Dog-friendly Shropshire

Betchcott is a hamlet near the village of Picklescott in Shropshire. It lies in the parish of Smethcott, in the northern foothills of the Long Mynd. The nearest town is Church Stretton. If it is time for a break away together, Keepers Cottage has you covered with all sorts of family friendly comforts. Even your dogs will find the large, enclosed garden a treat. Plus, if you would like to bring your horse along, yes you read that correctly, the owners can provide stables for up to six horses, along with a menage and three paddocks. There’s livestock on the farm and a beautiful private lake for everyone to enjoy, the owners are very close by and welcome you to enjoy all the facilities.
Inside, you have a well-equipped kitchen and dining area beneath wooden beams, complete with a Rayburn oven, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave. There is a roomy utility room, with more cooking facilities, a sink, and washing machine. Plus, a ground floor larder, with supplies and there is a ground floor toilet. Just off the kitchen is a lovely room for reading or playing board games, its light and airy and a great place to relax after a day out exploring.
The living room is open plan with the kitchen and dining area and very welcoming, offering a Smart TV and wood burner. The house was rebuilt in 2010 to a very high standard and features green oak beams and a warm, homely feel. Upstairs offers three bedrooms, sleeping up to six. The family bathroom is centred between them all, although the double does have an en-suite shower and toilet, so there won’t be any queues for the shower.
Outside Keepers Cottage is an expansive garden which loops around the property, including a decked area with outdoor furniture, a patio, and a large lawn for everyone to enjoy. The nearby pub is quintessentially English and is full of rustic charm and character, with oak beams, open fires, and a wonderfully warm atmosphere, only a short walk away.
Church Stretton is the main shopping area and has well known various independent shops from kitchen supplies to clothing. It also provides all the essentials with a supermarket and post office. The owners have plenty of recommendations for excellent places to eat around the wider area. You are within easy reach of the Shropshire Hills and The Long Mynd, which is excellent to explore by foot or bike and for anyone who enjoys nature.
Picklescott is ideally placed for access to Ride UK routes and the many miles of bridleways which criss-cross the Long Mynd for those bringing your horses. Further afield there is Ludlow, a thriving medieval market town and an architectural gem with a lively community feel, busy with events and festivals throughout the year. Perhaps the area’s charm is most evident in where you are staying, make use of the private lake for fishing or take a walk to soak in the breathtaking scenery. There is a lot to appreciate, and Keepers Cottage is sure to be a highlight of your next stay.

Tucked away in the beautiful village of Pontesford, Elsie’s Cottage is a great holiday home for those hoping to explore the Shropshire Hills. With outstanding views of the surrounding countryside from every window, and attractive features such as original beams, this idyllic cottage has been lovingly kept by the family for generations. It is perfectly suited to one or two couples, or a family of up to five. Pontesford is located on the A488 outside the large village of Pontesbury, south west of Shrewsbury. Being within the Shropshire hills you will be well placed to enjoy long walks or cycle rides in the beautiful and ever-changing countryside. The ground floor comprises a cosy living room with brick chimney breast and original features. The kitchen is well equipped with all modern appliances for your stay. There is a ground floor double bedroom with adjoining family bathroom. Upstairs is a sitting room with double sofa bed and second bedroom with double bed. two adjoining bedrooms, offering flexible sleeping options. A double bedroom, and a snug with sofa bed for an extra guest. There is ample parking for two cars, complimented by a large garden which is a great place to let your dog run free whilst you enjoy the stunning views.

From Elsie’s Cottage is the Earl’s and Pontesford Hill. Very popular with walkers throughout the year. Footpaths lead around the hill, through grazing pasture, or head up through the woodlands. Two routes are waymarked around the hill; the green signs for the easier route and the purple for the more demanding route that leads to the summit. Just down the road is the larger village of Pontesbury, where you will find a supermarket, chemist, Post Office, butchers and plenty of smaller interesting shops, plus three good pubs to enjoy a meal out one evening. Alternatively spend the day in the bustling and historical town of Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin. Famed for its intriguing ‘Shuts and Passages’ and overlooked by Shrewsbury Castle, home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum, the town nestles in the crook of the River Severn. The Quarry parkland follows the length of the river and features ‘The Dingle’; an outstanding formal garden and water feature with lots of seating for relaxing and taking in the view. With museums, the Theatre Severn and numerous independent shops and places to eat, the town has plenty to offer all ages. Within a short distance you can also find the towns of Much Wenlock and Ludlow and various sites of historic interest. A beautiful rural location, perfect for an all-year round break at Elsie’s Cottage.

