Hello and welcome to our first Autumn newsletter.
We hope you have had a wonderful Summer and managed to indulge yourself with some rest and relaxation!
Summer has been really busy here in South Shropshire, lots of festivals and activities have been taking place, but that’s not to say we don’t have lots of things to do now that the weather has cooled down, and we are now in amongst the ‘ber’ months.
This last weekend was the Michaelmas Fair in Bishops Castle and if you didn’t come and enjoy the day, then you must pop it in your calendar for next year, there are classic cars, steam engines, live music and a procession. A spectacular day out, not to be missed! It always takes place in September so keep checking our blogs and we will remind you!
The colours will change on the hills in the coming months, they have been golden for most of the Summer, but some greenery has returned thanks to a little rain!
The shuttle bus runs to 27th September 2026 so you still have time to make use of it.
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!
So let us tell you what is coming up in the next few months, as usual there is lots to tempt you.
We will start with our village hall, Lydbuy North Village Hall, that way you do not have to travel and can take a leisurely walk to your chosen event. This is just a snapshot of what’s on, check the website for all events.
Lydbury North Village Hall – WELCOME
And at Walcot Hall in the village you can find these events happening –
Gong Bath
Embark on a transformative experience of sound, profound serenity, and liberation from stress. Immerse yourself in a holistic journey, enveloped by the soothing waves of healing vibrations.
Date: Tuesday 13th October
Venue: Walcot Hall Ballroom
Time: 7:00pm
Halloween Trail
This October, wrap up warm and venture into the enchanted arboretum at Walcot Hall for our much-loved annual Halloween Trail.
Follow the winding woodland paths as you uncover spooky surprises, solve Halloween-themed clues, and discover hidden characters amongst the ancient trees. With plenty of seasonal fun along the way, it’s the perfect autumn adventure for little monsters, brave explorers, and families looking to make magical memories together.
Whether you’re searching for pumpkins, dodging witches, or simply enjoying a crisp autumn day in one of Shropshire’s most beautiful arboretums, Walcot Hall’s Halloween Trail is a seasonal tradition not to be missed.
Date: Wednesday, 28th October
Christmas Market
Step into the magic of Christmas at Walcot Hall and enjoy a festive day filled with seasonal shopping.
Our annual Christmas Market brings together a wonderful selection of local makers, artists, and independent businesses, offering everything from handcrafted gifts and artisan food to festive decorations, homeware, jewellery, and unique Christmas treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to find thoughtful presents while supporting talented local traders.
As you wander through the market, soak up the festive atmosphere with twinkling lights, seasonal music, and the beautiful surroundings of Walcot Hall dressed for winter. Warm up with a hot drink, indulge in festive food, and make a day of it with family and friends.
Date: Sunday, 6th December
Time: 11am – 4pm
Moving on to the SPARC Theatre in Bishops Castle now…please note this is a snapshot of their events, check out their webpage for more… SpArC Theatre | Bishops Castle, Shropshire
NTLIVE : THE MISANTHROPE October 1 @ 19:00pm – 21:30pm
The Misanthrope by Martin Crimp after Molière Directed by Indhu Rubasingham Award-winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy. Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around…
LIVE MUSIC: Tom Jones Tribute October 3 @ 20:00pm – 21:30pm
Unique, exciting and undeniably accurate-His show is the closest thing you will get to seeing Tiger Tom the Twisting Vocalist and hear growl forth his larynx of steel!! Tony Scarth is Tom Jones
Join us for an amazing evening of fun and entertainment – Tom Jones Classic hits & more.
Sir Tom enjoys posing for photographs at no extra cost during and after his performance. Also like to chat with his audience after his show. He even appeared on ITV’s cult series “Stars in Their Eyes” with Mathew Kelly in 2002.
One lucky person could be invited on stage, offered a cowboy hat as a prop & serenaded to “Leave your hat on” Cameras always come out!!
Polar Journeys -A Talk by Ben Osborne October 16 @ 19:30pm – 21:00pm
Polar Journeys A talk by Ben Osborne
Ben Osborne’s new talk, “Polar Journeys”, will take you to the ends of the earth with images and stories from his extensive travels in the polar regions.
In the Arctic, we’ll head to Greenland where we travel with huskies, camp on glacial moraines and visit some of the most remote human settlements on the planet. We’ll also visit Svalbard which, at nearly 80 degrees north, is the most northerly inhabited land. This archipelago of islands features dramatic vistas of glaciers and high mountains. Whales and polar bears are highlights of the stunning wildlife.
