Holiday Cottages throughout Shropshire

Category: Shropshire Towns (7)

A Guide to Towns and Villages in Shropshire

May
12

Much Wenlock

Much Wenlock is an attractive small market town, located mid way between Shrewsbury and Telford. A typical quintessential ‘olde’ English town with many independent shops offering a variety of goods and gifts.

There is a good choice when it comes to dining out too, with a number of friendly Inns, cafes and restaurants to choose from – all within a short stroll away.

One of the best know attractions in Much wedlock is Wenlock Priory.  Now owned by English Heritage it’s a stunning example of monastic ruins and a must see during any stay in Much Wenlock.

The Wenlock Olympian Games began in 1850 and are still held every year in the town which are globally recognised as the inspiration of the modern day Olympic Games. Visit the towns museum and discover how Dr. William Penny Brookes founded the games and how they led to their modern day equivalent.

Wenlock Edge is a limestone escarpment that rises gently from the town. It’s a fossil hunters playground as it was formed as coral reefs somewhere south of the Equator some 425 million years ago. It also provides miles of countryside walking and cycle trails.

Browse our holiday cottages in Much Wenlock and book your stay.

Jun
24

Shrewsbury

For lovers of history, Shrewsbury is the place for you. The market county town of Shrewsbury is set amidst beautiful countryside, just a few miles from the Welsh border. The birthplace of Charles Darwin and home to it’s Castle and Abbey, it’s a town steeped in history. Shrewsbury’s streets are lined with timber framed buildings dating back to medieval times.

The River Severn loops it’s way majestically around the town and there a numerous riverside walks to enjoy.

With numerous cafes restaurants of all cuisines, dining showbox for ios in the town is a must. For the young at heart there’s numerous bars and nightclubs too. There’s also a wide choice of independent shops, designer stores and the more famous high street names.

Shrewsbury is within easy reach of many Shropshire attractions and great walking countryside.

Jun
17

Ludlow

The market town of Ludlow in South Shropshire has many things to offer it’s many visitors. A plethora of medieval and Tudor-style buildings bring a touch of olde-England to this delightful Shropshire town. There’s also a wealth of fantastic restaurants and Inns, wonderful Shropshire countryside and many fantastic annual festivals.

Ludlow is surrounded by the unspoilt hills of south Shropshire and the Welsh borders, known as the Welsh Marches. It’s always popular with walkers and there are many forest and farm trails that start from the town itself. The Clee Hills, which are the highest point in Shropshire, are also visible from the town. The Shropshire Hills are within in easy reach via a short bus or car ride away. Ludlow is also the start for the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance path to Kington on the Herefordshire/Wales border.

At the heart of this beautiful market town is the marvel that is Ludlow Castle. One of the finest medieval ruins in the country. Set in the picturesque Shropshire countryside, you can walk through the Castle grounds and see the ancient houses of medieval royalty or relax in one of the tea rooms of browse the gift shop. Ludlow Castle is also the setting for regular events, markets, and even concerts and is open all year for all to enjoy.

Other facilities available in the Castle grounds include Castle House which is available for Civil Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions, Conferences and the Castle House Lodgings accommodation.

Ludlow, as a market town, provides frequent opportunities to visit one if its famous markets throughout your stay. The town square market consists of many stalls selling a wide range oflocal fayre, including books and a selection of local craft stalls. There are also Christmas markets in December.

Ludlow retains the original essence of an old English town with a wide range of independently owned traditional businesses and shops. There are also art galleries and craft shops . It also offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and Inns in Ludlow. Indeed, seven restaurants in or near Ludlow have entries in the current Michelin Guide.

Festivals, fairs and carnivals
Ludlow has many fayres and festivals throughout the year, all worthy of a visit and an must do experience for anyone staying nearby.

The Spring Festival, which takes place on the second weekend in May. May Fair, on the May Day holiday weekend. In June and July comes the Ludlow Festival – set in the stunning surroundings of Ludlow Castle a wide range of open-air events and fun packed couple of weeks.

For local produce, it’s hard to beat the Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival which is held the second weekend in September.

Finally, step back to Christmas past at the Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre, based in and around the castle.

