Shropshire Real Ale Trail – Bus Pub Tour of Shropshire’s Countryside Pubs

The Shropshire Real Ale Trail is a new bus-based pub crawl launching on Saturday 12 April 2025, offering beer lovers a day-long adventure through the Shropshire countryside. Organised by The Real Ale Trail Company, this ale-focused festival lets participants “hop on and hop off” a dedicated coach that ferries visitors between historic village pubs, all without the need for a designated driver. Tickets (around £26) cover unlimited bus travel on a loop running roughly every 45 minutes between 11am and 9pm. The trail returns again in September 2025 (the next run is on 13 Sept), but its April launch provides the first chance to experience a whole day sampling Shropshire’s finest real ales in a fun, social atmosphere.

The concept is simple and crowd-pleasing: you board the bus at a convenient pub or pickup point (for example, the Salopian Bar in Shrewsbury or even Wellington train station) and then let the coach take you to a series of charming rural pubs. Buses run in a loop, so you can stay as long as you like at each stop before catching the next bus on the route. In practice, this means you can sample 8–9 pubs during the day – each chosen for its character, hospitality and range of real ales – and still get back on the bus whenever you’re ready to move on. There is no fixed starting point (except if you choose to start at the popular Salopian Bar in Shrewsbury, which requires an advance slot booking). In essence, the trail is all about discovery and camaraderie: as organisers put it, it’s the “perfect excuse” to ‘research’ local brews and make a few “questionable decisions you’ll laugh about later’. The day encourages plenty of singing, toasting and socialising (you might even catch people singing on the bus with your buddies between stops!).

How the Trail Works and Tickets

Participants book tickets online in advance. The ticket price (around £26 for 2025) grants unlimited bus travel between the pubs for the entire day. Two weeks before the event, you pick up your travel ticket from your chosen starting pub by showing the emailed receipt (the site uses a unique code system). All attendees must be 24 or over (no younger drinkers or stag/hen groups are permitted). On the day, buses begin at 11am and shuttle guests around an hourly circular route. The official schedule lists pick-ups and drop-offs at each pub roughly every 45 minutes, so if you miss one bus you know another is not far behind.

The team recommends an early start if you want to visit all the pubs, but it’s also fine to join later – just hop on at whichever pub is most convenient. For example, one can start in Shrewsbury at the Salopian Bar (an award-winning real ale pub by the river) or join in at Wellington train station if arriving by rail. Buses pick up from each pub on the list in turn, so you really can set your own pace: stay an hour soaking up the atmosphere at one pub, then catch the next bus to try a new venue. (The official description notes wryly that sometimes “sh*t happens on the roads” – a stray sheep or a late friend in the loo – but assures that the buses always catch up eventually.)

Because this is a door-to-door service, your car stays parked – you’ll need to rely on the bus to get between stops. This has an added benefit: you can really indulge in local brews without worrying about driving home. The organisers explicitly encourage responsible drinking, but point out that the buses have no toilets on board (so plan restroom breaks at the pubs themselves) and there are no unscheduled “pee stops”. In short, it’s a carefully managed (and relatively informal) pub tour. You buy a ticket, grab a pint at Pub #1, stay as long as you like, then flag down the next bus in the loop to move on.

Pubs on the Route

The April 2025 trail will visit around 8–9 of Shropshire’s best pubs. According to the official itinerary, stops include the Salopian Bar in Shrewsbury, The Corbet Arms at Uffington, The Haughmond near Upton Magna, The Bulls Head in Rodington, the Tayleur Arms at Longden, The Pheasant Inn in Admaston, Travellers Joy at Horsehay, The Mill at Leighton, and the Mytton & Mermaid in Atcham. (Earlier and later trails have featured a similar set of pubs.) Each of these pubs has its own character, so the trail really feels like sampling a slice of Shropshire pub culture.

