Church Stretton is a small historic market town in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It sits below the heather-clad upland plateau of the Long Mynd in a picturesque valley. It has two Local Nature Reserves immediately adjacent to the town centre, covering some 200 acres, one on the valley floor with an abundance of wetland species and the other, a wooded area, once described as “the most tranquil place in Britain”.
The long history of Church Stretton is plain to see in the many buildings dating back to Tudor times, all with explanatory plaques to read as you stroll around. The main shopping streets were developed in the Edwardian era, and there aren’t chain stores in Church Stretton, just lots of independent, locally-owned businesses which help create a magical visit to our lovely town.
Church Stretton lies on the main Transport for Wales railway line from Shrewsbury to Ludlow. It also has a regular bus link to both towns, plus a Shuttle Bus service around the hills on summer weekends.
Church Stretton, in its idyllic setting, offers an ideal country escape for a couple of days with a variety of options, depending on how active you want to be. You can enjoy exploring the unusual range of shops and ferreting around the Antiques Centre before trying out the various tea and coffee shops. We have a variety of eateries to suit all tastes from pubs, cafés and restaurants. And just half a mile north and south of the town are the villages of All Stretton and Little Stretton, both of which give access to beautiful Long Mynd valleys and routes up on to the hills, and boasting great dining pubs.
Exploration of the town, with its many historic buildings and its Norman church, can be interspersed with gentle rambles around either of the two Local Nature Reserves which are near at hand. Carding Mill Valley, a short walk from the town centre, is popular with children and adults alike with walking routes to the local waterfall, or up on to the Long Mynd. Parents can relax in the National Trust Pavilion, while the children have fun making dams or catching bullheads in the stream.
Here is a link to a series of eight short walks in and around Church Stretton that you can download and print before you arrive.
See the Visit Church Stretton website for more information before and during your stay.
Call in to the Visitor Information centre which is based in the Library and has all sorts of information useful for visitors in the area. See the Visit Church Stretton website for opening hours.
Embark on a journey through Ludlow`s enchanting streets on a sunny Saturday market day! 🌞✨
Witness the lively atmosphere as local traders bring colors and flavors to the scene. Explore quaint independent shops, bask in the aromatic charm of cafes, and savor culinary delights at local restaurants.
Ludlow`s picturesque streets are a canvas of culture waiting to be explored! 🛍️🍽️
Brilliant 🎥 IG @letsgoludlow
🌸✨ Mark your calendars for a bloomin` good time at Frankly Alpacas – it`s Springtime Fun on the Farm! 🦙💐
Join Frankly Alpacas Monday 12th - Sunday 18th and Monday 25th of March - Sunday 7th of April for an unforgettable experience with alpacas, lambs, and adorable Dexter cows. Get up close and personal with these furry friends through farm tours and hands-on encounters. It`s a day filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of Spring in the air. Don`t miss out on this farmtastic adventure!
Check all the details and secure your spot! @frankly_alpacas
#visitshropshire #familyfun #shropshire #thingstodo
"🏰✨ Dive into the heart of Shrewsbury`s Castle Quarter – the epicenter of history and grandeur! 🏰 Home to four of the town`s largest historic treasures – Shrewsbury Castle, Library, Prison, and Train Station.
Did you know Shrewsbury Castle`s foundations were laid in 1083 by the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, Roger de Montgomery?
Montgomery, a cousin of William the Conqueror, earned this castle and more as a thank-you for his aid during the Norman conquest.
From royal stronghold to a 16th-century transformation, Shrewsbury Castle has quite the story. Now, it stands majestically, housing the Shropshire Regimental Museum. 👑🏰 Ready to step into the pages of history?
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Embark on an extraordinary half-term adventure at the enchanting Hawkstone Park Follies! 🌲✨
This hidden gem invites you to explore a sprawling landscape filled with magical surprises. Hawskstone Park Follies are offering 50% off general admission from February 9th to 18th, making it the perfect opportunity to uncover the mysteries that await.
Set in 100 acres of Parkland The Follies is a range of dramatic and rugged natural sandstone hills that were developed to include gullies, caves, towers and bridges, becoming one of the most visited landscapes in Britain during the 19th Century. However, throughout the 20th Century this romantic landscape became forgotten, overgrown and ruinous, unvisited by all but the locals.
Now recognised as a Masterpiece of the School of Naturalistic Landscape and designated as a Grade I listed landscape by English Heritage, this magical and exhilarating landscape had a new lease of life with a multi-million pound restoration project enabling it to reopen to visitors in 1993. Overgrown but never fully forgotten, pathways were cleared, gullies reopened and handrails reinstalled to allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular views and surprises that The Follies reveals around every corner.
Friends of the Follies can also enjoy special annual pass upgrade offers available at the gate, ensuring that the magic doesn`t end after one visit!
Ready for an immersive experience where you can adventure, explore, and discover?
Secure your spot now at @hawkstoneparkfollies
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🌲✨ Join The Gruffalo on a birthday adventure at Haughmond Hill! 🎉🎈
Celebrating 25 years of magical tales, Forestry England presents a brand new family trail for an unforgettable experience in the deep dark woods.
Follow the path from the visitor car park, embark on a quest to find party items, and help choose the perfect present for the Gruffalo. 🐭🎁
Enjoy fun, games, and discover the wonders of forest life along the way. Don`t forget your activity pack for just £4 at Haughmond Hill Café—it`s packed with party-ready surprises! 🎂🌳
Warm up, bundle up, and make this winter a Gruffalo birthday celebration to remember! ❄️
@haughmondhillfc
#visitshropshire #halfterm #halftermfun #shropshire #haughmondhill #shrewsbury
