Church Stretton, Shropshire
Church Stretton - The first town in Shropshire to be 'Walkers Are Welcome'
As a health resort the Victorians called Church Stretton "little Switzerland" (and as we point out without the wolves and avalanches). The Alpine like hills are dotted with chocolate box houses clinging to the hillside. Church Stretton still retains a feel of a gentile spa town and still has natural springs providing the source of Stretton Hills bottled water.
Above the town rises the Long Mynd and the main route to explore the local countryside, you will also find a number of "batches" or hollows – which many of the local villages adopt as part of their name. Church Stretton is the first town in Shropshire to receive Walkers Are Welcome status as they have something special to offer for walkers more than simply being a fantastic place to come and enjoy the great outdoors. The town also holds its own annual Walking Festival in June.
The National Trust looks after Carding Mill Valley and much more besides. Apart from being a pretty walk, there is a tea pavilion for anyone in need of refreshments. At weekends and Bank Holidays the National Trust run a shuttle bus from the railway station to the valley and up to the top of the Long Mynd. The sensible folk take it up and walk back - it's easier that way.
A thriving antiques centre with over 60 stalls is open every day and nearby Acton Scott Historic Farm will give you a taste of farming at the turn of the 19th Century well before mechanisation.
St Laurence's Church is handsome - look for the sheila-na-gig, a pagan fertility symbol. Probably Saxon - definitely rude!
Church Stretton & South Shropshire Arts Festival takes place each year. The festivities result in the South Shropshire Hills literally becoming alive with the sound of music!
For further information on Church Stretton visit the Church Stretton Website or contact the Visitor Information Centre
If you would like to visit Church Stretton and need accommodation and are interested in finding the best hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts or self catering, please click here.
For more information about the rest of Shropshire, please click the link to Visit Shropshire.com
Please click here to view a map of Church Stretton town centre.
Attractions in Church Stretton
Secret Hills Walking Holidays
Secret Hills Walking organise guided walking holidays in Shropshire.
01694 723600
Ralph Jandrell Pottery
Opening 5th May 2015. If you are looking for something genuinely hand crafted and locally made, either for your home or as a special gift, please visit Ralph Jandrell Pottery.
01938 561672
Midland Gliding Club Ltd
Members of the Midland Gliding Club first flew from the Long Mynd in 1934. It is not only one of the longest established gliding clubs in the UK but also one of Britain's prime gliding sites.
01588 650206
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm near Church Stretton demonstrates life on a Shropshire upland farm at the turn of the 19th century. The farm has featured on BBC TV's 'Victorian Farm', ‘Countryfile’ and many other film and TV shows.
01694 781307
Accommodation in Church Stretton
The Retreat
Cosy, comfortable ground floor flat in owner’s Edwardian house. Near station and town amenities, direct access to hills. Warm welcome, fully inclusive prices. No pets.
£265.00 - £360.00
01694 723370
Eaton Manor Country Estate
The ideal location for that special celebration or relaxing holiday, for over 60 guests. A selection of superior 4* and 5* properties, large private gardens, swimming pool (April to October), private chef, beauty therapist, photographer all available. Dogs welcome, except at Great Western.
£230.00 - £5250.00
01694 724814
Eliza's Cottage
This delightful black & white terraced cottage is ideally situated for town amenities, walking Long Mynd Hills. Abundance of character. Woodburner for cosy winter breaks. Fully equipped, including dishwasher & video. Immaculately kept.
£310.00 - £480.00
01694 751488
The Bucks Head
Recently refurbished traditional pub and restaurant with en-suite letting rooms.
£40.00 - £90.00
01694 722898
Mynd House
Mynd House, an award winning B&B, lies at the foot of the Long Mynd in the unspoilt village of Little Stretton.
£55.00 - £110.00
01694 722212
Orchard Cottage
Idyllically located in a lovely hamlet in the heart of South Shropshire’s glorious, rolling countryside, Orchard Cottage is the perfect holiday retreat.
£295.00 - £495.00
01588 673340
Belvedere Guest House
Quiet Edwardian family guest house set in its own grounds on the lower slopes of the Long Mynd. Convenient for Church Stretton town centre.
£55.00 - £75.00
01694 722232
Pollardine Farm Holiday Cottage
Pollardine Farm is situated some 300m above sea level in the Shropshire Hills, in an area of 'outstanding natural beauty'
£400.00 - £400.00
01743 790871
Broome Farm Cottages
Set on a small arable farm with views over some of Shropshire's finest countryside. St. Vincent cottage sleeps 6 and Bequia sleeps 4.
£347.00 - £724.00
01694 771338
Little Dingle B&B
Excellent B & B accommodation in Leebotwood, near Church Stretton. Little Dingle sits in the lee of the Lawley Hill, one of a range of beautiful hills surrounding Church Stretton, which is referred to by many as “Little Switzerland”. There are lovely walks close by.
£65.00 - £75.00
07971 587144
Key Events in Church Stretton
Church Stretton Walking Festival
June
Four days of guided walks in and around Church Stretton, from serious 12 mile walks to more gentle half days. Booking essential - please see the website.
The Long Mynd Hike
October
The Longmynd Hike is a 50 mile competition hike open to anyone aged 18 or over, which takes place over the first weekend of October every year (entry's now closed).
Church Stretton Arts Festival
July/August
A celebration of music and visual arts. Classical concerts, celebrity lectures, drama, jazz, showcase of local youth talent and arts and crafts exhibition.
Church Stretton Visitor Information
Visitor Information Centre
Church Street, Church Stretton, SY6 6DQ
Tel: 01694 723133 Email: churchstretton.scf@shropshire.gov.uk
More Church Stretton information on - www.churchstretton.co.uk
For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, visit Shropshire Tourism
