Located adjacent and to the east of the Welsh border, the English county of Shropshire is one of the most rural and sparsely populated counties in England. Landlocked, it is also England’s largest inland county. The landscape is one of patchworked fields, wooded valleys, watery meres, bold escarpments and proud hill forts, together with elegant rolling hills, leading into the rugged Welsh mountains.
Things to do in Shropshire The intricate network of canals and pathways that criss-cross the county include the Shropshire Union Canal and the Llangollen Canal. Over 46 miles of canals cover north Shropshire, taking in the towns of Ellesmere, Market Drayton and Whitchurch. At Lower Frankton, the Llangollen Canal is joined by the 35-mile long Montgomery Canal. As with other stretches of canal and waterway, the surrounding towpaths and watersides here act as unofficial nature reserves, encouraging all kinds of wildlife, whilst the route of the canals themselves not only attract narrowboat enthusiasts and canoeists, but also fishermen, walkers, cyclists and photographers.
The Shropshire Hills also offer walkers some unparalleled vistas and countryside. Shrewsbury was awarded ‘cycling town’ status in 2008, together with substantial grant funding to further improve local cycling facilities. The Shropshire Way is a long-distance footpath which runs for almost 140 miles in a large loop around the county. To the west, Offas Dyke marks the ancient border with Wales, and is now a popular long-distance path strewn with the remains of the Marcher Castles.
Top Destinations
Shrewsbury - The county town, Shrewsbury, is noted for its particularly fine architecture, and a largely unaltered mediaeval street plan, which makes it a highly attractive destination for visitors. The River Severn is a key element in Shrewsbury, and the town has a total of nine bridges which cross the River Severn and sometimes the Rea Brook; two of the bridges - known respectively as the ‘English’ bridge and the ‘Welsh’ bridge - help to underline the extent to which the town has been the scene of many territorial conflicts over the years; the Welsh bridge covers a crossing point that has been utilised since the 12th century; on the bank close by, the dramatic and modern Darwin-dedicated ‘Quantum Leap’ sculpture has been designed to symbolize the scientist’s ground-breaking ideas and the impact of his work, and is an iconic structure which has been interpreted by many as representing part of a DNA double helix, although for others it also echoes the skeleton of a dinosaur. It was created to mark the bicentenary of the birth of the town’s most famous son in 2009. Meanwhile, to the west of the town, Rodney's Pillar, set on the top of Breidden Hill, a rocky outcrop on the east bank of the River Severn, commemorates an 18th century naval hero and his successful naval fleet, with many of the triumphant ships built in Bristol from local Montgomeryshire wood.
Bridgnorth - With two distinctive areas – the ‘High Town’ and the ‘Low Town’ – joined by the steepest funicular railway in Britain, the now relatively quiet town of Bridgnorth was once a highly prosperous settlement – the Low Town, a thriving port on the banks of the River Severn, the High Town, the location of a fine castle, churches and elegant 16th and 17th century mansions. Today, the ruins of Bridgnorth Castle lean precariously, mainly due to damage inflicted to the walls during the English Civil War.
Ludlow- Food is a central preoccupation in Ludlow; with speciality food shops, food fairs, markets and restaurants all over the town. This pretty market town is also home to almost 500 listed buildings, many of them mediaeval or Tudor half-timbered, and the mediaeval town walls here are also worthy of note.
Caer Caradoc - This impressive 1,506 ft hill to the east of the Long Mynd dominates the local landscape and is the site of an ancient hill fort which is thought to have been the stronghold of a pre-Roman tribe. It is on the route of several popular local walks, which give panoramic views across south Shropshire.
Much Wenlock - A quintessentially English town, Much Wenlock retains much of the feel of an ancient historic village. Nearby, Wenlock Edge is a distinctive geological feature, a limestone escarpment which runs for approximately 15 miles and is largely covered and protected by deciduous woodland.
Oswestry - A ‘frontier town’ close to the Welsh border, its strategic position giving it an often turbulent history, Oswestry is now a bustling modern community. Today it offers visitors a fine mixture of historic buildings and architectural styles. Offa’s Dyke, the ancient earthwork and border with Wales, runs nearby to the west. Whittington Castle is another nearby attraction and is unique, being the only castle in the UK to be owned and managed by a community of local residents. Some legends link the castle to the stories associated with the Holy Grail.
Ellesmere- A pretty market town with mediaeval streets and Georgian houses, Ellesmere takes its name from the Ancient Britons settlement on the edge of an amazing glacial mere. The Mere is the largest of some nine glacial meres in the area and is still seen as a key local leisure amenity, whether for boating, fishing or bird watching.
Whitchurch - A bustling market town, founded by the Romans and now on the route of the Llangollen Canal and a superb flight of staircase locks, Whitchurch has some splendid historic buildings and a number of long-distance walking routes to help familiarise new visitors with some of the most important aspects of the local history.
