Autumn Breaks in Shropshire: Why Shropshire Should Be Top of Your Destination List together with a stay at St Milburga Chapel!
We might still be enjoying the last of the summer sunshine but the evenings are gradually drawing in and there are already signs that autumn is on its way. If you are starting to think ahead to an autumn break, Shropshire should definitely be somewhere near the top of your destination list.
Autumn is definitely one of my favourite times of year in the Shropshire countryside. I love watching the trees gradually change colours and there is something particularly self-satisfying about heading out for a long autumnal walk knowing you can put your feet up in front of a warm fire afterwards. It is also a quieter time to visit, once the summer holidays are over and before the rush towards Christmas begins.
Enjoy the Autumn Colours
One of the biggest reasons to visit Shropshire in autumn has to be the scenery. With its hills, valleys and large areas of woodland, there are plenty of places to enjoy the changing colours.
Fancy something energetic? Head for the Long Mynd, Stiperstones or the Clee Hills where, on a clear autumn day, you can enjoy far-reaching views across the Shropshire countryside.
You don’t need to tackle a strenuous hike though. Sometimes a gentle woodland walk through the fallen leaves followed by coffee and cake is all that’s needed in my opinion! Mortimer Forest, near Ludlow, is a particular favourite. It has miles of walking trails through the woodland and then you can enjoy the cafes and pubs in Ludlow afterwards.
We have plenty of maps and books of local walks at St Milburga Chapel to suit all abilities and for even more suggestions, click the link here for a list of suggested walks around Stoke St Milborough and the Shropshire Hills.
Explore Ludlow at a Slower Pace
Autumn is also a lovely time to explore Ludlow. The town remains lively throughout the year, with its regular market, independent shops, cafés and restaurants but without some of the busyness of the summer months.
Spend a few hours browsing the shops and market, explore Ludlow Castle or head down towards the River Teme for a walk along the Bread Walk. And, of course, no visit to Ludlow is complete without making time for something to eat. Check out our recommendations of places to eat in Ludlow here.
Discover Shropshire’s History
If the autumn weather is looking a little less inviting, there are plenty of other things to do. Shropshire has an incredible collection of castles, historic houses, ancient monuments and pretty market towns to explore.
Stokesay Castle is only a short drive from St Milburga Chapel, while Ludlow Castle, Wenlock Priory and the many National Trust properties in the area can easily fill a day. We’ve also put together a guide to some of our favourite historic places to visit near Ludlow if you’re looking for inspiration.
Enjoy Cosier Evenings
Perhaps one of the nicest things about an autumn break in Shropshire is returning from a day out as the light begins to fade. Autumn evenings are made for putting the fire on, cooking something comforting, opening a bottle of wine and settling down with a good book, film or board game.
At St Milburga Chapel, a cosy lounge and a warm fire make it easy to enjoy those slower evenings, while on warmer autumn days there is still the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the countryside views.
Time for an Autumn Escape?
An autumn break doesn’t need to be packed with activities. Part of the appeal is having time to slow down, enjoy the countryside and decide what you feel like doing each day. Whether that means a long walk in the Shropshire Hills, an afternoon exploring Ludlow or simply staying somewhere peaceful and doing very little at all, autumn is a wonderful time to visit.
If you’re thinking ahead to an autumn break in Shropshire, St Milburga Chapel provides a peaceful countryside base near Ludlow from which to explore everything this beautiful part of the county has to offer.