Written by Liz Main of Mynd House B&B Little Stretton
Autumn is a dreamy season to visit Shropshire, when visitors can take advantage of quieter attractions, fire-lit pubs and scenic walking.
At our Shropshire bed & breakfast it’s one of our favourite times of year, as the trees surrounding our house on the hill colour the view with gold and red. In the cosy lounge we light the log burner for guests enjoying a board game with their drinks from the honesty bar. And our Boot & Cycle Room comes into its own for visitors to store muddy footwear after a day’s hiking in the stunning Shropshire Hills.
So with all things ‘Autumnal Shropshire’ in mind, we thought we’d inspire your autumn mini-break with our best places to walk, shop and have Sunday dinner in this beautiful English county in Fall:
The best places for Sunday Lunch in Shropshire
Nothing beats a Sunday roast in a British pub. Roast potatoes, lashings of gravy, a meat or vegetarian showpiece; and, of course, a Yorkshire pudding crown.
Whether you eat yours after a morning walk in Shropshire’s stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or to end a day wandering our cheery market towns, a Sunday dinner is a must-do on your stay in the county.
So where is the best place for a Sunday roast dinner in Shropshire? Here are three of our favourites:
The Green Dragon
Less than ten minutes walk from Mynd House (ideal if you like a few drinks with your roast) is The Green Dragon. With its play area and children’s menu it’s a great Shropshire pub for families, as well as being dog-friendly and boasting an outdoor decking area with spectacular views of the surrounding hills. The Sunday Lunch menu includes gluten free and vegan options too.
The Ragleth Inn
Another Mynd House local – just two minutes walk from our Shropshire bed and breakfast – this family-run Little Stretton pub dates back to 1663. It too has a play area for kids, a large al fresco space and a log burner-warmed dining room. The Sunday roast menu offers children’s portions, as well as vegan, dairy-free and gluten free options.
The Swan Inn
Get a history lesson with your Sunday dinner at this Aston Munslow pub – thought to be the oldest in Shropshire. Think roaring fires, a large beer garden, pool room, real ales and tales of Dick Turpin. The Swan serves a great value Sunday dinner, with one course for £11.95, and meat, fish and vegetarian options served with the traditional accompaniments.
The best autumn walks in Shropshire
Just like the local pubs, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to autumn walks in the Shropshire countryside. And if you’re staying in the county for a week or so, there is lots of inspiration on this website. But for those enjoying a short break in Shropshire this autumn, these are our three best recommended walks:
Caer Caradoc
At 1,506 feet this is one of the tallest of the Stretton Hills. That means a walk to the top isn’t for the faint-hearted, but once you’ve reached the summit you’ll be rewarded with rolling views of Long Mynd and Church Stretton. At the top you’ll also discover an historic Iron Age hillfort.
Offa’s Dyke
one of the UK’s most famous and special walking routes, Offa’s Dyke Path is a 177 mile trail steeped in history. It passes through the border between England and Wales 20 times, with October being a superb time to walk the AONB stretch in Shropshire.
Mortimer Forest
Leave the hills behind and head deep into one of our county’s most beautiful forests. This 1,000 hectare woodland is home to birds of prey and longhaired fallow deer, but also close to Ludlow; so ideal for a nature stop before or after a wander around the famous Shropshire market town.
The best shopping in Shropshire
If you’re getting organised early with your Christmas shopping; looking for new winter wear to keep you warm; or just love a mooch around antique shops, book stores and farmers’ markets, then Shropshire is the mini-break destination for you.
Here are the Mynd House team’s three favourite Shropshire spots to shop ‘til you drop!
Ludlow
A must-stop during any stay in Shropshire is a visit to its foodie capital Ludlow. Just outside the town is the award-winning Ludlow Farm Shop which is a great place to pick up gifts for gastronomes. In Ludlow itself is an excellent selection of indies, like Period House, Little Twidlets and the delicious Mousetrap Cheese Shop. And the award-winning market runs throughout the year.
Shrewsbury
Just a 30 minute drive from Mynd House, Shrewsbury is a shopper’s paradise. The Darwin is home to high street favourites, alongside a dedicated area for independents retailers. A high-end shopping experience is found at The Parade, and there are unique pre-loved shops aplenty; like The Wardrobe and Shrewsbury Antiques Centre. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Shrewsbury Market Hall.
Oswestry
This market town is a treasure trove of independents and you-won’t-find-anywhere-else stores. For gifts for cooks and enthusiastic dinner hosts there’s the gorgeous Upstairs Downstairs; then pop to Booka for a signed cook book and a brew. Check to see whether Oswestry’s Market is on during your stay in Shropshire, and don’t miss the huge amount of antiques and collectables at Cambrian House Emporium.
So there’s a little taste of some of the many things you can experience on a Shropshire Autumn short break. We’d love to inspire you with more ideas when you visit our cosy hillside bed & breakfast in Little Stretton.
Call us on 01694 722 212 for availability and prices.