This delightful property is set on a no through lane overlooking the Shropshire Union Canal and enjoys the peace and tranquillity that Shropshire has to offer. It offers three bedrooms for six guests. There is a lovely seating area to the front where guests can sit and watch the passing canal boats.

There is much to see and do nearby including the beautiful Ceiriog Valley, Offa’s Dyke, Froncysylte World Heritage Site, Chirk Castle and the picturesque town of Llangollen where an abundance of outdoor activities are available.

The scenic town of Ellesmere is 9 miles away with picturesque walks around the lovely lakes. The nearby town of Oswestry is home to an Iron Age Hill Fort, a must see for history lovers. Golf is available at Henlle Park Golf Club, and spa facilities are available at the Lion Quays Hotel, both 1 mile away.

A good selection of pubs and restaurants are within a 2 mile radius, ideal for a relaxing evening out. Shrewsbury offers a large selection of points of interest and landmarks to visit including Shrewsbury Abbey and Attingham Park. You are also just a 40-minute drive from the Roman town of Chester.

This collection of luxury barn conversions (refs UK33953, UK33954 and UK33955), all with their own private hot tubs, are perfectly located for sightseeing around the counties of Shropshire, mid Wales, North Wales and Cheshire. Local attractions include many National Trust properties, the medieval town of Shrewsbury, conveniently placed along the River Severn, and Offa’s Dyke path which runs close to the property. Llangollen with its steam railway, horse drawn barges, white water rafting and motor museum is a 20-minute drive. The market towns of Oswestry and Welshpool are within 15 minutes’, while Chester and Shrewsbury are just 30 minutes’ away by car, and all offer a large array of shops and restaurants for guests to enjoy.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

The charming 300 year old Farmhouse is set within an enclosed garden on a working farm and is set close to the popular town of Knighton, which occupies a unique position, as part of the town is in Wales, and part in England – a truly unique character border town, within the town there is a wide range of independent bars, shops and restaurants to enjoy as well as takeaways should you wish to enjoy at the property. This is a great location with views of Offa’s Dyke and close to Glyndwr Way or exploring the beautiful Teme Valley.

Throughout the year, there are some lively faires celebrated, and all year round, you will find an array of antique and gift shops, tea rooms, old inns, good food and friendly locals. Local attractions include Offa’s Dyke Heritage Centre, Powys Observatory with Planetarium Show, golf, clay pigeon shooting and coarse fishing.

Gardens surround the property and there is a private seating area to the front taking in the lovely views over the owner’s own farmland where there are ponies and sheep grazing. There are walks directly from the door over the public footpaths that go through the yard and guests can walk for miles if they choose to.

Due to its special location, the tourist attractions of Shropshire and mid Wales are all within easy driving distances, so you can visit the likes of Clun with its castle, Ludlow, Church Stretton and Longmynd. Ironbridge Gorge, Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth make great day trips, and over the border into Wales, you can enjoy Welshpool with its steam engine, canal and Powys Castle. As stated, this property is set on the farm and the property is easily accessible with private parking outside the main house. Kennels and stable available on request.

"This beautiful apartment is set right in the heart of Ironbridge and enjoys views of the Ironbridge itself, as it is less than a minute’s walk from it. 1 Severn Bank is set over two floors with views of the Ironbridge from the living room, comfortable seating from which to relax, and a feature decorative fireplace. There is a separate snug area with seating so you can sit and relax while reading a book or just enjoy some quiet time. The kitchen/dining room is fully equipped and completes the first-floor level.
The second floor holds all three bedrooms, as well as the family bathroom with shower cubicle. There is no parking with the property, but there is parking opposite the property within a minute’s walk.
The town of Ironbridge is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge itself was built in 1779 and holds a prominent position in the centre of the town, from which there is easy access to any one of the ten museums in the area and The Maws Craft Centre.
The apartment is situated close to several bars, shops, and restaurants, with the nearest public house within close walking distance, just ¼ mile away from the property, making it the perfect resting place to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the river.
Ironbridge also has many attractions to explore. It is 6 miles from the town of Telford, which provides great transport links and plenty of more shops and restaurants to enjoy. Several walks can be found at Wrekin, Wenlock Edge and the Long Mynd. There are also great road networks linking Shropshire, Herefordshire, Cheshire, and mid and north Wales. The historic towns of Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth are all within easy driving distance, as are National Trust properties such as Powis Castle, Chirk Castle and Attingham Park."