• Salopian Bar, Shrewsbury – An award-winning brewery taproom run by Salopian Brewery (based in Shrewsbury). Set right by the River Severn, it’s known for a huge ale menu: eight real ales are permanently on tap, plus rotating specials and international beers. The Salopian Bar is actually quite large and modern compared to the village pubs on the route, with a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. According to a local guide, it offers “a great selection of real ales, Belgian beers and ciders” in a relaxed setting. (It has won multiple CAMRA awards and has hosted its own beer festivals – so real ale aficionados will feel at home.) Because it’s one of the main start points, the bus schedule is very frequent here, and you can easily begin or end your day at this lively Shrewsbury pub.

• The Corbet Arms, Uffington – A picturesque 16th-century country pub on the banks of the Severn, about 6 miles west of Shrewsbury. Family-run and recently refurbished, the Corbet Arms has a warm, upscale vibe. The interior is spacious and cosy, with wood-beam ceilings and a feature riverfront beer garden. Its well-stocked bar serves a rotating selection of cask ales, craft beers and local ciders, alongside a large wine list and spirits. It’s often praised for its food (especially its popular Sunday roast) but equally lauded as a pub – for example, its website notes a “well-stocked bar… to be enjoyed either in our beautiful country pub beer garden by the River Severn or within our newly decorated bar”. In practice, this means the Corbet Arms combines traditional charm with a bit of gastropub polish, making it a pleasant midday stop on the trail.

• The Pheasant Inn, Admaston – A friendly village gastropub just outside Telford. The Pheasant is known for its focus on local produce and British pub fare, with a cosy pub interior and a large beer garden. (The term “gastropub” suggests a bit more emphasis on food than your average country pub, and indeed their menu uses fresh, local ingredients.) It offers a good range of beers and ales, and even though we couldn’t find official specifications, it’s popular with the trail crowd as a hearty lunch spot. In any case, as one festival listing put it, participants will “sample a variety of handcrafted ales, eat some food, listen to some music” at stops like this.

• The Travellers Joy, Horsehay – A quintessential locals’ pub in the village of Horsehay (east of Ironbridge). Described by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) as a “popular village pub frequented by locals”, the Travellers Joy has a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a large lounge with a real log fire (lit in cooler months) and even a TV showing sports. The CAMRA notes that “everyone is made welcome”, and indeed this family-friendly pub advertises live music, karaoke, and a friendly crowd. It’s dog-friendly and has a decent beer garden, so it embodies that village community feel. For Trail visitors, it’s a chance to mingle with Horsehay locals and enjoy straightforward pub hospitality. They usually have a few ales on tap (often including at least one from Salopian or another Shropshire brewery), plus lagers and ciders.

• The Bulls Head, Rodington – A charming 17th-century pub in the tiny village of Rodington, south of Shrewsbury. (This pub has frequently appeared on Shropshire trails.) It has a very traditional interior – think flagstone floor, open fire, and old photographs on the walls. The Bulls Head is well-reviewed as a friendly local with home-cooked food. In the context of the Ale Trail, it’s one of the quieter, more authentic rural stops. Its ales often include small-batch beers and seasonal specials (lately from nearby microbreweries). Although tiny, it adds variety by giving participants a taste of a real country local.

• Tayleur Arms, Longden – A delightful old inn in Longden (another village near Shrewsbury). The Tayleur (pronounced “tailor”) dates back several centuries and has one of those classic uneven-beam interiors that feel “proper pubby.” It’s known for good pub grub and a friendly bar. On the Trail, it’s appreciated for its ambiance and solid beer range. (It usually has at least one Shropshire-brewed ale on hand.) Importantly, because many of the pubs are small and fill up quickly, reaching the Tayleur Arms is a chance to experience a slightly off-the-beaten-track spot.

• The Mill at Leighton, Near Ironbridge – This pub stands in for the village of Leighton (built on an old mill site). It’s a larger operation, essentially a modern countryside gastropub, but with a lot of local character. The Mill prides itself on using Shropshire ingredients – “produced, wherever possible, has been locally sourced” – and has one of the most extensive food offerings of any stop. On the beer side, it offers traditional real ales, lagers and great wines. Uniquely, The Mill is almost a mini destination: it even has 10 guest bedrooms above, so you could stay overnight if wanted. In terms of atmosphere, it’s family-friendly and bustling (especially if you catch the Sunday roast crowd). For ale trailers, it provides a hearty meal break (and maybe a cocktail at the bar) in between drinking stops.

