Church Stretton

Church Stretton is located in the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural beauty (ANOB) and is only a short distance from Shrewsbury and Ludlow. Although it is a busy market town (Church Stretton benefits from many independent shops and pubs and holds regular markets) it still retains a friendly, community feel. You can easily while away a whole afternoon browsing through the Antiques Centre, bookshop, and gift shops as well as stopping off at any of several cafes, restaurants or pubs for refreshments.

Church Stretton is known as the gateway to the fabulous Long Mynd (Long Mountain) and a stroll through Rectory Wood in the centre of town will take you directly out onto the hill where you can explore for as many hours as your legs can take you! Alternatively, take the local free shuttlebus service from town, or take the car up the steep, winding Burway road.

Church Stretton was the first town in Shropshire to be recognised as a ‘walkers are welcome' town and is an ideal location for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. As well as hosting an annual walking festival in early June, for those hardier walkers, the first weekend in October sees the gruelling Long Mynd Hike - a 24 hour, 50 mile hike across the hills. The town is also home to the Long Mynd Gliding club, or, if you aren't feeling quite so adventurous, has cycle hire facilities including the hire of the environmentally friendly motorised bikes.

The town also boasts the second highest golf course in England and an archery club. Alternatively you can visit the Leisure Centre for a swim or to take part in a fitness class or a gym session.

Summer sees the annual "summerfest" where the whole community seems to gather in the town for shows, sidestalls and entertainment going on into late evening. The Arts Festival is another regular event, together with the Teas to Please events run by the local churches. There are countless tearooms, cafes and pubs and restaurants in and around the town, all of which offer a warm welcome. Our guests recommend: the Ragleth Inn in Little Stretton, the Jaipur Indian restaurant, Flinders Cafe, the Bottle and Glass at Picklescott, and so the list goes on... The best thing we can recommend is that you come and explore for yourself. You won't be disappointed....