After months of darker days and comforting carbohydrates, it’s time to blow away the winter cobwebs with bracing crisp air, first experiences, tantalising new tastes, and extraordinary stays.
Get out in the Shropshire Hills
As a very rural county, Shropshire is simply a walker’s playground. The best walking lies in the south, in the little populated Shropshire Hills (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and along the county’s border with Wales.
Hiking along part of the Shropshire section of the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail is a highlight. Some of the best-preserved sections of the eighth-century linear earthwork lie in Shropshire, including between Knighton and the Kerry Ridgeway near Bishop’s Castle, and in the north-west of the county between Selattyn and Bronygarth.
Alternatively, take on the Stiperstones. This unique heathland is steeped in history and folklore, of which the most famous is included in our very own 5.2 mile circular walk, which can be found here.
For even more walking inspiration click here
Relax in new surroundings
Shropshire is bursting with unusual and unique places to stay, from train carriages and castles to safari tents and bougie cabins, Shropshire really has everything you could think of!
Here a couple of our recommendations:
Walcot Hall
With no less than 15 self-catering holiday cottages and 10 glamping ‘hidden treasures’ dotted around the estate, Walcot Hall certainly has a lot to offer. The holiday cottages vary from the traditional to the unique; a tin Chapel tucked away in the arboretum, yurts, shepherd’s huts and more!
Dracup’s cottage
Dracup’s Cottage, previously owned by an artist, Antony Dracup, was transformed into a work of art. It features a 360-degree mural of Bridgnorth and surrounding areas as well as its most famous room – The Knights’ Cavern, a hand-crafted cave full of gothic quirks.
For more information/inspiration of where to stay, click here
Try something new
Shropshire is full of one-of-a-kind experiences, perfect for those looking to break the winter routine! Whether you’re looking to take on a challenge, immerse yourself in a new world or simply try something different for a change, you can find it in Shropshire. Here are a few of our recommendations to try:
Visit the Alpacas
You’re guaranteed to bump into a few friendly locals in Shropshire, some furry ones too! If you love animals, then you’ll love Frankly Alpacas based in the rolling Shropshire Hills. Get up close and personal with a meet and greet, in which you’ll learn all about these fascinating animals, get hands-on time with them and feed them!
Take a trip to Blist’s Hill Victorian Town
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian Life! Blists Hill Victorian Towns offers a completely unique opportunity to visit Victorian shops and cottages, taste authentic food and sweets and join craftspeople demonstrating their trade in this recreated working town.
Dive into wild swimming at Alderford Lake
Open-water swimming is an up-and-coming phenomenon and a truly invigorating sport, with heaps of health benefits! Alderford lake is a very popular spot with wild swimmers. Avoid diving in at the deep end and start with a swim coaching session. Alderfords expert coaching will make you swim more comfortably and make you fall in love with open water!
Taste something new
There’s one thing Shropshire does award-winningly well – FOOD! With incredible dining experiences to be found in every corner of the county, you won’t struggle to tantalize your tastebuds.
Our recommendations:
Kanu Poke
Kanu Poke, Shrewsburys’ one and only Pacific fusion restaurant! Taste the pacific with their incredible fusion menu, with pacific inspired hot plates, poke, cocktails and tropical desserts. It’s also 100% vegan and 100% gluten-free!
Beefy Boys
If you class yourself as a die-hard meat eater, A trip to Beefy Boys is an absolute must! Beefy Boys take burgers seriously, that means no egg, no fillers, no breadcrumbs, just 100% meat! It’s no wonder they’re award-winning.
Find out more: 7 ways to indulge your senses