Telford and The Wrekin - The Wrekin is one of the most notable of all landmarks in the county, and can be seen from miles around, and across into the Black Country and Staffordshire. The hill rises to 1,113 ft above the Shropshire Plain, dominating the landscape around Telford and Ironbridge, and has as its origins an extinct volcanic hill. On a clear day, from the top of the Wrekin it is said that fifteen counties are visible. The lack of an accessible road route over the top of the hill means that everyone has to ‘go round the Wrekin’. Located not far from the Wrekin, Telford is the largest town in Shropshire; named after the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford, it is one of the so-called ‘new towns’ built during the 1960s and 70s.
Ironbridge - Ironbridge Gorge is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which encompasses Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge. Ironbridge itself is seen as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution some 300 years ago. In addition to being the site of the first ever cast iron bridge, Ironbridge is now home to a total of ten museums, which are spread along the banks of the River Severn, making it a quite unique place to visit, and an excellent excuse for a day out.
Coalbrookdale - The second village in the Ironbridge Gorge, Coalbrookdale is also a place of great significance in the history of the Industrial Revolution – and specifically in relation to iron ore smelting, as it was here that easily-mined ‘coking coal’ was first used to produce a superior quality of iron. Home to the Ironbridge Institute, Coalbrookdale holds a unique place in the history of industrial development.
A former Victorian quarryman’s cottage, Clee View Cottage is set in an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty in the rural village of Bedlam, and enjoys fabulous views over Shropshire towards the Welsh Marches. This renovated ...
Enjoying uninterrupted views over parkland towards the River Severn and Wrekin Hill, Cronkhill Farmhouse occupies a delightful elevated position on the National Trust’s Attingham Park Estate.This spacious, timber framed ...
Ladymoor, Highley, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
This large sandstone 17th-century holiday cottage stands detached on the banks of the River Severn with stunning views of the Severn Valley from both the house and the delightful lawned garden. It is located just 50 yards ...
Swallows Nest is tucked away in a quiet corner of the the owners’ grounds, positioned almost on the border between Wales and Shropshire. It enjoys views across the open countryside and is the ideal place in which to ...
Bougheys Barn, Welshampton, near Ellesmere, Shropshire, Oswestry
Located in the owner’s grounds, Bougheys Barn is perfectly placed in the picturesque village of Welshampton, on the outskirts of Ellesmere, a traditional market town set in the heart of the beautiful Shropshire ...
Situated down a quiet lane, this former old chapel has been sympathetically renovated by the current owners to provide comfortable accommodation close to one of Shropshire’s most popular towns – picturesque, medieval ...
Located in the small hamlet of Maesbrook, on the Wales/Shropshire border, this detached property has been thoughtfully furnished and well-equipped with its own private hot tub in a sheltered area of the large, enclosed ...
Nestling in the small village of Culmington in the picturesque Corve Dale Valley, this single-storey, beamed barn conversion with a vaulted ceiling and cosy woodburner, has been stylishly renovated and provides an ideal ...
The Oast House, Whatmore, near Tenbury Wells, Shropshire, Ludlow
Beams, original oak studding, a panelled ‘oast house’ ceiling and lovely views make this exceptional first floor property a delight! A super base for couples and small families to enjoy a quality country holiday, it ...
The Stables, Loppington, near Ellesmere, Shropshire, Oswestry
Located on a small farm in the quiet hamlet of Loppington, The Stables provides comfortable accommodation for families or friends. This semi-detached barn conversion boasts its own private hot tub and makes for a perfectly ...
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Allens Cottage, Montford Bridge, near Shrewsbury, Shropshire
This well-positioned, detached holiday cottage is located in the Montford Bridge area of Shrewsbury. Adjacent to the owners’ home, it has superb views across the local countryside and the sitting-out area overlooks the ...
Nestling in the small village of Culmington in the picturesque Corve Dale Valley, this single-storey, beamed barn conversion with a vaulted ceiling and cosy woodburner, has been stylishly renovated and provides an ideal ...
Bicton Cottage, Clun, near Craven Arms, Shropshire, Bishops Castle
In the quiet hamlet of Bicton, nearby to Clun this lovely detached, rural holiday cottage offers homely accommodation ideal for touring South Shropshire, Herefordshire and mid Wales. Visit Clun, the quaint town separated ...
Bougheys Barn, Welshampton, near Ellesmere, Shropshire, Oswestry
Located in the owner’s grounds, Bougheys Barn is perfectly placed in the picturesque village of Welshampton, on the outskirts of Ellesmere, a traditional market town set in the heart of the beautiful Shropshire ...
A well-presented, detached barn conversion, adjacent to the owner’s home, with lovely views and a private garden. This holiday property is located on the Offa’s Dyke Footpath, in a peaceful setting at the end of the ...
In a quiet location just 2½ miles from Ellesmere, this beautiful, detached, converted barn has been lovingly furnished to a impeccable standard with its own private, south facing garden and patio to the rear. The property ...
Located in the small hamlet of Maesbrook, on the Wales/Shropshire border, this detached property has been thoughtfully furnished and well-equipped with its own private hot tub in a sheltered area of the large, enclosed ...
Buntingsdale Cottage, Little Drayton, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, Shrewsbury
Nestled in the grounds of Buntingsdale Hall, this cosy cottage is ideal for couples and small families looking for a relaxing break. This detached cottage has its own private entrance and outdoor area, with walks starting ...