• Mytton & Mermaid, Atcham – An imposing 18th-century coaching inn right on the banks of the River Severn. Recently refurbished (2023) by the Brunning & Price pub group, it feels almost boutique: elegantly restored interior, several bar areas, and lovely views over Atcham Bridge. Despite its fine-dining pedigree (they serve things like grouse in season), the Mytton & Mermaid warmly welcomes drinkers. CAMRA notes that “while food is paramount, drinkers are more than welcome”. Beer-wise, it even brews its own house ale (through nearby Brightside Brewery) and carries at least four guest ales on tap, plus a range of ciders. The riverside beer gardens and private dining rooms are a nice change of scenery after hours of bus-hopping. This pub adds a bit of historic flair – the inn is named after the eccentric “Mad Jack Mytton” – and for many Trail-goers it feels like the grand finale of the route. (Be aware, though, that ales here might be a bit pricier than average.)

Each pub on the trail serves a wide selection of real ales – typically at least three different cask ales on tap at any time. In total, there are dozens of ale choices across all stops (the organisers boast “up to 50 real ales” available to sample). These often include classics from well-known regional breweries as well as lesser-known local brewers. For example, you might find Salopian Brewery ales at several pubs (since Salopian operates the first stop), or a pint of Brampton Best (from Brampton Brewery) at the Corbet Arms, or Magic Dragon ales at The Mill. The Swansea-based brewery Butty Bach (Wye Valley), Hobsons Brewery (Hanley Swan), and Ludlow Brewery are frequent guests. In fact, the trail’s website explicitly mentions that each pub is chosen for its “selection of Real Ale” typically brewed by local microbreweries such as Salopian, Three Tuns, Ludlow, Wye Valley, Hobsons, and Magic Dragon. So one highlight of the day is discovering any ales you’ve never tried – everyone I’ve spoken to looks forward to the variety.

In one typical pub along the trail, you might find traditional hand-pulled ales alongside a few modern craft brews. For example, when I visited the Salopian Bar, I counted eight ales on tap (including Salopian’s own “Salopian Bitter” and a seasonal IPA, plus Belgian and American imports). In contrast, a place like the Travellers Joy might have two or three changing cask ales (often one from a big UK brewer and one from Salopian), with the rest of the taps filled by keg lagers and cider. The Mytton & Mermaid goes full-out with multiple guest ales and even ciders on tap. Because each pub is independent, the selection varies widely, but the Trail guarantees at least one “signature” local brew at each stop. The point is that real ale aficionados will have plenty to sample, and ordinary pub-goers will appreciate getting well-kept, freshly tapped pints. The Trail’s promotional material humorously reminds us that there are no sports TVs blaring – this tour is about ale and atmosphere, not football on the box.

Food, Entertainment and Atmosphere

While the beer is the star, food is a close second on the Shropshire Real Ale Trail. Since the pubs range from basic locals to gastropubs, most offer at least a simple menu: think pub classics like fish & chips, burgers, pie, and the Sunday roast. Because the Trail is a full-day event, it’s wise to eat along the way. For instance, the Salopian Bar has bar snacks and a decent burger, but restaurants like the Corbet Arms, The Mill and the Pheasant Inn offer full kitchen service. Many people plan their day to have a leisurely lunch at one of the bigger pubs – The Mill at Leighton or the Pheasant Inn are good spots for a sit-down meal – and then lighter snacks later on (sandwiches or bar pizza at smaller stops). I found that the portions at these country pubs were generous, and fairly priced (for a local pub, not London). The Sunday roast at Corbet or Mill is often cited as a highlight, though on weekdays a hearty pie with chips or a steak and ale pie warms you up nicely. And yes, vegetarian and vegan options are typically available too (I saw veg-friendly dishes at the larger pubs’ menus), so most dietary needs are covered.

