Church Stretton is a lovely place to visit for a day trip from Birmingham(Image: MIN)There’s a Midland destination that the Victorians gave the nickname of ‘Little Switzerland’.
In fact, the Lonely Planet’s Experience England guide dedicates a double page spread to a Shropshire Hills Road Trip, suggesting a route starting in Shrewsbury and featuring the Long Mynd and Church Stretton.
A spokesman for Lonely Planet said: “Hit the road and explore a cinematic landscape once described by the Victorians as ‘Little Switzerland’
“Only a few miles from the Welsh border, the Shropshire Hills are dotted with beautiful hiking trails, castle ruins, foodie havens and historic breweries.”
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The journey down from Shrewsbury takes you past the magnificent hills of Long Mynd.
Today we’re focusing on Church Stretton, the beautiful market town in the heart of a glorious destination.
Here are some suggestions for the best independent shops to mooch, cafes and pubs to eat in, places to stay and things to do.
Carding Mill Valley near Church Stretton, Shropshire(Image: MIN)Independent shops in Church Stretton
Church Stretton is full of independent shops to mooch, including:
Peppers clothing boutiqueHarold’s Toy StoreThe Outdoor Depot for everything you need for walk the Shropshire countrysideStretton Antiques MarketBurway BooksAppleby & Shaw for clothingRainbow’s End for giftsVine & Co general storeKaboodle for giftsEntertaining Elephants health food shopChocolate Haven chocolate shopThe Door Knocker Company hardware storePlaces to stay in Church Stretton
Riverside Cottage on Sykes Cottages is an annexe to the owner’s Grade II listed former vicarage set in six acres of lovely garden next to the River Onny.
Across the river you can catch a glimpse of Stokesay Castle as you rustle up a barbecue in the evenings and look out for red kites and buzzards during the day.
For larger groups, try Windy Mundy Farm with its high vaulted beam ceilings and exposed brickwork and patio with ‘breathtaking views’ of the countryside.
Alternatively, check on Holiday Cottages for more.
Church Stretton, Shropshire(Image: MIN)Where to eat in Church Stretton
There are plenty of independent cafes, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants to choose from. Try:
Berry’s Coffee Shop for ‘cosy’ cappuccinosThe King’s Arms black and white pubHollybush Cafe for breakfasts and ‘the perfect flat white’Jemima’s Cafe at Victoria HouseMr Bun the Bakers for tea and sconesThe Little Cafe on the High StreetBuck’s Head for a beer gardenHousman’s Restaurant for tapasThe Station Inn dog-friendly pubPlaces to visit near Church Stretton
Enjoy some of the area’s finest scenery by driving the five mile Burway Loop. Carding Mill Valley is home to the Midlands’ finest Dark Sky experiences due to its rural setting so, if you’re staying overnight, you may choose to return here later in the day.
You could also pop into Wyle Cop in Shrewsbury, which is said to have the longest stretch of uninterrupted independent shops in the UK.
Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of quirky shops selling everything from art and homewares to jewellery, clothes and food tucked away in 16th and 17th century timber-framed buildings.
Britain’s oldest licensed brewery site is at the Three Tuns in Bishop’s Castle, where you can stop off to sample a tipple and you could add a visit to Stokesay Castle to your day trip too. This is where Atonement, starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, was filmed.
Listen to our beach guide on the Brummie Mummies Podcast for lots of ideas on great days out this summer:
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How to get to Church Stretton from Birmingham
It takes around an hour and 20 minutes to get to Church Stretton via the M54.
Alternatively, there’s a station at Church Stretton so you can catch the train there from Birmingham New Street, changing at Shrewsbury.