CHURCH STRETTON
A wide range of activities is available to visitors to Church Stretton – walking, golf, riding, cycling, gliding, there are many local antique shops and, as one might expect, hidden away in villages and valleys, are talented local artists and craftsmen.The valleys of the Long Mynd (known locally as batches) provide relaxed walking in beautiful sheltered settings, and the lucky watcher can spot peregrine and buzzard and, as evening advances, a barn owl can sometimes be glimpsed or heard.
STRETTON HILLS
The Long Mynd and the Stretton Hills are renowned as walking country. The Long Mynd rises to over 1700 feet and offers wonderful views northwards and down into the Stretton valley. Caer Caradoc is a spectacular hill over 1500 feet high whose summit can be reached from The Mount in about a 1/2 hour steady climbing. There are many other less demanding but equally exciting walks.
OTHER LOCAL ACTIVITIES
Church Stretton has one of the highest and challenging golf courses in the British Isles with most holes lying over 1000 feet above sea level. There are riding stables nearby, cycles can be hired in the town centre and there is a gliding club on the Long Mynd.
CASTLES AND HOUSES
TheWelsh Border was disputed between Welsh and English for centuries. The area is studded with castles. One of the most spectacular is Ludlow Castle, built about 1066. Closer to Church Stretton is StokesayCastle, a uniquely preserved example of a fortified manor house. Powis Castle, home of Clive of India, is alsowithin easy reach. Attingham Park (near Shrewsbury) is a grand 18th century mansion and Wilderhope Manor and Stanton Hall on Wenlock Edge date from the 17th century.
IRONBRIDGE
The Ironbridge Gorge Musium charts the industrial revolution. The Ironbridge itself crosses the River Severn in the heart of the gorge. Other sites include Blists Hill, a 'working' 18th Century industrial village museum, the Coalport China Museum – once home to the classic chinaware, and Bedlam Furnaces, site of the first industrial iron making.
MUSEUMS
Acton Scott Working Farm Museum uses horse-drawn equipment and fosters traditional crafts such as weaving, butter-making and the wheelwright. Shrewsbury is home to the Light Infantry Museum of the British Army in Shrewsbury Castle.