Clun and Clun Castle

Clun is a must-see village in Shropshire, and is but a short drive from Ludlow and St Milburga Chapel. Easy parking, short distances to walk and lots to see. Our insider guide with tips on visiting is below.

Clun Castle

A short walk from the centre of Clun, Clun Castle is a ruined 11th century motte-and-bailey castle. It sits atop a small hill, at a bend in the River Clun. Make sure to take care on the steep slopes on either side of the castle, and enjoy the views from the top. The castle is fairly impressive, so why not extend your visit by enjoying a picnic in the field surrounding it, weather permitting. There is a small footbridge from the back of the car park to reach the castle, and this does have steps. However, there are toilets in the car park.

Whilst in Clun, have a stroll around the beautiful picturesque village. There’s plenty to see, such as Clun Bridge, which is a 15th century packhorse bridge, but is now a road bridge, and Clun Town Hall, which is now the Clun Museum. After your stroll, why not stop for lunch, or tea and cake at one of the pubs and cafes available.

Clun Museum

Clun Museum boasts a vast collection of around 6000 ancient tools, collected from within the Shropshire Hills, with many dating back to the Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age). It also contains more recent artefacts, such as two Elizabethan ceremonial maces. The museum is only open on Tuesdays (2pm – 5pm), Saturdays (11am – 5pm) and Bank Holiday Mondays (11am – 5pm), so make sure to visit Clun at one of these times if the museum is somewhere you wish to visit. Admission is free.

Located on Clun High Street, the Maltings Cafe offers a large range of delicious soups, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, drinks and cake. All food is freshly prepared on site, and there is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. There are plenty of vegetarian and a few vegan options, as well as alternative milk available. Dogs are allowed, and it is also wheelchair friendly. It is open Monday – Saturday, 10-4pm, and offers both breakfast and lunch menus, as well as having WiFi and allowing card payments. It also sells a range of local produce, including honey and jam, although cash may be required to buy the honey.

This cafe is on bridge street, opposite the Castle Car Park. The menu includes samosas, sandwiches and sausages, as well as cakes, ice cream and scones. There are plenty of vegetarian and a few vegan options. It is wheelchair accessible and also has WiFi. It does take card payments and is open everyday except Monday, 10-5pm. It also has both indoors and outdoor seating areas.

A pub on the square, this has a restaurant with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, all with a range of vegetarian and vegan options. The lunch menu contains burgers, baguettes and sandwiches, and has plenty of options for others including pizza and fish and chips. It’s dog friendly, and has WiFi and card payments, as well as indoor and outdoor seating.

The Sun Inn

This pub is located on High Street, and has a variety of different meals, with vegetarian and gluten free options available. It’s dog friendly, with both indoors and outdoors seating areas.

Parking

This car park is right next to the river Clun, and opposite the Postcard Cafe. From here, it’s only a short walk to the castle, although this will involve a short, steep hill. To get to Clun Museum, or the other pubs and cafes, cross the road bridge and walk up the hill. There is no charge for parking here, and public toilets in the back of the car park.

Slightly out of the way, this car park is free to park, and usually less busy than the Clun Castle Car Park. However, it will require a slightly longer walk to reach the castle, or any pubs and cafes. The road to the car park is quite thin, so large vehicles may struggle to park here.

Insider advice for visiting Clun

1. Don’t plan to spend a whole day in Clun, it will only take a couple of hours, or half a day if having lunch, to look around. Instead, head to Stokesay Castle or the Shropshire Discovery Centre, and then head to Clun.
2. Do visit the castle if you are able, it is impressive, even if it is in ruins. However, be prepared to walk up a short hill, and if the weather isn’t great, bring appropriate footwear as the paths may get quite muddy.
3. If open, visit the museum. It’s full of history, and has so many interesting artefacts to look at.
4. Stop for lunch or tea and cake at one of the cafes or pubs in Clun. All boast a wide variety of delicious food, and have plenty of options for everyone.