Venue Details
Church Stretton is an excellent base for explorations of one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of rural England. This Shropshire town is located next to the Long Mynd and the Carding Mill Valley, offering excellent opportunities for walking in a beautiful landscape. Within easy driving distance are the towns of Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Bishop’s Castle and Montgomery, all with their own individual characters and interest. The Clee Hills and Stiperstones offer further walking opportunities, or you can visit the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in Telford and Ironbridge.
Accommodation and local information:
Local: www.shropshiretourism.info/church-stretton (website includes email facility)
Regional: www.shropshiretourism.info
Church Stretton Tourist Information Centre, Church Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6DG. Tel.: 01694 723133
Birnam (by Dunkeld, north of Perth) is an excellent centre for explorations of all kinds. Famous for its Shakespearian links (the ‘Macbeth Experience’ Centre is nearby), there is also the part-ruined Dunkeld Cathedral, walks along the River Tay (perhaps across Telford’s bridge), and the Beatrix Potter Garden. A short drive away you will find the beautiful city of Perth, Scone Palace, Blairgowrie, Glamis Castle, Pitlochry, Aberfeldy (a chance to sample the local whisky) - and of course the beautiful Scottish hills and paths.
Accommodation and local information:
Local: www.scottish-towns.co.uk/dunkeld
Regional: www.scottish-towns.co.uk/perthshire
Perth Tourist Office, 45 High Street, Perth, PH1 5TJ. Tel.: 01738 638353
Caldbeck is situated at the northern end of the Lake District National Park - an oasis of peaceful beauty nestling amongst the rolling Cumbrian fells. Take a river walk, or ascend High Pike where the views of the surrounding area are spectacular. A short drive away are Bassenthwaite Lake, the attractive Lakeland town of Keswick (on the banks of Derwentwater) or the historic city of Carlisle. The Solway Firth is another impressive local feature, and if you enjoy good ‘real ale’, the Old Crown in the neighbouring village of Hesket Newmarket brews its own (mostly named after local landmarks) and has won national awards for it!
Accommodation and local information:
Local: www.caldbeckvillage.co.uk
Regional: http://www.cumbria-the-lake-district.co.uk/hotels%20and%20b&bs.html
Telephone: Cumbria Tourism 01539 822222
By post: Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL.
Manchester is the location for the ‘New Horizons’ course in November, which is situated in Stretford, close to the M60 motorway for drivers, and near to the Metro tram station which links to Manchester Piccadilly rail station for train users. If you are travelling a long distance and wish to stay in Manchester, ‘Marketing Manchester’ is the tourist board for Greater Manchester who provide information on accommodation in the area. You can contact them as follows:
Website: http://www.visitmanchester.com/where-to-stay-home.aspx
Telephone: 0871 222 8223
Postal address: Marketing Manchester, Carver's Warehouse, 77 Dale Street, Manchester M1 2HG