The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) have included Shropshire in their top 10 global ‘Destinations to Watch 2024’, the first time a UK destination has been named. Here are just a few ways you can explore this beautiful county and the surrounding area:
Visit Ludlow Town Centre
Ludlow is a fascinating small town with its beautiful and well-preserved medieval architecture. There are almost 500 listed buildings, including the castle which dates from around 1086.
The other dominant building is Saint Laurence Church, also described as ‘the cathedral of The Marches’. The tower of St Laurence’s church is 41 metres high and offers excellent views of the town and Shropshire countryside (if you don’t mind climbing all 203 steps!). If you do, reward yourself with a cup of coffee at the wonderful Icon Coffee shop within the church.
The town is known for its vast array of small independent shops, many of which offer good quality locally-sourced food and drink. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants serving the food that Ludlow is well-known for.
Ramble on the Long Mynd & Stiperstones
These are two rocky outcrops at the heart of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. The Long Mynd is a long plateau of heathland just above Church Stretton (known as Little Switzerland). Wild ponies can be found roaming on the top of the plateau. At the highest point, Pole Bank, is a viewing point with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside.
The drive to the top of The Long Mynd is spectacular with steep climbs from Ratlinghope and Church Stretton. There are several car parks from which you can start your walk. During the summer months, the Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus is in operation - check here for more details.
Go Walking in the Redlake Valley
The School House is in the beautiful Redlake Valley which offers some of the best scenery in south Shropshire. Two of the highlights are Caer Caradoc, with one of the best-preserved Iron Age hillforts around, and the stunning Brineddin Wood which is mainly made up of sessile oak. During spring there are many photogenic new-born lambs in the fields to grab your attention. You are welcome to take one of our walk routes to guide you through this idyllic scenery.
Visit Historic Houses and Gardens
Historic houses and beautiful gardens are in abundance in Shropshire and the neighbouring counties of Herefordshire and Powys. The National Trust and English Heritage own several properties such as Stokesay Castle, Attingham Park and Berrington Hall. Powis Castle is also a favourite amongst our guests. Read more about some of these places in our blog here: Historic Houses
Experience Shropshire Festivals
Shropshire is a county that has a fine tradition of festivals. The castle grounds are the setting for the big festivals in Ludlow. The Spring Festival in May combines local beer and food producers with live music and classic cars. During the Food Festival in September about 180 local producers will display their wares with many other events also taking place in the town.
Other festivals include the quirky Clun Green Man festival during the early May Bank Holiday weekend. There are various walking festivals offering guided walks such as the Bishop's Castle Walking Festival in May.
Visit Clun & Bishops Castle
There are many small towns and villages to visit nearby. Clun is very close to us and has its castle ruins and several eateries to explore. A E Housman described the village as ‘the quietest place under the sun’ in A Shropshire Lad. Bishop’s Castle is another nearby village well worth a visit – not least because it has two breweries. Be sure to pop into the quirky Poetry Pharmacy whilst you're there.
Take a Tour of Ludlow Brewery or the Ludlow Distillery
The Ludlow Brewery is in the town centre and offers tours of its restored railway shed premises. The Visitor Centre is also open for a relaxing drink - be that an ale, a coffee or something else. The venue occasionally holds indoor markets offering crafts and food.
The Ludlow Distillery has daily tours and also a gin school. It's based next to the Ludlow Farmshop where there is plenty of parking. Don't worry if you're driving - they'll give you a takeaway!
Other Activities
If you fancy learning a new skill with the beautiful South Shropshire countryside on your doorstep, there are several courses on offer in the area:
- Textile courses with Bobby Britnell at Moor Hall Studio
- Arts and crafts courses at Westhope College
- Modern calligraphy and botanical watercolour workshops at Alice Draws the Line.
Looking for more ideas for trips and activities in and around the Shropshire area?
There are heaps more to be found in Clare's Blog