The second half of the talk is centred on the south polar regions and will include the island oasis of South Georgia with its vast penguin and seal colonies. We also visit the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the most scenic regions in Antarctica.
Ben has made numerous journeys to both the Arctic and the Antarctic working for National Geographic, the BBC and the British Antarctic Survey. He works as a Polar Guide on small expedition ships. His images have featured in numerous magazines and books; and in 2007 he was the overall winner in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
This talk will be a visual treat and a rare glimpse into some of the least accessible places on earth.
LIVE THEATRE: The Nags Head October 31 @ 19:30pm – 21:30pm
WELCOME TO THE NAG’S HEAD. THE SPOOKIEST PUB IN SHIRESHIRE.
A dark comedy play set in Shropshire Spooky thrills and laughs
“Laugh-out loud” WhatsOnStage –
★★★★ Adventures In Theatreland -“Very, very funny”
★★★★London Pub Theatres- “Perfect balance between the funny and the macabre”
Do you believe in ghost stories? Do you want to hear tales that will chill you to the bone… that will make you wish you brought a spare set of pants?
After the death of their father, three estranged siblings return home for the funeral. Burdened with their dad’s failing pub and a weird painting, they must decide whether to work together to save The Nag’s Head or succumb to their inner demons.
Featuring original music from folk band Good Habits, and real paranormal accounts, this production is an ode to rural England and the independent pub.
With support from the Arts Council England, Shropshire Museum and the Norwich Theatre, Make It Beautiful Theatre Company premiered their dark comedy play,
They enjoyed a SOLD OUT run at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury !
If you really fancy having a scary pint with us then be sure to call up for returns. You never know…
“Enjoyable comic ghost story” The Stage –
★★★★London Box Office –“Plenty of smiles to be had”
★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions.- “Energetic and atmospheric new comedy”
The Royal Ballet : The Nutcracker December 13 @ 14:00pm – 16:30pm
Screening Via Satellite
Peter Wright’s classic production of this festive family favourite sparkles to the swell of Tchaikovsky’s orchestral score, alongside the glow and grandeur of Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs. This Season marks Peter Wright’s centenary.At a cosy Christmas party, young Clara meets the mysterious magician Drosselmeyer, who gives her a nutcracker doll. When the guests have departed and the house is asleep, Clara sneaks downstairs in search of the doll. Instead, she finds Drosselmeyer, who whisks her away on a journey into a whole world of enchantment: fantastical landscapes of flurried snow and glittering confection where toys come alive and the magic never stops.
Adults £15 Under 18 £5 Family £30
So now for the wider area…
September
25 Sept 2026, 10:00 – 17:00 Introduction to Navigation Course. Carding Mill Valley And Long Mynd, Carding Mill Valley, Church Stretton SY6 6JG, UK
Learn to navigate with map and compass in the beautiful Shropshire Hills. This beginner-friendly course on the Long Mynd is designed to build real confidence through hands-on learning in a supportive small group. Spend a day outdoors gaining practical skills you can actually use.
Introduction to Navigation Course: Shropshire Hills | Ray Of Sun Adventures
Friday 25 September 2026 Beat The Beast Quiz Night – Ludlow Racecourse
Think you can Beat the Beast?
Put your knowledge to the test at our Quiz Night on Friday 25th September, where you’ll have the chance to take on Mark Labbett – “The Beast” from The Chase!
Gather your team and enjoy a fantastic evening of fun, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs as you battle it out for the chance to beat one of the UK’s most famous quiz champions.
Event Details:
Friday 25th September
Teams of 4–8 players
£20 per person
Drinks available to purchase throughout the evening
Fantastic prizes to be won
Whether you’re a seasoned quizzer or just fancy a great night out with friends, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Beat the Beast Quiz Night – Ludlow Racecourse
26th September 2026 11:00am – 3:00pm Mammoth Anniversary & Apple Day at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
A day full of fun for all ages and interests.
Join us as we celebrate 40 years since the Condover mammoth discovery alongside our delicious apple harvest celebrations.
The whole family can enjoy inflatables, face painting and craft activities as well as bringing apples to be juiced and identified.
There will be talks on the mammoth throughout the day as well as free exhibition entry.
Dr Peter Toghill, President of the Shropshire Geological Society and one of the original team that attended the dig site will be here all day, answering questions and sharing his knowledge and experience of this historical event.
