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.
- Bishop's Castle, England
In one of the most charming and unspoilt market towns in England, dog-friendly The Castle Hotel in Shropshire enjoys a breathtaking situation in the valleys and uplands of Shropshire Hills and the Welsh border and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
£149Price per night from
- Shrewsbury, EnglandLittle Whitley is the former staff quarters to the main house, which started life in the 1600s, and has since been sympathetically restored into a stunning self-catering holiday property for up to four guests. The cottage lies within a private 200-acre family-run farm and boasts its own enclosed orchard and courtyard. The orchard leads on to a footpath which, in one direction, takes you to the village of Hookagate with a pub that welcomes dogs and is popular for food, and a regular bus service to Shrewsbury. In the other direction the footpath leads to Hanwood, also with a village pub and local shop. Whitley provides the perfect destination for couples, families and anyone looking for a relaxing rural retreat.
An open plan downstairs living area combines kitchen, dining and sitting room. Everything about this delightful space syndicates a rural, rustic elegance. The large wood burner creates a cosy feeling in the light, open space, without compromising on modern comforts with underfloor heating, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and a well-equipped kitchen for those choosing to dine in on occasions. Conveniently next door is the first of the two bedrooms with a kingsize bed, lovely sky light allowing in lots of natural light and an en-suite presenting a wonderful double shower. There is also direct access to the garden from this bedroom. Upstairs the master bedroom has that real wow factor, framed by the original beams with a beautiful superking bed and a vanity area to enjoy, a unique window where you can see the sunset out across the farm. The en-suite also boasts luxury with double sinks, and a stunning freestanding bath and a double shower. Outside, there is a beautiful walled orchard garden, enclosed for you to let your pooch roam around, and or the children play to their hearts content, with table and chairs, perfect for al fresco dining. Whitley’s elevated position enables views of the Shropshire Hills, the Welsh Hills and Shrewsbury Town.
Dogs are more than welcome at Whitley and there is so much to explore with them in the local area, fantastic walks along the river or across Lyth Hill, or 15 minutes in the car will take you in to the Shropshire hills. Although the property is rural, you’ll be pleased to learn that Shrewsbury is only 10 minutes away by car or an easy bus journey. Set on the banks of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is one of the country’s most picturesque medieval towns. Dotted with flowers and parks, and renowned for the historic Shrewsbury Abbey and Castle, this bustling town is home to a lively independent shopping scene, restaurants, bars and some unforgettable days out. Ludlow is a thriving medieval market town in Shropshire and an architectural gem with a lively community feel, busy with events and festivals throughout the year and just under an hour away. From taking a stroll around the beautiful gardens to exploring the nearby countryside, even just sitting back relaxing and taking in the tranquillity of the cottage and its grounds, Little Whitley promises an idyllic holiday retreat.
Can be booked together with Whitley Burrow UK43594 to accommodate up to 6 guests.£101From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Bridgnorth, EnglandThe Knowle is a large, Grade II listed, part-Georgian, part-Victorian house adjoining another property. Enoying a prominent position within a mile of Bridgnorth, it is located in the heart of the Shropshire countryside overlooking the River Severn. The spacious gardens of approximately ¾ of an acre feature a large barbecue area, plus a climbing frame and a swing for children. Internally, this holiday property boasts good-sized rooms ideal for family or group get-togethers, a snooker/billiard room and wi-fi.
There is easy access to the town and the River Severn, and it is just a 2-minute walk to the local pub and restaurant. Local attractions include the Cliff Railway, the Severn Valley Railway and Visitor Centre, Ironbridge Gorge and Blists Hill Victorian Town museums. Walking, cycling, golf, fishing and horse riding nearby. Shop 1½miles, pub 200 yards. £291From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Shrewsbury, EnglandChestnut Cottage has been lovingly converted into a destination holiday cottage in the beautiful village of Sheinton, where gorgeous interiors and rustic, bespoke furniture await you and your guests. As you enter through the bespoke oak doorway, you’ll find yourself in a bright and spacious porch, great to take a seat and remove your boots and coats. A large sofa is set around a welcoming wood burner in the living room and provides the ideal spot to gather to plan your next day’s adventures or just relax with a film on the Smart TV including Netflix and Freeview. The adjacent kitchen is kitted out for creating feasts with all the appliances you will need and follows a very contemporary design. The French doors in the dining area lead out to the garden providing loads of natural light and stunning views of the Wenlock Edge and further towards the Welsh hills; a lovely sociable space to enjoy evenings over a delicious meal or maybe some board games and drinks.
Three gorgeous double bedrooms await you, each with luxurious bedding. There are two stunning bathrooms, one en-suite in the master, with a walk-in shower and the other a panel bath with shower over. A utility room is a useful additional extra, with ample space for storage and a place to pop muddy boots after a day’s hiking. On the lower ground you’ll find a huge, converted TV/games room with fussball table and Playstation 3 for gaming or watching your favourite movie on a large screen (Netflix included); grab the popcorn and indulge in this soundproof hideaway.