Discover Home Farm House, a truly wonderful holiday house located midway between the county town of Shrewsbury and Church Stretton (known as ’Little Switzerland’) in the village of Dorrington. This remarkable property has so much to offer that sets your holiday apart from all others. Sleeping up to thirteen guests, you and your loved ones can sit back and relax in this newly renovated home. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the large patio and garden to the front and back of the property, perfect if you’re bringing children as they can run around all day. The garden is enclosed so a great spot for your dog to wander freely too. Throughout, you will find historical features that are quintessential to English sophistication that makes Home Farm House a memorable place to stay. The living areas include three reception rooms, one with a handy sofa bed, and two dining rooms, one situated in the conservatory, with six bedrooms on the first floor, this is the perfect house for celebrating with family and friends. Outside is a games room with table tennis facilities for the kids to enjoy.
Ideally located, Home Farm House is only 15 minutes’ from the popular market town of Shrewsbury offering a wealth of independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Add the weekly farmers’ market, a wide range of independent specialist shops, lovely coffee shops, the many traditional pubs and inns which offer good food and beers, the interesting mix of buildings and you have the ideal place to discover on your holiday. Throughout the year there are numerous food festivals and regattas. It’s a great place to visit.
For the more adventurous travel seekers there are various walks and outdoor activities nearby including circular trails that are on your doorstep in the village of Dorrington, along with a village shop, a pub and a couple of restaurants. Visit Bridgnorth with its renowned funicular railway or take a trip on the Severn Valley Railway to experience the delights of the bygone era of steam travel. If you like walking, there are plenty of places to visit, including the Long Mynd, Clee Hills or Stiperstones. Telford is only 20 miles away and the Ironbridge Gorge with Blists Hill Museum and numerous activities for sunny or wet days. Ludlow with its castle and reputation for good eateries and art shops is 30 minutes’ away.
There are opportunities to ride, play golf, fish or even experience the thrill of hot air ballooning and gliding all within easy reach. From taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens to exploring the woodlands and countryside, even just sitting back relaxing and taking in the tranquillity of the house. Home Farm House promises an delightful holiday retreat for all the family to enjoy.

This lovely mid terrace property is set just a short walk from the beautiful Ludlow Castle, offering guests spacious and comfortable living accommodation. The property is part of the Ludlow Castle Estate and can be booked with three other properties set within the walls of the castle, Prince Arthur and Catherine (UKC4032), Comus (UKC4034) and Sir Henry Sidney (UKC4033) and is situated just a short walk from the castle itself. The accommodation consists of on the ground floor, a living room with comfortable seating and Smart TV, dining room with another sofa and bluetooth speaker, kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and separate toilet. On the first floor are two bedrooms, a kingsize and a twin room, along with a large bathroom with separate bath and shower cubicle. The garden to the rear of the property has patio space and private garden furniture, and a large lawned area, all enclosed. If on road parking isn’t available, a space at Ludlow Castle is designated for the house.
Ludlow town offers guests a wide variety of things to do and sights to see; it is overshadowed by its own majestic castle, as it was once, like York, a seat of government in Tudor and Stuart England. It hosts the famous Food Festivals and events throughout the year, there is always a lively atmosphere in the town. It has a reputation for fine foods, speciality and antique shops, and even a racecourse. The castle hosts a number of events that run throughout the year, including being a beautiful spot for weddings. There are many walks in and around the town and guests can walk to explore the town or to visit one of the many pubs or restaurants. An excellent base to explore the unrivalled countryside for picnicking and walking, or nearby towns such as Bridgnorth and Bewdley with the Severn Valley Railway, Ironbridge, Much Wenlock, Church Stretton, Tenbury Wells and Leominster. The cathedral city of Hereford with its chained library and Mappa Mundi are all within a short drive, as are historic houses such as Witley Court, Berrington Hall, Croft Castle, Stokesay and Powis Castle on the Welsh borders. The property boasts an enviable position in the town close to many town amenities and within easy walking distance.
Entry to Ludlow Castle during your stay is included in your booking.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 16 guests.