Entertainment-wise, most pubs keep it casual. You won’t see live bands at every stop (though some might have a singer or quiz on a Friday night). Instead, the Trail itself provides most of the buzz. On the bus between pubs, it’s common to hear sing-alongs, pub songs, or just laughter as old friends catch up or newcomers become mates. Some buses even play themed playlists – I overheard one group singing “Wonderwall” on the coach! Each pub provides its own ambiance: the Salopian Bar has a modern pub-rock vibe (often with DJs or sports on the TV), whereas the Bulls Head and Tayleur Arms felt quieter and more like a Sunday afternoon chat with locals. Socially, it’s a very friendly crowd: you’ll be drinking alongside fellow ale enthusiasts who are in holiday mode. I found people were eager to recommend pints to each other (“you’ve got to try the Butty Bach here!”) or to share a table and a story. The overall mood is lively but respectful – it’s a celebrating local pubs, not a boozy free-for-all. By late afternoon, many groups end up clustered on the outdoor patios or gardens of one of the bigger pubs, comparing notes on their favourite drink of the day.

During the Trail, the pubs go out of their way to make it fun. Some stops had live acoustic music or an impromptu blues harmonica performance in the beer garden. The organisers occasionally provide extras – in previous years, we heard there have been pub quiz questions on the bus and even pub-specific challenges (like naming Shropshire ales) for prizes. At one stop there was even a local dog-friendly meet-and-greet for pups (dogs are generally welcome at most of these pubs, which adds to the country charm). And each pub knows to expect an influx of thirsty customers, so service is set up accordingly. I saw staff pre-pouring lines and clearing tables to keep the flow moving. Overall, the atmosphere across the day felt like a festive community pub crawl with a Shropshire twist: scenic views out the windows and fields instead of city sights, and truly village-style pubs instead of chains.

Tickets, Pricing and Practical Info

As mentioned, tickets for the 2025 events are £26 per person. This is very reasonable given that it covers a 10-hour bus pass plus stops at multiple pubs. To give some context, a pint or two will typically cost you £3–£4 at these pubs (for example, a pint of Salopian’s lager is around £4). The pubs’ food mains range roughly £12–£18. Many people leave it at that – they pay for their own beer and food at each pub as usual. There is no drink package or extras; the ticket is strictly for transport and admission to the event. There’s no automatic gratuity – you order and pay as normal at each pub’s bar.

You can buy tickets on the Real Ale Trail website (or via partnering sites). Note that entry is first-come, first-served and these trails do sell out, especially the early bus slots. In fact, organisers warn that tickets starting from Shrewsbury’s Salopian Bar can sell out fast. If that happens, you can always begin at another pub stop (they suggest spreading the crowd that way). In our experience, most people came as groups of 4–8 and booked together. It’s smart to arrive a bit ahead of your scheduled start time – even 10 minutes extra means you get the first pick of seating. The buses all return to Shrewsbury (Salopian) at day’s end, so if you started elsewhere you can be collected back.

Participants should note a couple of practical guidelines. As mentioned, you must be 24 or over – expect ID checks at the start. Also, while the buses do have comfortable seating, there are no restrooms on board. So plan to use the pub facilities between buses. Organisers politely remind everyone to “always drink responsibly” – in practice, people naturally pace themselves given there are eight pubs on the agenda. One tip: wear layers and waterproofs if the weather looks iffy. The pubs vary between small interiors and outdoor areas, so it pays to be prepared. It’s also worth bringing a small backpack or bag for essentials (umbrella, phone charger, medications), since coats get bulky in packed bars.

Transport beyond the trail: Most people reach Shrewsbury or Wellington by car or train. The Salopian Bar is a 5-minute walk from Shrewsbury train station, and Wellington station is directly served by the trail. If you drive, be aware parking near these pubs can be limited on weekends. But since the trail’s premise is “no one worries about driving”, most people simply concentrate on the pubs and let the coach worry about roads. Some groups split car trips (one person drives to Shrewsbury in the morning, then everyone buses back to car later). Buses operate until about 9pm, which is long enough to finish at a final pub (the Salopian) for a nightcap.

