Sat: Early start, picked up the ‘van and headed over to our first stop, which was at Southwaite Services. Then a drive down the M6 to Keele Services, through some torrential downpours, but no traffic snarls! Then onward to our destination, Ludlow Touring Park. We were given a professional booking-in and then we made ourselves at home on our allocated pitch, 84.
Sun: No time to relax, we’re off to the Severn Valley Railway. It was a bit of a long twisty road to get there, but then enjoyed some glorious weather as we soaked up the trains. We did the full line, Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. But on the return journey, we took some time out at Arley, to reflect on the location as seen in a few famous films. Very relaxing, very peaceful, very much enjoyed it. Back at base it was BBQ time for tea and time to deploy the Satellite, as there is no TV signal here, although in fairness they do have a booster system.
Mon: Relax day, weather okay but not quite as good. Tried to get the satellite working again, but still no joy, a fix at home is required again. So instead we utilised the booster system, which was fairly good, so no complaints.
Tue: A trip into Shrewsbury today. We spent the first couple of hours in the town itself. Quite a large place, plenty of people about and lots of shops. Following this we headed to the prison, where you can get a guided tour most weekdays at 2.30pm. The prison itself closed in 2013 and has since become a visitor attaction. It was very intersting to listen to the history of the prison and other prisons in general over the centuries. You’re given access to pretty much all areas, including the excution room! I never knew Ricky Tomlinson was a prisoner here back in 1973. Also worthy of note, is the the train station which is just oposite the prison, it still uses semaphore signals to this day 🙂
Wed: Just up the road and we’re into Ludlow. We were thinking of walking or maybe the bus, but instead took the car, as we needed fuel and a little bit of shopping. Tesco’s first for the shopping, not a very large shop but we got what we needed. Then we headed into Ludlow via some very narrow streets, thanks satnav! Eventually found the carpark and then enjoyed a puruse around the market, St Laurence’s Church and the shops in general, with some splendid Tudor buildings. Following this we refuelled and headed back to the site, weather very hot today.
Thu: Relax on-site day! Breakfast, cleaning the ‘van and chilling. Good weather again, so managed a nice walk around the campsite for the first time this visit. It’s a very nice site, well laid out, good size pitches and plenty of greenery and wildlife. The view from our ‘back garden’ is quite simply stunning, the best we’ve had to date I would say. All the birds: bluetits, moorhens, robins all in abundance. There’s one little young bluetit I like to call ‘chirps’ as it never stops talking with its distinct call, I feel for his mother! BBQ for tea, this is what it’s all about, thoroughly relaxed!
Fri: Another relax on-site day.
Sat: A reasonable journey to our next site via Tamworth services. We got held up on the M1 de to roadworks, but nothing too severe. To reflect, the site is very nice, one we would come back to many times if we were in the area. Pitches are very nice, ours was fully serviced and of generous size, although the pitch gravel was of the small variety, which means you’ve got to keep sweeping it out of the awning! Views were to die for, best we’ve ever had. We enjoyed the wildlife so much, so relaxing. Facilities were excellent, very clean and spacious. Showers a little hot, but nothing to detract from the overall experience. Food vans seem to operate on various days if that is your thing. The onsite shop is very well stocked with all the essentials including many chairs and BBQ’s, which is a real bonus. If we were in the area again, we would not hesitate in stopping here again, loved it.
- Date: 15th June 2024
- Nights: 7
- Pitch #: 84
- GPS: 52.345584, -2.716910
Approach: M54 > A5 > A49 > B4361