Things To Do
Ludlow Castle
The historical town of Ludlow is some 25 minutes from the Barn. The castle at Ludlow once the home of the newleyweds Arthur and Cathrine of Aragon, has commanding views and is well worth a visit.
Website: www.ludlowcastle.com
Clun Castle
The dramatic riverside ruins and extensive earthworks of a Welsh Border castle, its tall 13th-century keep unusually set on the side of its mound. Information panels tell the story of the castle and the nearby town.
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Clun Green Man Festival
The famous annual Clun Green Man Festival is a traditional springtime festival, held on the first May bank holiday weekend of the year
Website: www.clungreenman.org.uk
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Church Stretton
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one of Britain's leading working farm museums. The Farm offers practical demonstrations of historic farming using traditional skills and period horse-drawn machines. You can see farm life unfold on the land, around the farm yard and in the cottage with each day being rounded off with milking by hand
Website: www.shropshire.gov.uk
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury
Attingham Park was built for the 1st Lord Berwick in 1785 and was in continuous ownership by the family for more than 160 years. As their fortunes rose and fell they proved themselves to be spenders, savers and saviours. In the mansion, highlights include the atmospheric Dining Room set for an evening banquet that reflects the Regency splendour and the delicate decorative scheme in the Boudoir which has recently been revealed. The mansion is at the heart of this great estate between Shrewsbury and the River Severn and is set in beautiful parkland designed to impress.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Berrington Hall
Created as the perfect house in the perfect setting, Berrington Hall has many secrets for visitors to uncover. In this, one of Henry Holland's first houses, visitors can explore the family rooms and see how the servants moved around the house unseen by the family and guests. The interiors include Biaggio Rebecca ceilings, fine period furniture. The house is surrounded by Brown's final landscape. Though it has a slightly austere exterior, the house has delicate interiors and a homely, welcoming feel
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Powis Castle & Gardens
The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, it retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces. High on a rock above the terraces, the castle, originally built circa 1200, began life as a medieval fortress.
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The Discovery centre
The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre offers a range of activities, past-times and opportunities to everyone and anyone.
The brand-new Secret Hills exhibition which opened in May 2008 tells some of the stories of the Shropshire Hills and features a new and improved film panorama of the Shropshire Hills, made during numerous balloon flights over the area. Great for families, educational visits or groups
Website: www.shropshire.gov.uk
Walcott Hall, Lydbury North
Walcot Hall dates back to Tudor times, the original Elizabethan facade being gabled. Lord Clive of India bought the estate in 1763 from Charles Walcot who was persuaded into this sale by his ignoble and extravagant uncle - Sir Francis "Hellfire" Dashwood.
The gardens at Walcot Hall cover over 30 acres, including one of the finest Arboretums in Britain with a rich profusion of tree, shrub and herbaceous plantings.
Website: www.walcothall.com
Chirk Castle
Completed in 1310, Chirk is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I still lived in today. Features from its 700 years include the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th-century Long Gallery, grand 18th-century state apartments, servants' hall and historic laundry. The award-winning gardens contain clipped yews, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens. A terrace with stunning views looks out over the Cheshire and Salop plains. The parkland provides a habitat for rare invertebrates, wild flowers and contains many mature trees and also some splendid wrought-iron gates, made in 1719 by the Davies brothers
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Erddig Hall, Wrexham
Widely acclaimed as one of Britain's finest historic houses, Erddig is a fascinating yet unpretentious early 18th-century country house reflecting the upstairs downstairs life of a gentry family over 250 years. The extensive downstairs area contains Erddig's unique collection of servants' portraits, while the upstairs rooms are an amazing treasure trove of fine furniture, textiles and wallpapers. Outside, an impressive range of outbuildings includes stables, smithy, joiners' shop and sawmill. The setting is a superb 18th-century formal garden and romantic landscape park - which are the starting points for walks, bicycle and carriage rides through the estate
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Glansevern Hall Gardens
Glansevern Hall was built in Greek Revival style 200 years ago. It is romantically positioned on the banks of the River Severn and the gardens extend over more than 20 acres. There is a gentle walk from the gardens to the river edge.
Website: www.glansevern.co.uk
Walking and Rambling
The barn is close to many walks including the Shropshire Way , Offas Dyke and Stiperstones National Nature Reserve
Website: www.ramblers.org.uk/info/paths/s/shropshire
Riding
You couldn't ask for a better place to ride than Shropshire. If you want to find out about the best places to walk, trot or canter, this is the site for you.
Website: www.shropshireriding.co.uk
Cycling
It's great to get out and about on a bike in Shropshire. Discover hundreds of miles of National Cycle Network routes along quiet lanes, explore traffic-free trails along old railways and waterway and more.
Website: www.shropshirecycling.co.uk
Shropshire Tourism
For more information on things to do in Shropshire.
Website: www.shropshiretourism.co.uk