Wander outside, drink in hand, and enjoy the completely enclosed garden, perfect for children and your dogs to play in happily. The towns of Shrewsbury, Much Wenlock and Telford are all nearby and offer a choice of shops, pubs, and restaurants, or if you are feeling more active, the Shropshire Hills and the Long Mynd are just South-West of you. These are a paradise for hikers and cyclists alike. Further afield takes you to the medieval market town of Ludlow, famous for its castle as well as many food and drink festivals throughout the year to enjoy. Take a trip to the town of Bridgnorth, home to The Severn Valley Steam Railway, explore the World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge or discover the numerous National Trust properties of Attingham Park, Benthall Hall, Sunnycroft House and Carding Mill Valley all within easy reach.£109From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Shrewsbury, EnglandDiscover Old Church Farm, a truly wonderful country home in the rural village of Hinstock, set in north Shropshire. This incredible property has that all important wow factor that sets your holiday apart from all others. Sleeping up to ten guests, escape the trappings of fast paced day-to-day life with your loved ones in tow and enjoy a relaxing break in the beautiful countryside between the market towns of Newport and Market Drayton. The amazing living spaces are perfect for relaxing in with your loved ones. These incredible rooms have character with big, exposed beams as well as plenty of natural light. Gather around the log-burner in the spacious living room with your friends and family, staying nice and toasty all year round. When the weather’s warm open the glass bi-fold doors from the kitchen and let that fresh air in! The five bedrooms are lovely and comfy and offer you and your group a lovely night’s sleep. There’s a master kingsize bedroom with en-suite facilities, as well as three further double rooms. There is then one room with a single day bed which can extend into a further single bed - which is great for children. The family bathroom has a luxurious roll top bath with a traditional shower attachment.
On summer days, when the weather is good, you’ll want to soak up the sunshine and sit and enjoy the large garden or hop into the hot tub for a relaxing soak. There’s a pizza oven and a gas barbecue to enjoy some al fresco dining, as well as the pretty lawned area where the children can play.
Take a walk around the village where you will find a small but well stocked village shop with a post office, a friendly community pub and a children’s playground which are only a 7-minute walk away. There are no direct bus routes in or out of the village, however, Newport (approximately 11 minutes’ drive away) and Market Drayton (approximately 11 minutes’ drive away) offer supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants to suit all tastes along with the weekly country market, monthly farmers’ market, canal walks and swimming pools/leisure centres, you have the ideal places to discover on your holiday.
Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, (approximately 32 minutes’ drive away), has plenty to see and do for all the family. Shrewsbury (approximately 30 minutes’ drive away), where ’A Christmas Carol’ was filmed on location, is full of finds to be discovered by foot or by boat. The River Severn is a must, as is the café culture, the castle and the churches that dominate Shrewsbury’s famous skyline. For the more adventurous travel seekers there are various walks and outdoor activities in Shropshire including Hawkstone Follies, an unforgettable day out for all the family with hidden caves, gullies, secret passages and much more.
To exploring Shropshire’s woodlands and countryside, or just sitting back relaxing and taking in the tranquillity of the house, Old Church Farm promises an idyllic holiday retreat.£206From price per night based on 7 night stay
- 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.£707From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Whitchurch, England
A canal boat trip makes a fabulous adventure for your canine friend. You have the freedom to go where you want and your dog will love stopping off for endless new dog-walking opportunities and the gorgeous riverside dog-friendly pubs on route.
£214From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Shrewsbury, EnglandLocated in the rural hamlet of Charlton offering easy access to Shrewsbury and Wellington. The Barn at Whitefields will appeal to those looking for a quiet rural retreat, yet well positioned for exploring the wider area. This two-bathroom barn conversion comes complete with a well-equipped kitchen boasting all the essential appliances. Upstairs there is a stylish open planned living/dining room with smart TV, a superb place to relax and enjoy a cosy evening. The patio doors lead out from the living/dining room to a glass balcony if you prefer to enjoy an al fresco dining experience. The master bedroom and boasts king size bed, Smart TV and ensuite. This room provides direct access to the patio area via bi-fold doors. Bedroom two features a comfortable single bed, with a pull out single bed which can be linked into a double bed (upon request), built in wardrobes, Smart TV and ensuite.
Shrewsbury town offers an array of shops, bars, and restaurants for guests to enjoy and there are also Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty close by, including the Wrekin trail up to the hill fort, Mortimer forest and the Shropshire and Welsh hills beyond. The Barn at Whitefields is situated on the national cycle route 81, between Aberystwyth and Wolverhampton, which will also appeal to cyclists. Visit the city of Telford with it’s fabulous shopping centre, parks and world-famous Iron Bridge and Gorge museums.£99From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Oswestry, EnglandLuxury barn conversions perfect for groups looking to get away and explore the surrounding area with a luxury base to return to, including a private hot tub within the garden. There is plenty to see and do including walks, as well as the Cheshire Cycleway (Regional Route 70) and the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Shrewsbury town is approximately 30 minutes’ drive away, or you can get on the train at Whitchurch station just a 10-minute walk away from the barn and boasts an array of bars, shops and restaurants. After a busy day sightseeing, guests can return to the property and enjoy the private garden with garden furniture.
Whilst the barns enjoy a peaceful rural setting, they are still very close to amenities. Whitchurch town centre is within walking distance and includes an array of excellent shops, pubs and restaurants in the town. It’s home to a restaurant recognised by the Michelin Guide and awarded a place in the 2020 guide. The delightful market town has many splendid buildings from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, all dominated by St. Alkmund’s Church. Internationally renowned for its clock production dating back to the 1650s, Whitchurch is known as ’the Home of Tower Clocks’, and a fine example can be seen on one of the barns.
Attractions close by, include Ellesmere with its beautiful lakes, 11 miles, a variety of National Trust mansions and gardens, and the historical city of Chester with its excellent shopping and famous races, 25 miles, with the Blue Planet Aquarium close by. Chester Zoo, as seen on TV’s ’Secret Life of a Zoo’, is only 30 minutes away and is one of Europe’s largest zoos, helping endangered animals from all over the world.
Other places of interest include Hawkstone Follies, Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, BeWILDerwood, Alderford Lake, RAF Cosford, Fenn’s and Whixall Mosses, and the incredible Ironbridge Gorge.
These properties can be booked together to accommodate up to 22 guests.£144From price per night based on 7 night stay
- Oswestry, EnglandThis 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.£122From price per night based on 7 night stay