Centre Manager, Grant will be leading orchard tours, showing groups our wonderful Onny Meadows with information on all of our conservation work.
FREE ENTRY
11am – 3pm
shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk/whats-on/mammoth-anniversary-and-apple-day
October
Shropshire’s biggest party returns to Shrewsbury on Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd October.
Get your lederhosen ready for our huge beer tent in Shrewsbury Quarry.
There’s no mainstream rubbish at this sell-out festival. Instead, our bars are manned by local brewers, cidermakers, distillers, winemakers, and producers who proudly serve you their expertly crafted drinks.
7th Of October Ludlow Brewery Race Day at Ludlow Racecourse
Tickets are £22 online and will be available on the gate for £24.
Shuttle Bus Service will start from Ludlow Station (3 Runs). Return Shuttle Service will start after the last race from the Course back to the station (3 Runs). Please note once the bus is full with passengers it will depart.
For a free digital racecard, tips & previews make sure you download the RacedayReady App.
Whatever the weather, we’ve got you covered –
Caps Bobble Hats Umbrellas Gilets Silk Scarves can all be purchased from the racecourse office.
We look forward to welcoming you to Ludlow Racecourse
7th of October Race day – Ludlow Racecourse
Group MTB Ride – Night Ride – Stiperstones After Dark 6-8.30pm 22nd October 2026
Price range: £20.00 through £30.00
Your next night adventure starts here — quiet tracks, open skies, and easy singletrack that comes alive under torchlight.
A fantastic opportunity to experience the dark skies of Shropshire by night, guided by a fully qualified MTB Night Leader.
If you’ve never tried night riding before, this is definitely for you. We’ll follow a mix of tracks and quiet lanes that lead us up onto the Stiperstones ridge, where we’ll pause to take in the night sky — and if we’re lucky, do a little stargazing too. From there, we’ll roll on to Shelve Woods for some flowing singletrack that feels extra special under torchlight.
Perfect For: Riders with some MTB experience curious about night riding and who want a mid-week adventure with big-sky views. This ride offers a different challenge and a taste of Shropshire’s wild beauty after dark — all in a supportive, social atmosphere.
Night Ride – Stiperstones After Dark – | MTB Night Ride
November/December
Saturday 28 November to Christmas Eve (selected dates) Severn Valley Railway, Bridgnorth.
The Elf Express – returning for 2026. Step into a festive journey like no other aboard The Elf Express, an immersive Christmas experience at the Severn Valley Railway. Departing from Bridgnorth Station (WV16 4AX), your visit begins, with a warm welcome from Mrs. Claus herself. Pick up your special ticket and that morning’s North Pole News, then settle into your private compartment inside our beautifully restored vintage carriages for a scenic steam‑hauled trip through the Severn Valley.
A Christmas Story Comes to Life
Before Santa begins his Christmas Eve preparations, a very important train rolls into town. This year, he has a mission — and he’s enlisted his most trusted helpers to make it happen. On board The Elf Express, you’ll meet Santa and a carefully chosen team of elves, ready to fill your journey with fun, character and festive cheer.
An Immersive Experience for All Ages
Developed in partnership with Wise Owl Theatre Company, The Elf Express blends live performance with an interactive Christmas tale unfolding throughout your journey. Meet North Pole characters, join in with the fun, and enjoy memorable moments from start to finish. Every child will receive a special gift during the journey to make their experience even more magical.
Plan Your Visit
The Elf Express departs from Bridgnorth Station at 10.00am, 12.15pm, 2.30pm and 4.45pm, running 28 November – 24 December. We’re looking forward to magical journeys and creating family memories together this festive season.
The Elf Express – Severn Valley Railway
December
Ludlow – Christmas Markets and Christmas Lights Switch On
Admission: Free.
Lights switch-on: 28th November at Castle Square.
Winter Festival: 27th to 29th November 2026
Christmas Tree Trail: 28th November to 4th January 2027 at Ludlow Castle.
Father Christmas: Weekends at Ludlow Castle.
We hope we have shown you that South Shropshire is definitely not ‘closed’ over the Autumn and Winter months and that you will join us for a peaceful stay, timed to enjoy one of the local events that takes your fancy!
Take care until next time, and do not forget to get in touch directly for your bookings and any questions you may have.
Self-catering accommodation in South Shropshire – Lydbury Accommodation
Tel: 07999 995090
Rita, Duncan, Debbie and Mandy