Dog-friendly Shropshire
With varied landscapes featuring rolling hills, rivers, canals, and endless footpaths through fields and forests, Shropshire is a wonderful place for an adventurous dog-friendly escape. Whether you opt to explore the idyllic countryside, or uncover the heritage of the various medieval market towns, you and your pooch are sure to have a trip to remember.
- South Side, EnglandThis well-appointed detached barn conversion is situated in a quiet hamlet, midway between Bridgnorth and Ludlow, two of Shropshire’s most well-known and loved historic towns. The interior of The Barn has been thoughtfully designed with beautiful stone floors and a cosy woodburner, and outside there is a private hot tub. Set in a convenient location, it is within walking distance of the locally run pub, and a short drive away from the visitor attractions of Ludlow with its castle and racecourse, Bridgnorth, Ironbridge and Much Wenlock. Also worth visiting are the River Severn, famous for its tidal bore, the River Teme and the Severn Valley Railway. Other local attractions include Rays Farm, the inland funicular railway and Daniels Mill. This is an ideal touring base for people wishing to explore Shropshire and Herefordshire, as well as the mid Wales borderlands. Shop 2 miles, pub and restaurant 300 yards.£70Price per night from
- Chelmarsh, EnglandBeing at the heart of Shropshire, these beautiful holiday properties are set in the perfect location for a country retreat, and they enjoy wonderful views of Chelmarsh Reservoir. The Rookery (ref RGGQ) is an exceptional property designed specifically for holiday breaks, with its well-planned rooms and beautiful open views. All bedrooms are en-suite, and there is a large dining area and living room, as well as a separate gaming room to entertain. Kingfisher Cottage (ref RNN3) occupies an outstanding position overlooking the Severn Valley. The large family kitchen with glazed dining area overlooks the garden and outside patio area, whilst the spacious comfortable living room offers a wood-burning stove for cosy evenings in. The property has the added benefit of a ground floor en-suite bedroom, as well as five further en-suite bedrooms on the first floor. The gardens and barbecue area provide wonderful waterside views. They are very much geared for family groups and celebratory gatherings. Surrounded by the owners’ farmland, with footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes from the doorstep, these properties are the perfect country retreat. Another popular pastime in the area is fishing, which is available for guests of the cottages on Chelmarsh Reservoir and also on the River Severn (day permits can be purchased from local fishing tackle shops). Ideally located near to the historic town of Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley railway, with RAF Cosford a short drive away, the cottages make an ideal base for touring. The Ironbridge Gorge Museum and the hills of the Long Mynd and Wenlock Edge are about 10 miles away, whilst there are many interesting walks from the door as well as numerous picturesque villages waiting to be explored. Further afield a great place for a day trip is the West Midlands Safari Park. Shops 3 miles, pub and restaurant ½ mile.£662Price per night from
- Whitchurch, England
Perfectly picturesque, dog-friendly Cotton Cottage in Cheshire is set within the beautiful Combermere Abbey Estate.
£125Price per night from
- Oswestry, EnglandOccupying a central position in north Shropshire, Rose Barn is a semi-detached barn conversion set in well tended grounds and gardens offering a quiet and relaxing holiday home, with a paddock available for exercising dogs.The cottage is just a few miles out of Ellesmere, best known for its picturesque lakes and Shropshire Union Canal, and with a good choice of shops and bars. It is literally on the borders with neighbouring Cheshire and Wales, and with medieval Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Wem and the old market town of Oswestry, all within a 30 minutes’ drive. The area has so much to offer guests of all ages and for those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are tandem sky dives, static line parachute jumps near to Whitchurch, hovercraft and Segway experiences near to Oswestry, and Rednal offers paintballing and go karting. Hawkstone Park Follies is great for a leisurely stroll and has events throughout the year, from medieval shows and jousting to 4 x 4 off road experiences. Wood Lane Nature Reserve is an ideal place for bird-watching and you can visit Shropshire Wildlife Trust at the Boathouse, where you can find out about walking in the area. Hill Valley Golf Club is nearby and there are four National Trust properties within an hour’s drive, including Powys Castle, Chirk Castle, Erddig, and Attingham Park. Shop 2½ miles, pub and restaurant 500 yards.£146Price per night from
- Oswestry, EnglandA characterful, stone-built cottage situated on the outskirts of Trefonen. Rural location. Woodburning stove. WiFi. Welshpool 14.4 miles.£50Price per night from
- Weston, EnglandThis spacious single-storey converted barn is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Corve Dale, on a working family farm, where lambing takes place from mid-February to April. Adjoining a barn and beamed throughout, it boasts its own large garden as well as an enclosed courtyard. Centrally located for touring, the property is within easy reach of Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Ironbridge. Superb walking, riding, golf and fishing are all available locally. Shop 4 miles, pub 2 miles.£71Price per night from
- Highley, EnglandThis large sandstone 17th-century holiday cottage stands detached on the banks of the River Severn with stunning views of the Severn Valley from both the house and the delightful lawned garden. It is located just 50 yards from Highley station and the Engine House Museum on the Severn Valley Railway, with steam trains running past the rear of the cottage. Journey from Marylebone station and change at Kidderminster to complete the fabulous journey by steam train. It is a perfect location for exploring the beautiful Severn Valley with its many footpaths, bridleways and river walks, with the famous Severn Way passing directly in front of the cottage and a country park just 50 yards away. This famous stretch of Stanley Water on the River Severn is one of the most prolific for barbel fishing in the country, producing barbel to 17lb on the BAA stretch of water outside the cottage. There are also two day ticket stretches at £6 per day, and lots of local carp fishing lakes. The Astbury 18-hole, award-winning golf course is a 5-minute drive away. The West Midlands Safari Park is a 15-minute drive away, and this property makes an excellent base for visiting Bridgnorth, Bewdley, Ludlow, Worcester, Ironbridge, Wenlock Edge and the Long Mynd, all within an hour’s drive. Shop
3/4 mile, pub 500 yards.£267Price per night from
- Acton Scott, England£167Price per night from
- Oswestry, England
A superb holiday base in the quiet village of Pen-y-bont on the mid-Wales/Shropshire border. This lovely ground floor apartment has been thoughtfully furnished throughout to provide a great base from which to explore mid and north Wales, Shropshire and Cheshire. The nearest town is Oswestry where you will find a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Tourist attractions nearby include Llanrhaedr Waterfalls (one of the 8 Wonders of Wales), Erddig, Chirk Castle, Powys Castle, the Berwyn mountain range, Bala Lake and Lake Vyrnwy. Horse riding nearby. Pub 20 yards.
£61Price per night from
- Kempton, EnglandTucked away in the sleepy hamlet of Kempton in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Natural Beauty and close to Clun, Bishops Castle, Craven Arms and Ludlow, this beautiful, detached holiday cottage is full of charm, character and original features. Enjoying its own private garden with established flower beds and a selection of outdoor games and board games, this 17th century thatched cottage is a perfect getaway, but still close to numerous tourist attractions including Ludlow Castle, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Stokesay Castle, Acton Scott Working Farm, Ludlow Racecourse and numerous National Trust land and properties including Carding Mill Valley. Perfect for walkers, with the Shropshire Way passing through the village, and within easy reach of the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, Stiperstones and Offa’s Dyke path. Shropshire is host to some delightful small towns such as Church Stretton and Much Wenlock, both with a good variety of individual shops and pubs. Bridgenorth, Ironbridge, Shrewsbury, Hereford, Worcester and mid Wales are easily accessible. Shop 2
3/4 miles, pub and restaurant 11/4 miles.£23Price per night from