Set in its own beautiful, secluded grounds, Marton Hall provides luxury accommodation in a picturesque Shropshire hamlet, 9 miles from Shrewsbury. Sleeping up to twelve guests, this detached Arts and Crafts home has been revived to expose the house’s original character by restoring every detail. The owners have worked tirelessly over the last three years to create a charming mixture of traditional features and stylish interiors.
Marton Hall provides an amazing stay for friends or family to celebrate a special occasion or just escape to. A spacious entrance hall greets you; the main stairway leads to the upper floor giving access to the west wing bedrooms. The property has six elegant en-suite bedrooms, each offering something unique, from feature fireplaces and antique beds to window seats. Stunning views of the grounds can be seen from all bedrooms, five of which are on the first floor and one on the ground floor. The living area comprises two spacious reception rooms with rich textures and quality furnishings. The living room features a wood burner, and the snug has an open fire along with an Oled TV. To the right of the entrance hall is a large, fully fitted kitchen with an Aga and central island. There is also a large rectangular dining table and swing back benches. The formal dining room features a contemporary library. The games room offers a 3/4 sized snooker/pool table, a games console and TV. A utility room and ground floor toilet complete the accommodation.
Outside is a large garden room, perfect for al fresco dining or relaxing. The glazing on two sides allows you to take in the wonderful views of the Shropshire hills in the distance whilst sheltered from the weather. There is a sunken lawn surrounded by flower beds. Guests can also explore 150 acres of beautiful grounds with park land, lawned garden, a private lake and surrounding fields.
The local village of Baschurch offers a small supermarket, two pubs, and a post office, within walking distance. With Shrewsbury approximately 20 minutes’ drive away, there’s a variety of things to do making it a great day out. Shrewsbury is full of finds to be discovered by foot or boat, the River Severn is a must, as is the café culture, the castle, the old market hall featuring local artists and lovely shops and eateries. There’s a produce and farmers’ market held regularly in the square, as well as a fantastic theatre. Visit Ironbridge Gorge, home of the world’s oldest working cast-iron bridge. Ramble through the Shropshire Hills, enjoying the countryside as you go. You can also drive your own steam train or dine in style on the Severn Valley Railway. Or venture over to the iconic foodie town of Ludlow.

Situated on the owner’s farm in the pretty hamlet of Betton Strange, only two miles from the town centre of Shrewsbury. The barns at Bretton Alkmere Farm are perfect for a family get together or a friend’s holiday with plenty of luxurious extras. The Brewhouse (UK44073) sleeps two, The Granary (UK44074) sleeps six, The Dairy (UK44130) sleeps eight and The Stables (UK44139) sleeps 10 and all have been decorated to a high modern standard whilst cleverly preserving the characteristics of the original barns.
The owners have worked with an interior designer to give the barns the extra ’wow’ factor when it comes to décor. They come with en-suite facilities and all of them have large open plan living, dining and kitchen areas with plenty of comfy seating for all and large dining tables. The kitchens are spacious, modern, and fully equipped for any chefs in the party, but if you don’t feel like cooking, there’s plenty of fantastic restaurants nearby that the owners will gladly share their recommendations. All the barns have wood flooring throughout and charming exposed beams, and there has been a great deal of attention to detail so that you can relax in style and comfort. There are Smart TVs with Netflix if you fancy a movie night. Each of the barns come with enclosed gardens and patios, with breathtaking views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside and plenty of parking for everyone. In addition to the fabulous accommodation, the owners offer you a luxury hamper and if there’s availability the children can be shown around the farm. The family have a fantastic farm shop not too far away, so that you can indulge in delicious local produce during your stay.
You are located only a 10-minute drive from the beautiful and very popular town of Shrewsbury, which is a great place to explore. Bursting with independent shops, coffee bars and restaurants and set on the banks of the River Severn, there’s plenty to see and do. Farmers markets are laid on throughout the year, and events happening all the time, it’s a must visit. In the nearby Shropshire Hills, hikers and cyclists can explore the varied landscape, stopping in at numerous quaint villages along the way to explore meadows, hills, and woodland. Or visit one of many of the National Trust properties close by. There’ something for everyone, the special places in Shropshire are just waiting to be discovered. The owners will be more than happy to make suggestions and help you with your planning.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 26 guests.