Local Attractions
Clun is one of the "Quietest places under the sun" according to A.E.Houseman, and certainly the tranquillity and quiet friendliness of this little town soon casts its spell. Small it may be, but, with its Norman castle, sixteenth century almshouses, Norman church and medieval packhorse bridge over the River Clun , there is much to see.
Around the square and elsewhere can be found the museum, small shops, an art and antiques gallery, several cafe's and two pubs serving real ales. All this surrounded by the gently rolling hills and mature woods that make Clun such an excellent centre for walking, cycling, riding or observing wildlife.
More information at www.clun.org.uk
Events in Clun
The Greenman Festival takes place over the first May Bank Holiday weekend, with live music, morris dancing, and street entertainment including a mummers play. On Monday spectators cheer on the Greenman as he does battle with Queen Frostie; if he doesn't win there will be no Summer in the Clun Valley! The triumphant procession then leads the crowd down to the fair on the castle grounds.
For more information see www.clun.org.uk/greenman
Clun Carnival and Show. Show day is held on the first Saturday in August, preceded by a week of live music and other carnival events. On Show day the carnival procession takes the new Carnival Queen to be crowned in the town square, and then on to the castle grounds for the traditional show tent, dog show,stalls, and much, much more.
In October, the Clun Valley Beer Festival gives enthusiasts a chance to sample an incredible range of real ales in the pubs along the Clun Valley.
For more information see www.cvbf.co.uk
The Local Area
Bishop's Castle, with its attractive architecture and interesting shops and galleries, is well worth a visit.
It has two working breweries, good pubs and cafe's, and still has regular sheep and cattle auctions and a weekly market.
Ludlow has been described by John Betjamin as "The most perfect town in England" An unspoilt market town, with a reputation for excellent (some award winning) restaurants and specialist food shops, it also has a thriving market selling fresh local produce, and occasional antique and flea markets.
The Norman Castle makes an impressive backdrop to the market square and is the setting for the annual Shakespeare production during the fortnight of the Ludlow Arts Festival. It also hosts several food and drink events and a Medieval Christmas Fayre.
Take time to admire the timbered buildings in the town centre and to wander through the original medieval streets. Or take a short walk down to the banks of the River Teme and up; onto Whitcliffe Common for a stunning panoramic view over Ludlow and the surrounding hills.
Church Stretton lies in the valley between the Long Mynd and the Stretton Hills, and has long been a magnet for walkers. The Long Mynd has some of the best thermals in Europe, which explains its popularity for gliding, paragliding, ballooning or flying kites.Under the protection of the National Trust it is also home to interesting wildlife, and is a world famous geological site.
The prfetty town of Church Stretton has a range of tea rooms and shops, plus a unique three storey antiques emporium.
Shrewsbury, the stunning county town, is home to over six hundred listed buildings, many of them the black and white houses typical of the Welsh Borders. The town is almost encircled by a loop of the River Severn, and visitors can walk round the town on the towpath. Explore the maze of narrow alleys which are part of the medieval street plan, and visit Shrewsbury Abbey and Shrewsbury Castle. Charles Darwin was born here, and attended Shrewsbury School. See his statue outside the town library and also in Shrewsbury School grounds.
Other Visitor Attractions
Stokesay Castle, a thirteenth century fortified manor house owned by English Heritage, very near Craven Arms.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Birthplace of the industrial revolution, the nine award winning museums and sites tell its story, and visitors can wonder at the world's first iron bridge, spanning the River Severn. There is plenty for children as well - the Bliss Victorian Village is a must.
National Trust Properties are numerous in the area, only a few are mentioned here
Carding Mill Valley and the Shropshire Hills
Berrington Hall
Attingham Park
Powys Castle and gardens, particularly recommended for both the rooms and the wonderful terraced gardens.
Gardens to visit include Hergest Croft Gardens famous for its Acer collection and the rhodedendron and azalea display in Spring.
Especially for the children
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre
Mickey Miller's Playbarn for really miserable weather
Visit www.shropshiretourism.co.uk for more information.
