For a sleepy Shropshire town in one of England’s most unpopulated Counties, self-catering holiday accommodation in Church Stretton affords visitors a wide choice of things to see and do. The town, christened ‘Little Switzerland’ in Victorian times, lies beneath the Welsh hills on the England Wales borders. There are plenty of ancient forts and castles bearing testimony to past border conflicts worth a visit within an easy drive of the town.
Not for nothing was Church Stretton the first town in Shropshire to acquire ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ status. Church Stretton it is a wonderful destination for walkers who can enjoy long leisurely rambles with wonderful pan views over the Long Mynd, Stiperstones and Caer Caradoc. For those less athletically inclined, it is possible to get a bus to the top of the Long Mynd leaving you with the easier option of a downhill walk home! Visit in June to participate in the annual Church Stretton Walking Festival.
Traditional charm and modern comforts combine perfectly in Trooper’s Barn, a large rural cottage in Shropshire’s scenic Hope Valley. The cottage welcomes families and pets. Sleeps 11 in five bedrooms, a shared games room, luscious gardens, spacious sitting rooms and an outdoor hot tub.
- Sleeps 11
- Bedrooms 5
- Bathrooms 5
Betty’s Barn is a brick-built barn conversion on a 200-acre farm, in the peaceful, village of Eaton-under-Heywood, 5 miles from Church Stretton. This beautifully furnished countryside holiday cottage in South Shropshire sleeps 5, with gardens, ponds and access to idyllic woodland. Pets welcome.
- Sleeps 5
- Bedrooms 2
- Bathrooms 2
Mayfield is a ground floor 2-bedroom holiday cottage from the 1930s, given a full contemporary makeover. Boasting under-floor heating, and character features such as a wood burning stove, this countryside cottage near Church Stretton is perfect for walking holidays in Shropshire.
- Sleeps 4
- Bedrooms 2
- Bathrooms 1
This cosy countryside holiday cottage for couples sleeps 2 on a peaceful 200-acre farm, near Church Stretton, in the rural village of Eaton-under-Heywood. Kite’s Nest is a beautiful barn conversion surrounded by South Shropshire’s picturesque countryside, with access to gardens, ponds and woods.
- Sleeps 2
- Bedrooms 1
- Bathrooms 1
Towns nearby
Church Stretton
The hills serve to create the wonderful thermals so sought after by gliding and parascending fans. Either relax in their slopes on a sunny day and gaze upwards as gliders and hang gliders soar high above you, or have a go yourself at the Beyond Extreme Paragliding Centre or the Midland Gliding Club. Alternatively try a hot air balloon ride over the Welsh hills.
The Long Mynd is also home to England’s second highest golf course. Visitors are welcome, even if only to enjoy lunch and the fine spectacular views from the clubhouse
For such a small town, visitors have a surprisingly wide choice of places to eat and drink. Should you ever tire of self catering and decide to head out for lunch or dinner, there are over 20 restaurants, tea rooms and pubs to choose from, many serving delicious menus using local produce.
It’s possible to return from holiday with some very classy souvenirs, as Church Stretton is a well-known antiques centre with an impressive market attracting visitors from far and wide. History lovers will also enjoy a day at the Aston Scott working farm which was the location for BBC2’s ‘Victorian Farm’ programme.
