A week at Pitchford

Here's a suggested week's plan of the many things to do in and around the Pitchford Estate.

Day 1

Arrive and relax within the 1,000 acres of the historic Pitchford Estate. Unwind on a country walk using the network of footpaths and tracks that cross the Estate.

As you walk around the Estate you might get a glimpse the Pitchford Tree House - the oldest tree house in the world.

Dine at our large oak table or go for dinner in one of the excellent local pubs such as the Horseshoes at Dorrington or the Bottle & Glass in Picklescott.

Day 2

Pop into Shrewsbury to explore one of England's finest medieval market towns and stop off to buy local food at the Battlefield 1403 farm shop, butchery and cafe on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.

Visit Acton Burnell castle and then walk up the Lawley or Caer Caradoc - part of the Shropshire Hill Country.

Go fishing as there are plenty of local pools within a few miles of Pitchford or rent a cycle and make the most of the Shropshire countryside and country lanes.

Stop off at The Royal Oak at Cardington for a pint of Wood's Shropshire Lad or their Shropshire fidget pie.

Day 3

Consider going on a canoe safari down the River Severn. There's a great trip from Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury or from Cressage to Ironbridge.

Or pop into the ancient town of Much Wenlock on the way back to Pitchford. The town claims to the birthplace of the modern olympic games and also has an excellent butcher.

Have a delicious locally sourced meal at one of Shropshire best dining pubs - The Crown Inn at Munslow or the Green Dragon or Ragleth Inn at Little Stretton.

Enjoy an evening walk around the Estate or book into the performing arts venue in Shrewsbury - Theatre Severn or go out to the flicks at the Old Market Hall art house cinema.

Day 4

A trip to Ludlow - considered the finest market town in England is a must. On the way visit the Ludlow Food Centre - one of the best farm shops in the UK that makes its own excellent cheeses.

After lunch and perhaps tea in Ludlow spare a little time to visit the National Trust's Stokesay Castle or the Acton Scott Historic Working Farm.

Relax by our designer fire places in the evening. Talk a walk outside if it's a dark clear night - you'll be amazed by the stars in Shropshire.

Day 5

Relax around the Estate in the morning and then drive up to the Long Mynd for a picnic on the moor. Keep an eye out for the grouse and wild horses.

If you want a more active day join up with 'Beyond Extreme' who organise paragliding on the Long Mynd. If you don't want to fly, go quad biking or paint balling with 'Border Quad Trekking'. Mountain biking is also recommended along the tracks of the Mynd or perhaps some wild swimming in the reservoir.

On the way back visit Pitchford Church close to Pitchford Hall - access to the Hall can at times be arranged for our holiday guests through the Estate depending on the current state of the Hall's restoration process.

In the evening why not head into Shrewsbury to dine at one of the excellent restaurants in the town or pre order dinner with the Estate's catering company - Oak Apple Catering.

Day 6

Drive towards Wales and visit either Chirk Castle or Powis Castle & Gardens.

After your castle crawl, stroll around the Estate past the sheep and dairy cows and perhaps you'll spot the albino guineafowl. You'll see the Estate's solar farm on one side of the valley which supplies a few thousands homes in Shropshire with clean renewable energy.

Day 7

Have a walk around the Estate to prepare youselves for the drive back. Try and pop into Ironbridge Gorge on the way back home to see some of its ten museums which include Blists Hill Victorian Town, the Darby Houses, Enginuity, Tar Tunnel or Coalport China Museum. There's also an excellent cafe at the Green Wood Centre nearby in Coalbrookdale.