Holiday Destinations in Shropshire

Shropshire offers an abundance of stunning castles as holiday destinations, which provide tours and reveal all about its rich history.

Shropshire, known by ABTA as a rural gem, boasts delightful market towns, amazing historical attractions, and breathtaking landscapes ranging from the craggy Stiperstones ridge to AE Housman’s “blue remembered hills”. There’s truly something here for everyone in Shropshire.

Oswestry

Oswestry is a bustling border market town situated between England and Wales. Nestled between the lush plains of Shropshire and hilly terrain of Wales’ Borders, Oswestry has flourished due to trade bringing wool and cattle across its borders since medieval times. On market days the streets still buzz with trade activity as English and Welsh accents collide!

Market Town provides an ideal starting point to explore the wider area, featuring amazing aqueducts and canals of Pontcysyllte and Chirk as World Heritage sites, National Trust properties such as Whittington Castle, Park Hall Countryside Experience and Marcher castle of Chirk (which can also be visited via walking tour), as well as beautiful villages such as Ellesmere with lakes close by.

Oswestry offers numerous attractions, with the Oswestry Museum taking pride of place as an attraction in three rooms filled with fascinating displays and a comprehensive timeline of Oswestry history. Additionally, there is an enthralling natural history gallery and an area dedicated to Wilfred Owen (born 1914).

As part of its heritage walks, Oswaldshall also boasts several heritage walks including one around St Oswald’s Holy Well – said to cure eye problems – while its 15th Century timber-framed former grammar school founded in 1407 is now used as a cafe bistro.

The town boasts an excellent hospitality offering, featuring welcoming public houses and restaurants with unique artisan charm, in addition to boutique hotels and self-catering cottages that provide the ideal Shropshire retreats.

Church Stretton

Church Stretton lies at the center of Shropshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers visitors an amazing landscape to discover. Here, visitors can marvel at craggy and rugged cliffs such as those found at Stiperstones; long Mynd plateau; wooded scarp of Wenlock Edge and more – each element making up this breathtaking scene, described by A.E.Housman as “twilight paradise”, while Malcolm Saville used this setting for several of his children’s books featuring children!

Church Stretton offers breathtaking natural scenery, as well as numerous popular attractions like Carding Mill Valley and Long Mynd Golf Club. Additionally, two local nature reserves provide ample opportunity for peaceful walks near its town center.

Daniels Mill is an impressive 18th-century corn mill that still operates today, boasting an impressive waterwheel at Daniels Mill and offering delicious meals. Additionally, there are various restaurants, pubs, and tearooms in the town offering delicious fare. Additionally, an impressive waterwheel at Daniels Mill draws tourists.

There are also a number of museums and historical sites worth exploring in the area, including the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Shropshire Ironworks and Quarry Trust and National Trust’s Eaton Manor House. Each exhibit holds artefacts dating back to ancient times – making this museum ideal for history enthusiasts!

There is an impressive variety of accommodations in the area, ranging from hotel to self-catering cottages. Many hotels are family-friendly and provide a relaxing environment for guests; many also feature spas and fitness centers. Most hotels also provide free WiFi and parking – some even feature live music performances or offer on-site pubs!

Church Stretton is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers, situated beneath the rolling hills of Long Mynd. As such, it has been designated a Walkers’ Friendly town, boasting walking trails as well as offering activities such as climbing, caving, horseback riding and cycling.

Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury stands out among England’s many distinctive towns as an essential experience, boasting medieval allure with timber-framed black-and-white buildings, steep narrow streets, cosy cafe culture and home of Charles Darwin and Brother Cadfael; its historic church trail offers yet more captivating moments to savor!

Take a river walk, browse local markets or discover centuries of history at one of the many museums. Additionally, this town features an eclectic dining scene including classic pubs, chic restaurants and family friendly eateries – there’s sure to be something enjoyable here for every taste!

Shrewsbury offers an exciting nightlife scene, from lively music venues to intimate bars. GlouGlou Wine Bar stands out as an especially enjoyable spot, serving small platters of cheese, meat, hummus and veggies for just PS4. Town’s oldest building (Saxon Hall) now serves as home for Shropshire Regimental Museum; Laura’s Tower offers breathtaking city views as a clock tower.

Shrewsbury offers much for art enthusiasts, with numerous galleries and studios. The Shrewsbury Arts Society holds its annual exhibition every November, while Guild of Creative Artists displays seasonal shows throughout December. Additionally, Monmouth Museum boasts a holiday model train display while their main gallery hosts an international juried art show annually.

Shrewsbury offers accommodation options to fit all budgets, from charming cottages on Fish Street to period properties with wood-burning fireplaces and original features. For an unforgettable stay, book Attingham Park; an expansive country estate once owned by an influential politician featuring deer parks and children’s adventure playgrounds on its vast grounds.

Ludlow

Ludlow offers something for every visitor – medieval ruins, rural walks and world-class restaurants alike! Situated amidst the Shropshire Hills, this historic market town boasts a huge ruined castle as well as hundreds of listed buildings and cobbled streets lined with pubs that serve delicious local fare.

Ludlow’s heart throbs around its square, where visitors can shop for local cheese and wine or browse contemporary furniture in a design studio. If history is your thing, head to the Museum of Ludlow and the surrounding area where you can explore the Bitterley Hoard – an astonishing collection of Civil War period silver coins; also see Bronze Age urns, Anglo-Saxon sword pommels and rings as well as fossils found in limestone rock formations in Ludlow.

Ludlow is famous for its food scene and offers restaurants for every budget. Accommodation ranges from boutique town guesthouses and cottages, caravan touring parks and caravan touring parks – as well as its long-established market which is open Thursday and Sunday; don’t miss the Ludlow Food Festival (July-September), Magnalonga (an annual Italian event inspired by Ludlow), or its historic Fair if possible!

Wander the medieval streets and you will come across independent antique, vintage and fashion stores, galleries and even a handcrafted book binder! After your stroll is complete, stop in at Ludlow Brewing Company for some award-winning local ale and refresh yourself. This family-run business places strong emphasis on responsible farming; many products are produced at its nearby farm which can be observed from behind large glass partitions!

The Shropshire Hills National Park provides plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, horseback riding and wildlife exploration. There are numerous family-friendly attractions nearby like Acton Scott Stately Home and Grounds which offers tours of its historic house as well as visiting its working farm with cows, sheep, poultry and donkeys for visitors to meet. Kids will especially love spending time here!