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
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
Jessamine Cottage
Jessamine Cottage is nestled in the small village of Little Stretton and is ideally placed to explore the Long Mynd and to take in the breathtaking scenery.
£242.00 - £415.00
01743 873608
Lilywood Cottage
Just for two, a very comfortable single storey cottage. Beautiful, peaceful location on the slopes of Wenlock Edge. Excellent for walking, bird watching or relaxing.
£280.00 - £350.00
01694 771286
Mynd House
Built at the turn of the 20th century, Mynd House is an award winning B&B. It has eight well-appointed guest rooms - one suite, four doubles, two twin rooms and a single room, seven of them offer sought-after hill views (the remaining room overlooks the garden).
£55.00 - £110.00
01694 722212
The Holt
The Holt, on Burway Road in Church Stretton, is a refurbished large self catering holiday house, sleeping 7 people in the bedrooms, plus room for cots and a double sofa bed in the living room.
£725.00 - £815.00
01584 831363
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
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
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
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
Middle Farm Cottages
3 Luxury 4 Star Gold Award holiday cottages in the South Shropshire Hills. The Barn sleeps 6, Daisy's Place and Gooseyard Cottage both sleep 2. Pets are welcome by arrangement in Gooseyard.
£250.00 - £800.00
01694 751232
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
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
