refreshments on the journey and a hog roast at Llanfair station. Veggie options available. Advance booking strongly advised.
Collection food and craft stalls from around the County
Travel on the special evening train from Llanfair Caereinion; at Welshpool we will serve your choice of meal to enjoy on the return journey, with a pause at Castle Caereinion for a tub of delicious dairy ice cream. Advance booking essential.
This special train will operate in addition to our daytime service.
Ordinary fares apply on our daytime service, but special fares will be applicable on the evening Fish & Chips train.
Further information and bookings available soon.