Callow Lodge, Bromlow, near Minsterley, Shropshire, Bishops Castle
A stand alone lodge, adjacent to the owner’s home, overlooking the magnificent Shropshire and Powys county borderlands. The lodge is located on farmland in a central location for easy access to the historic town of ...
Canal Central, Maesbury Marsh, near Oswestry, Shropshire
A great opportunity to stay in first floor accommodation overlooking the Montgomery Canal (the discreet owner lives on-site), only 2 miles from the historic market town of Oswestry on the Shropshire/mid Wales border. This ...
Canal View, Tetchill, near Ellesmere, Shropshire, Oswestry
This perfectly positioned, single-storey barn conversion is set on the banks of the Llangollen Canal and boasts its own, private use, hot tub and well tended grounds and gardens. Canal View is an immaculate property, ...
Castle Keep, Middleton Scriven, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
These three well appointed, semi-detached properties, two of which provide ground floor accommodation, and the third providing a private hot tub and open plan upside-down living, lie in the hamlet of Middleton Scriven on ...
Castle Meadow, Middleton Scriven, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With Freeview TV, DVD player and CD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.Bedroom 1: ...
A former Victorian quarryman’s cottage, Clee View Cottage is set in an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty in the rural village of Bedlam, and enjoys fabulous views over Shropshire towards the Welsh Marches. This renovated ...
Nestling at the bottom of Clee Hill in the rural hamlet of Bitterley, the Cow Shed is a detached, single-storey converted barn on a ’mixed’ working farm. This beautifully presented holiday property has wonderful views ...
A detached barn conversion within the owners’ grounds, in an elevated position overlooking the Tanat Valley and with a south facing patio and large grounds, the property is within ½ mile of the village of Treflach. The ...
Enjoying uninterrupted views over parkland towards the River Severn and Wrekin Hill, Cronkhill Farmhouse occupies a delightful elevated position on the National Trust’s Attingham Park Estate.This spacious, timber framed ...
Situated in the pretty village of Orleton, with its 16th-century pub, this semi-detached, 17th century holiday cottage is only a short drive from the historic towns of Ludlow and Leominster. It is of half timber and brick ...
Set in the grounds of the magnificent Chillington Hall and estate, this beautiful detached cottage, formerly the gardener’s residence, has been transformed into an amazing holiday home that provides excellent quality, ...
Ironmasters House, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
Situated in the historic town of Ironbridge, in the heart of rural Shropshire, this holiday property which overlooks the historic iron bridge and River Severn, nestles around an attractive courtyard and enjoys all that ...
Ladymoor, Highley, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
This large sandstone 17th-century holiday cottage stands detached on the banks of the River Severn with stunning views of the Severn Valley from both the house and the delightful lawned garden. It is located just 50 yards ...
This detached holiday cottage is located in a peaceful location. The owners live on-site and take care of hens, ducks, geese, quail, ponies and pigs. Little Duckling Cottage is quaint and quirky and enjoys a cosy ...
Marsh Down Farm Cottage is a lovely family property tucked away in rural Shropshire with the most fantastic views, is adjacent to the owner’s home. Guests can enjoy stargazing the night sky in peace and tranquillity. The ...
Mashers Barn, Chapel Lawn, near Bucknell, Shropshire, Bishops Castle
Conveniently appointed in the small rural hamlet of Chapel Lawn, between Clun and Bucknell, this fine example of a detached barn conversion has been lovingly restored to retain many original features. The holiday property ...
Newhouse Farm Barn, Neenton, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
This well-appointed detached barn conversion is situated in a quiet hamlet, midway between Bridgnorth and Ludlow, two of Shropshire’s most well-known and loved historic towns. The interior of The Barn has been ...
No. 1 Ash Cottage, Six Ashes, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Ironbridge
All on the ground floor.Open plan living space.Living area: With Freeview TV and DVD player.Dining area.Kitchen area: With electric oven, electric hob, microwave and fridge.Bedroom 1: With twin beds.Bedroom 2: With single ...
A charming retreat tucked away in the South Shropshire Hills, a rural idyll made famous by the poems of A.E. Housman’s A Shropshire Lad.Henley Cottage is a 19th- century former farm labourer’s dwelling, sympathetically ...
Nuthatch, Dudleston, near Ellesmere, Shropshire, Oswestry
A fantastic conversion set in Dudleston at the heart of North Shropshire. These two semi-detached barn conversions (29363 and 29364), adjacent to the owners’ home, are set in a quiet and peaceful location - an ideal ...
This 18th-century, stone-built, mid-terrace barn conversion is set within a courtyard in a rural location overlooking the beautiful Tanat Valley and Offa’s Dyke Pathway. The shared garden and 20 acres are perfect for ...
Pear Tree Cottage, Wyre Forest, near Bewdley, Worcestershire, Tenbury Wells
Set in rural seclusion close to a working farm both cottages enjoy exclusive views over and across the Wyre Forest. Decorated to a high standard the cottages – formerly a coach house and stables – offer comfortable ...
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