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
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
Secret Hills Walking Holidays
Secret Hills Walking organise guided walking holidays in Shropshire.
01694 723600
Accommodation in Church Stretton
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
Holiday Cottages
Holidaycottages.co.uk offer over 60 holiday cottages in Shropshire, each hand-picked for their quality, comfort and location. Whether you're looking to stay in the rolling hills of the Shropshire countryside or in a charming market town such as Ludlow or Shrewsbury, holidaycottages.co.uk has places to stay in a variety of stunning locations. Choose from a diverse collection of cottages, ranging from cosy cottages for couples right up to big beautiful barns perfect for group gatherings and even pet-friendly properties suitable for furry family members. Head to our website to see the full collection. Website: https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/shropshire Email: bookings@holidaycottages.co.uk
01237 459888
Court Farm
A truly wonderful base from which to explore Shropshire and the surrounding counties, Court Farm is a listed farmhouse set on a 330 acre working mixed farm in the peaceful and idyllic hamlet of Gretton.
£45.00 - £75.00
01694 771219
Mynd Court
Built in 1905 to house the parish vicar and later used as a retirement home, Helen, Ian and family have spent the last 18 months converting and renovating Mynd Court, and have added a large, one bedroom, self contained, comfortable, modern holiday home let.
£320.00 - £520.00
07747 443892
Woodside Farm
Peacefully situated in its own grounds, with beautiful views of hills & farm animals. Ensuite bedrooms, guests sitting room, log fires, local produce, warm welcome.
£40.00 - £130.00
01694 771314
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
Ferndale
Located in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ferndale offers high quality accommodation for up to 5 guests. Ideally situated on the edge of the picturesque market town of Church Stretton Ferndale provides every comfort and convenience for those who wish to explore this beautiful corner of Shropshire.
£350.00 - £600.00
01694 722791
Wisteria Cottages
Two beautiful cottages (each sleeps 2) nestled into the heart of the glorious Shropshire countryside, 6 miles from the medieval county town of Shrewsbury and 7 miles from Church Stretton.
£295.00 - £415.00
01743 719046
All Stretton Bunkhouse
A well equipped bunkhouse with immediate access to the Long Mynd. This is an ideal location for easy or challenging walking and cycling.
01694 722593
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
