Great British Heritage
Castles, Abbeys and Battles of Shropshire Tour
Walk through fortified manor houses and ruined abbeys across landscapes chiselled by power, piety and rebellion. From the quiet might of Stokesay to Wenlock’s graceful remains, stand where crowns were contested at Shrewsbury and visit a lost stronghold in the borderlands at Clun – a castle that once guarded England’s uneasy boundary.
This superb tour based in Shrewsbury includes some of Shropshire’s most interesting sights including four castles, two historic towns with walking tours, an abbey, a priory, two churches and a battlefield – all brought to life by your expert historian hosts, Julian Humphrys and Dr Elizabeth Norton, who will also deliver an illuminating and entertaining lecture each.
what’s included
At A Glance
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Julian Humphrys
Julian read history at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and has worked at historic sites in Britain and abroad. A trustee of the Battlefields Trust and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, he has written widely on castles, battles and military history.
With infectious enthusiasm, wit and panache, Julian leads more than a dozen Travel Editions tours across the UK and Europe. His extraordinary historical insight brings fortresses, battlefields and medieval landscapes to life, creating tours that are educational, entertaining and consistently popular with travellers.
MEET YOUR EXPERT GUIDE
Dr Elizabeth Norton
Elizabeth is a British historian specialising in the early modern period. She studied at Cambridge and Oxford and completed her PhD at King’s College London, where she has also taught history. Her published work includes The Lives of Tudor Women and biographies of four of Henry VIII’s wives.
A regular television contributor and historical adviser, Elizabeth brings scholarship and a strong sense of personality to the past. On tour, she connects castles, abbeys and battlefields with the lives of the people who experienced political, religious and social upheaval.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival in Shrewsbury and the Welsh Marches
Arrive independently at the Radisson Albrighton Hotel, Shrewsbury from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and a talk by expert Julian Humphrys – “The Welsh Marches”.
Day 2: Medieval Ludlow and Ludlow Castle
Ludlow is a thriving medieval market town and an architectural gem. The historic town centre is situated on a cliff above the River Teme and is surrounded by the beautiful countryside of south Shropshire and the Welsh Marches – the England-Wales borderlands.
Today we have a guided walking tour of this ancient town with Julian and Elizabeth, including St Laurence’s Church and Ludlow Castle. Time will be allowed for lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants in this foodie town (not included).
This evening, dinner at the hotel and a talk by historian Dr Elizabeth Norton – “Shropshire Life through the Wars of the Roses and the Reformation”.
Please note: Day 2 is spent all on foot in Ludlow, including a 2-hour walking tour involving some uphill sections and some steps.
Day 3: Stokesay, Clun and Croft Castles
Our first visit of the day is to Stokesay Castle, one of the finest fortified manor houses in England. Standing in a peaceful Shropshire valley near the Welsh border, Stokesay has survived remarkably intact since a leading wool merchant, Laurence of Ludlow, built it in the late 13th century. His fine fortified manor house was both comfortable and impressive, designed as a statement of his wealth and power. Today, barely touched by the passage of years, the castle offers a unique insight into life in medieval England.
From here we’ll head to Clun for a light lunch at the White Horse before visiting Clun Castle. In stark contrast to the lavishness of Stokesay, just ruins and earthworks remain of Clun, a Welsh border castle founded shortly after the Norman invasion, but its colourful history will be brought to life by your hosts.
The final visit of the day is to a castle that is more about comfort than defence: Croft, a castellated 17th-century manor house and home to the Croft family to this day. An intimate manor house, grounds, gardens and St Michael and All Angels Church make this a fascinating and enjoyable visit. Evening dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Much Wenlock, Shrewsbury Battlefield and Haughmond Abbey
A packed day of variety starts with a visit to Much Wenlock and a guided walk in the capable hands of Julian and Elizabeth, including a visit to the tranquil ruins of the 12th-century Priory.
Free time for lunch (not included) in beautiful Much Wenlock before heading to the Church of St Mary Magdalene in the village of Battlefield, which stands in open countryside on the site of the ferocious Battle of Shrewsbury, which took place in 1403, in which Henry IV defeated Henry “Hotspur” Percy. Some 1600 men are said to have died in the battle and were subsequently buried at the church.
There will be time to visit the Exhibition at Battlefield 1403, before continuing to the final visit of this varied and fascinating tour at Haughmond Abbey, a ruined 12th-century Augustinian abbey close to Shrewsbury. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Our favourite day has to be day 2 – where we visited the 3 different castles: fortified manor house, actual castle ruin and statley home. The organisation tour manager and lecturer were all great.”
Ms H, June 2025
“Everything on this tour was very well organised. In addition, the tour guides Elizabeth and Julian had very good knowledge which added depth and entertainment to the holiday.”
Mr T, June 2025
“My favourite part of this trip had to be the visit to Stokesay castle. Everything about this trip was great; food, accommodation, and the tour guides too.”
Mrs H, June 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Radisson Albrighton Hotel, Shrewsbury
This four-star retreat is set in a grand 18th-century manor. Surrounded by 15 acres of landscaped grounds and an ornamental lake, it offers elegant rooms, a spa with indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, and cosy bar.
Car parking: Complimentary parking is available at the hotel.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing. If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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