Jun
17

Ironbridge

Ironbridge is a village on the River Severn, at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, in Shropshire.

Ironbridge is often regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge itself was built over the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in 1779.

The area is steeped in history and the numerous museums provide insight into the lives of the people living in both an vital industrial link in such a rural setting.

Sitting on the banks of the River Severn, the steep sided Ironbridge Gorge is a delightful setting. The compact nature of the area makes it an easy attraction to not only enjoy the scenery and history, but to relax and dine out at the end of a packed day. There are numerous restaurants, cafes and bistros from which to choose. On a warm sunny day you can dine al-fresco or relax with a pint of Shropshire Gold Ale and watch the Severn flow by with all its grandeur.

Check back to our homepage to begin your search for cottages in Ironbridge

Jun
17

Church Stretton

Church Stretton’s ‘picture postcard’ setting in the Shropshire hills has long been the reason behind this pretty town being nicknamed “Little Switzerland”…and it’s easy to see why. Many of the houses almost cling to the hillsides and the mountains in minuature landscape is a magnet for outdoor activities.

Indeed, Church Stretton and its charming nearby villages do provide an excellent base for a variety of outdoor activities all year round.  A holiday here is a wonderful option and activities include hiking, hill walking, archery, gliding, hang gliding, mountain biking – there’s even the second highest golf course in England.

Church Stretton is actually a ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ town and an abundance of excellent footpaths over the Long Mynd and the Stretton Hills including Caer Caradoc means walkers are spoilt for choice. The views from the the tops of the Long Mynd, the Stretton Hills and nearby Stiperstones are far reaching, with even the mountains of Snowdonia visible on a clear day. Carding Mill Valley provides a host of routes to the top, from the challenging climbs to the more leisurely routes, suitable for all the family.

Church Stretton itself is a busy market town with tea shops, antique shops and many traditional pubs serving great local ales.

Jun
17

Craven Arms

The gateway to the Marches, Craven Arms is a market town for the surrounding rural area. Situated within the South Shropshire hills, Craven Arms is an ideal base from which to start many a long distance walk – or even one’s more leisurely.

Just a mile south of Craven Arms you will find the historic treasure that is Stokesay Castle, a fortified manor house built in the late 13th century. It is also a venue for regular historical interpretations and re-enactments with events and activities.

The modern Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is a centre featuring exhibits about the county’s geography;

Craven Arms is also perfectly situated for easy visits to nearby towns such as Ludlow, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, and Church Stretton.

Jun
17

Oswestry

The market town of Oswestry is located just five miles from the Welsh border with Llangollen within easy reach. Known for its mixed Welsh and English heritage, Oswestry is fantastic place to stay with so much on offer both in the town and nearby.

Oswestry is super base to start exploring the Welsh Mountains. Less than 25 miles away, Lake Vyrnwy is a magical place in a real-life fairytale setting. Set within the beautiful Berwyn Mountains a visit to Lake Vyrnwy is a wonderful day out for all the family.

Also just over the border another must-see is Pistyll Rhaeadr – one of the seven wonders of Wales. Situated within the Berwyn Monutain range, this is the highest waterfall in Wales at 240 feet. You can watch awestruck at the cafe situated at the base of the falls, or climb up to the waters edge before it drops over the cliffs…just watch your step ! It’s a truly spectacular sight.

The famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford is just a few miles north between Oswestry and Llangollen. It’s a narrow aqueduct that carries canal boats 126 ft high above the River Dee. A must-see, if not just to watch the faces of those who traverse it by boat for the first time.

There are nearby castles, so if a little bit of history is the order of the day, the castles at Chirk and Powis Castle will delight for sure.

The Offas Dyke long distance footpath runs along the Welsh border about 3 miles west of Oswestry itself. Leaflets detailing the footpaths can be picked up at the Oswestry Visitor Information Centre.

There are many places to dine out with establishments for all tastes and budgets at Oswestry. You’ll also never be left wondering where you next pint of real ale is coming from, that’s for sure as Oswestry is famous for its high number of pubs per head of population, with around 30 in the town.

A warm welcome certainly awaits you in Oswestry.