Hop Barn and Applegarth

07/09/2026

Yesterday we did the Butterfly Trail in the Wyre Forest. You get it by turning in the lane by the Hop Pole at Bewdley. There’s a small car park and then walks in all directions. We chose the circular route to Knowles Mill. It was quiet, we met a few other dog walkers and cyclists. Very pleasant.

06/09/2026

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the green returns once there’s rain. Here’s today’s view and that of 17th August, the last day of the drought for us in South Shropshire. We’ve already picked our apples and sent them off for juicing. I’ve looked back to see when we usually do this and in 2022 it was 21st September.

06/09/2026

We decided to take a walk along one of the canals yesterday. This is the Birmingham Worcester canal. We parked in a layby and set off north at Tibberton Moorings. Very pleasant, not many people - a few joggers, other dog walkers and cyclists plus some foragers (I didn’t have any containers with me or I’d have joined in!). It’s set between the M5 and the railway but that didn’t really make a difference to our pleasure. Part way along there’s a little orchard and a pretty bench to sit on.

05/09/2026

04/09/2026

We will be closing on Monday 7th September and Tuesday 8th September for a new bar refit, and reopen on Wednesday curry night with cobra, Hawkstone and more locals on the tap.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

Burford House Gardens opens for the National Garden Scheme on Sat 26th & Sun 27th September 2026.

10 am - 4 pm. Admission £5. Children free.

Tea, coffee & cakes in Burford House.

The garden is being restored by the Garden Angels (volunteers) under the leadership of the newly appointed Head Gardener. Four acres of sweeping lawns bordered by the River Teme, and serpentine borders, set in the beautiful Teme Valley, around an elegant Georgian House (open for teas). Designed by the late, great plantsman, John Treasure and featuring over 100 varieties of clematis in addition to a myriad of plants in wonderful combinations and colours.

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/12649/burford-house-gardens

Burford House & Gardens National Garden Scheme Visit Shropshire National Garden Scheme Worcestershire

31/08/2026

The Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus is in full swing, and if you haven't used it yet this summer, you have got until 27th of September to sort that out!

Running every Saturday and Sunday from Church Stretton, the shuttle bus takes you up and over the Long Mynd, down to Ratlinghope, past the Bridges Pub and across to the Stiperstones and back.

It is a really practical way to explore the hills without the car parking headaches at Carding Mill Valley and the popular Stiperstones car park.

There are a few weekends left before the service ends for the year. Make use of them!

30/08/2026

Now we’ve got our standard British Bank Holiday weather ☔️☔️☔️….. our thoughts are turning to the Bewdley Festival Soup Trail - save the date Saturday 3rd October 12-4. Wander round our beautiful town sampling 8 delicious soups and then vote for your favourite. The winning venue then receives the coveted wooden bowl trophy . Always a sell out - ticket information coming soon . Thanks to all our Bewdley Festival Soup Trail supporters 🙌🙌