Places To Visit
There are plenty of places to visit close to No.2 The Longbarn.
Castles & Gardens
In all, Shropshire has 32 castles. You could begin at Ludlow Castle (about 30-40 minutes from 2 The Longbarn) and visit Stokesay Castle too. Powis Castle and Garden in nearby Welshpool (just over the border in Mid Wales), is also a beautiful spot to spend a leisurely morning or afternoon. The Castle (originally built circa 1200), is home to a collection of paintings, tapestries and more unusually, Indian artefacts at The Clive of India Museum.
There are certainly many gardens and stately homes to take your pick from too. Burford House in Tenbury Wells is a stunning Georgian Mansion, selling everything from original art, to plants and pots in its historic walled Garden Centre.
In Weston-under-Redcastle, near Shrewsbury, Hawkstone Historic Park & Follies is a Garden with a difference; The Follies is a 100 acre site with has cliffs, crags and caves to explore.
Hodnet Hall Gardens in Market Drayton have been growing since the 11th century (don't worry, they've been pruned throughout the years!) and today, the 60+ acres are renowned as amongst the finest in the country. Whatever time of the year you decide to stay at 2 The Longbarn, Hodnet Hall could provide a wonderful backdrop no matter the season.
For more Shropshire Castles, please visit www.shropshiretourism.co.uk
For more Shropshire Gardens and Nurseries, please visit www.shropshiregarden.com
Ludlow & Church Stretton
You can visit Ludlow Festival in June/July, Ludlow Food & Drink Festival every September, and the Medieval Christmas Fair in November (see Events for 2010 dates); there is a lot going on in Shropshire's gastronomic capital.
Nearby Church Stretton was the first town in Shropshire to be awarded 'Walkers Welcome' status. The Long Mynd rises above Church Stretton, making it a very popular walking area - ideal for exploring the Shropshire Hills. The town holds its own annual Walking Festival in June.
There's also a thriving antiques centre in Church Stretton with over 60 stalls and closeby is Acton Scott Historic Working Farm - you may recognise it from BBC TV's 'Victorian Farm' series.
For more information about Ludlow & Church Stretton, please visit www.visitsouthshropshire.co.uk
Bishop's Castle
Bishop's Castle is a small 12th century market town in south Shropshire, 8 miles from The Longbarn, perhaps most famous for being home to the oldest working brewery in Britain, The Three Tuns. Enjoy a tipple or take a stroll around the town trail which provides a brief history of Bishop's Castle, starting from the Parish Church to the Castle site at the top of town.
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury has over 600 listed buildings, many of which are home to independent shops and restaurants. You could take a walking tour of Shropshire's medieval county town, birthplace of Charles Darwin and explore the many shuts and passageways, or visit the theatre perhaps.
There are many events that take place in Shrewsbury throughout the year. Take Shrewsbury Flower Show as just one example; it blooms into life every August, in the Quarry parkland which runs alongside the River Severn. It is the World's longest running horticultural show.
For more information about Shrewsbury, please visit www.visitshrewsbury.com
For more information on Charles Darwin, please visit www.discoverdarwin.com
Ironbridge
This World Heritage Site is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. You can explore 10 museums in the Ironbridge Gorge from Enginuity to Blists Hill Victorian Town.
For more information about Ironbridge, please visit www.ironbridge.org.uk
For more places to see and things to do, please visit www.shropshiretourism.co.uk
