Shropshire afternoon tea

We are half way through the school holidays.  As per usual for a family of teachers we are decorating so the house has been turned upside down.  To escape the utter madness, my wonderful friend Wendy took me to explore the delights of neighboring Shropshire for the day.  We started the day walking in the Staffordshire village of Gnosall.  We meandered over the boardwalk which crosses the wetlands while Rudi and Freddie (our Dog companions for the day) had a good old run. 

We then made our way for tea and cake in Ironbridge.  This is one of my favorite places to be in all the world.  I think the gorge is one of the romantic and beautiful parts of the world, partly because my husband and I had our first kiss in Coalbrookdale.
After a good walk, a rest on a bench and of course a chat we headed to Much Wenlock.  I am ashamed to say I have never been before.  It is such a calm, peaceful little village with its church under restoration, stunning Guildhall and Abbey ruins.  The Much Wenlock visit was rounded off with afternoon tea in the Copper Kettle.  Simply delicious and far too much for two, they even packed up the extra so I could bring it home for my husband who appreciated the left over cake after decorating all day.
A dusk drive home through Newport and back to Stafford for more tea and then home to bed to prepare for the Aldridge Vintage fair.  I certainly slept soundly.