The Acton Scott Estate

Acton Scott is well known for its Historic Working Farm, open to the public from April to November. Founded by Thomas Stackhouse Acton over thirty years ago, it stocks many rare and traditional breeds of animal and provides daily demonstrations of traditional 19th century crafts, whilst the land around is worked with heavy horses.

Located in private grounds with unspoilt views, a number of estate properties have been finely restored and thoughfully appointed by Rupert Acton as spacious and desirable Holiday Houses. Available to rent, they provide the perfect base for families and groups of friends to get together and relax or explore Acton Scott and its nearby attractions, such as Church Stretton and the South Shropshire Hills.

Largely due to its period buildings, rural heritage and picturesque situation, Acton Scott was the film location for BBC TV's popular 'Victorian Farm' series, broadcast in 2009. It followed a team of historians, Ruth Goodman, Peter Ginn and Alex Langlands, who spent a year recreating rural life on the estate, as it might have been in the 1880s.

As featured in the television series, Henley Cottage, an authentic 19th century former farm labourer's dwelling, has been the subject of careful conservation since filming ended, to preserve its original vernacular. It is available to rent as a unique Victorian holiday cottage, for those who wish to escape modernity and enjoy a simpler way of life.

Finally, come to Acton Scott to learn about traditional skills and crafts. A programme of new courses, from bee keeping to cider making, will be available throughout 2009. Whilst, Ruth Goodman, co-presenter of Victorian Farm, returns to Acton Scott to run a series of unique residential 'Hands on History' Courses in 19th century domestic skills.

MORE LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

CASTLES AND HOUSES

The Welsh Border was disputed between Welsh and English for centuries. The area is studded with castles. One of the most spectacular is Ludlow Castle, built about 1066. Closer to Church Stretton is StokesayCastle, a uniquely preserved example of a fortified manor house. Powis Castle, home of Clive of India, is alsowithin easy reach. Attingham Park (near Shrewsbury) is a grand 18^th century mansion and Wilderhope Manor and Stanton Hall on Wenlock Edge date from the 17^th century.

IRONBRIDGE

The Ironbridge Gorge Musium charts the industrial revolution. The Ironbridge itself crosses the River Severn in the heart of the gorge. Other sites include Blists Hill, a 'working' 18th Century industrial village museum, the Coalport China Museum – once home to the classic chinaware, and Bedlam Furnaces, site of the first industrial iron making.

MUSEUMS

Acton Scott Working Farm Museum uses horse-drawn equipment and fosters traditional crafts such as weaving, butter-making and the wheelwright. Shrewsbury is home to the Light Infantry Museum of the British Army in Shrewsbury Castle.