Sidling up to the Welsh Marches, Shropshire is a county folk whisper quietly about. But frankly it deserves to be better feted, with a pinch of everything that makes Britain great. The towns are instant heart-stealers, starting with medieval, castle-topped Shrewsbury, Charles Darwin’s river-clasped hometown of cobbled lanes, Tudor houses and ghostly happenings. Food lovers prefer Ludlow, a black-and-white market town with a huge slow food scene and September food festival bigging up local produce. On the doorstep of Telford, the World Heritage-listed Ironbridge Gorge, arching over the Severn, shines a light on the Industrial Revolution.
You’ll come for the towns, but you’ll return for the countryside: the ancient woodlands, deep valleys and heather-cloaked heights of the Shropshire Hills AONB, where trails clamber up to Iron Age hillforts and craggy tors, landscapes said to have inspired Tolkien’s Middle Earth. By night, the Milky Way glitters in some of the country’s darkest skies.
Old Downton Lodge
Ludlow
9/10
Escapist, romantic, and tranquil: this is a place of quiet sophistication, where you can luxuriate in the calm of the Shropshire countryside. The unique collection of renovated barns and stables presents as a fine dining retreat of nine exclusive, individually styled rooms.
Rowton Castle
Shrewsbury
9/10
The sheer elegance and peace of this beautiful 17th-century castle will restore your faith in romance and beauty. Exclusive-use Weddings may be the focus, but you can also stay or dine here independently. Have drinks on the impressive garden terrace and embrace the quietness of the expansive countryside surrounds.
The North Wing at Combermere Abbey
Whitchurch
8/10
Combermere Abbey has been letting out very smart holiday cottages for a couple of decades. Now it also offers an upmarket b&b option, with two rooms in the recently restored (and very grand) North Wing of the main house. The grounds are glorious, featuring woodland, a lake and a maze made out of fruit trees.
The Castle Hotel
Bishop’s Castle
8/10
This historic and friendly coaching inn is a welcome find for travellers, from walkers to cyclists, dog lovers to real ale enthusiasts. It’s a fabulous oasis atop a hill, with a beautiful garden terrace area and lawn, and an overall happy ambiance.
The Pheasant at Neenton
Bridgnorth
8/10
Whether for its superb food or an overnight stay, this is a treasure of a destination en route from Ludlow to Bridgnorth: a delightful community-owned country pub with rooms in the quiet village of Neenton. Put it on your to-do list.
Drapers Hall
Shrewsbury
8/10
Set within an historical building in the centre of Shrewsbury, Drapers Hall offers a touch of class, character and charm in an intimate and stylish setting. This independent boutique hotel of just six individually designed rooms is a unique and special find.
Fishmore Hall
Ludlow
8/10
A privately owned boutique hotel in a rural setting on the edge of poet A.E. Housman’s ‘blue remembered hills.’ There is a spa for indulgent pampering, and the food-lovers’ destination of Ludlow plus the Welsh Marches are on the doorstep.
Pen-Y-Dyffryn
Oswestry
8/10
This is an idyllic Georgian country house hotel, where you can expect to meet with tranquillity and calm as soon as you arrive. Opt for one of the Coach House rooms or Valley Rooms to enjoy your own private patio out front and views of the Welsh border hills. Some rooms have double whirlpool baths.
lion + pheasant
Shrewsbury
8/10
This attractive and characterful boutique hotel in the centre of the beautiful historic town of Shrewsbury exudes a welcoming relaxed ambiance, a wonderful two AA-Rosette restaurant serving imaginative dishes, a lively covered courtyard and 22 elegant rooms.
The Haughmond
Upton Magna
8/10
A modern coaching inn situated in the quaint sleepy village of Upton Magna, offering a peaceful garden with views, stylish contemporary rooms and a relaxed and friendly welcome. It’s a top-notch place for food, atmosphere and service.
Albright Hussey Manor Hotel
Shrewsbury
8/10
You are warmly greeted and welcomed in at this splendiferous 16th-century country house, set within four acres of Shropshire countryside. Enjoy attentive service, beautiful traditionally styled rooms, and cosy, romantic fine dining.
The Cliffe at Dinham
Ludlow
8/10
Step into a spacious and tranquil lounge bar reception area, and feel instantly soothed by this place of peace, with soft music playing and a friendly, easy-going welcome. Dine and drink in contemporary, light and airy, stylish spaces – the two AA-Rosette restaurant is a destination in itself, whether it’s in the Orangery or the Terrace Room.
Hawkstone Park
Weston-under-Redcastle
7/10
This country house hotel is set within 400 acres of English Heritage-listed landscape in the north Shropshire countryside. It is also a golf-lover’s dream, thanks to three golf courses (one Championship), while sleek, modern rooms and quality dining will appeal to couples seeking a short break to the country.
Hawkstone Hall & Gardens
Shrewsbury
7/10
This country-house hotel offers 76 rooms and 88 acres of grounds to explore. Cosy up in front of the fire with a book of an afternoon, and in the evening, dine at the impressive portrait-lined Saloon restaurant, which focuses on local, seasonal produce.
Additional reviews by Suzanne King, Kathryn Liston, Richard McComb, Danielle Sheridan and Sandra Shields.