Why this Trail Matters

Beyond being a fun day out, the Shropshire Real Ale Trail has an underlying mission: to keep village pubs alive. The organisers explicitly say they’re “passionate about UK village pubs” and have seen many close once people stopped drinking and driving locally. By providing a fuss-free way to get people into these pubs, the trail helps bring business to places that might otherwise be forgotten. In fact, each pub on the trail was selected partly for its friendly atmosphere and quality ale selection, so the event highlights community favourites.

It also benefits local breweries. As noted above, pubs on the trail often stock ales from nearby microbreweries – Salopian (Shrewsbury), Three Tuns (Ruthin), Ludlow Brewery, Wye Valley Brewery and others. For example, at the Corbet Arms you might pull a pint of Ludlow Gold or Hobsons’ Bitter; at The Mill maybe a Magic Dragon pale ale. Encouraging trail-goers to “research local brews” means more awareness (and hopefully future pub visits) for small brewers. Indeed, several of the pubs on the list host seasonal festivals of their own, and hosting the ale trail is a way to showcase their beer lists.

Finally, the Trail is just a good excuse for pub culture. Many customers we spoke to said it was their first time in a given pub – a chance to explore Shropshire’s nooks. And by evening’s end, people often exchanged numbers or Facebook to plan the next pub trip. The camaraderie is real; one participant joked that by the last bus ride home he felt like an honorary local in every village. In short, it’s a pub-crawl, yes, but one wrapped in scenery and local pride.

Things to Do and See Nearby

Since the Trail encompasses such a wide area of Shropshire, you could easily turn it into a multi-day trip. Shrewsbury itself is a historic market town worth touring (12th-century castle, Tudor facades, and riverside walks). If you have a spare day, check out nearby attractions: the Ironbridge Gorge (a World Heritage Site of industrial heritage) is very close to The Mill at Leighton; just an hour south are Ludlow and its castle (plus Ludlow Brewery). The mentionable thing is, the pubs often have prime locations. For instance, The Swan Smoke & Tap (also called The Swan Taphouse) is right in Ironbridge, an 18th-century maltings building by the Iron Bridge. If you started or ended in Wellington, there’s Wellington Orbit (cinema/café) a mile from town centre, or just wander Wellington’s shops.

However, most people treat the trail as a single-day excursion. If you are visiting from afar, you might stay in Shrewsbury or Wellington the night before. Shrewsbury has many hotels and inns; in Wellington you could even stay at The Swan Smoke-house (it has guest rooms on site). For car parking, there are public lots around Shrewsbury and Wellington. Cyclists could use bike racks – some of the pubs have spaces to lock up bikes.

Final Thoughts

The Shropshire Real Ale Trail delivers a unique pub experience by combining traditional village pubs with a fun, organised bus tour. It’s a rare chance to visit a string of atmospheric rural pubs all in one day, enjoying real ales on tap at each one, without worrying about driving or logistics. From the Salopian Bar’s award-winning line-up to the historic charm of the Mytton & Mermaid, each stop has its own highlights, so the day never feels monotonous. Customer feedback (and our own experience) shows the event is very well-run: buses are friendly and punctual, each pub seems prepared for it, and the general vibe is jovial.

Of course, there are a few things to bear in mind. Popular pubs can get busy, so snagging a seat at peak times (lunch or early evening) may require a bit of patience or nabbing an outdoor table. Also, the trail isn’t cheap as a day out (£26 plus the pints and food you buy) – but considering what you get (transport and about eight pub visits), it offers good value. If you’re not used to pub crawls, be prepared: ten hours of beer (even of the real ale variety) can be dizzying. But that’s part of the fun.

In the end, this Trail is a love letter to Shropshire pubs. You leave with a stomach full of hearty food, a notebook of new beer names, and memories of new friends made over the bar. We’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good pint and a bit of countryside adventure. Just remember: the trail slogan is right – don’t worry about driving, and get ready to enjoy a day of real ale discovery and camaraderie in Shropshire’s beautiful villages.