A cozy, romantic weekend break in the Shropshire Hills
It’s Valentines Day this week and in keeping with the romantic feels around this special day, our next blog article explores what a romantic, long-weekend break in the Shropshire Hills might look like.
Friday
Arrival day and a drive through the beautiful countryside of Shropshire and the Shropshire Hills to arrive at St Milburga Chapel, your charming holiday cottage for the weekend. Check-in is from 3 o’clock leaving you plenty of time to unpack your bags and settle in. With our roaring real-flame heating stove on and lots of chunky throws and blankets you’ll be warmed up in no time. Perhaps, you’ll opt for a cozy night in, relaxing with a glass of wine and a takeaway. We leave a complimentary bottle of wine for our guests from a local winery, Ludlow Vineyard. It would go very nicely with a spicy Thai takeaway from Thai Box in Ludlow. Or perhaps you fancy pairing it with an artisan pizza from Sourced Pizza in Ludlow.
Saturday
What could be better than a stroll around Ludlow, enjoying the many independent shops and cafes in this quaint historic Shropshire town? With it’s cobbled streets, hundreds of listed buildings, half-timbered and Georgian style and narrow alleyways, there’s lots to keep you occupied. Perhaps you like history in which case don’t forget to visit Ludlow Museum at the Buttercross. If you prefer shopping, you are in luck. Not only does Ludlow boast a plethora of independent shops but it’s very popular market can be found in the Market Square on Saturdays. Don’t forget to have a look at the beautiful Valentines display in the window of The Chocolate Gourmet and perhaps treat yourselves to some luxury artisan chocolates. It is Valentines Weekend after all!
Sunday
How about a walk in the beautiful Shropshire countryside followed by a traditional Sunday pub lunch? There are hundreds of footpaths and walks across Shropshire to choose from. You could opt to walk up to Nordy Bank Hill Fort. This walk starts from St Milburga Chapel and is not too strenuous. It takes about 45 mins to walk up to this historic iron-age fort and is well worth it for the fantastic views across the Shropshire Hills from the top. If you fancy more of a challenge, what about heading over to the Church Stretton area and tackling the Long Mynd. The main car park at Carding Mill Valley is about a 40 min drive from Stoke St Milborough. For more suggestions, we have lots of walking books, maps and recommended walks in your holiday accommodation.
For Sunday lunch may we suggest booking a table at The Pheasent at Neenton. This community owned and run pub is only a 15 min drive from Stoke St Milborough. Another historic country pub doing a fantastic Sunday lunch option is The Boyne Arms in the tiny village of Burwarton in the Shropshire Hills. It’s only a 10 min drive away or perhaps you could walk there and back!
Monday
Time to check out From St Milburga Chapel but don’t worry, you don’t need to leave before 11 am so time for a long lie-in and a leisurely breakfast. If you are not heading straight home from your Shropshire weekend break, perhaps you’ll have time to pay a visit to one of the many tourist attractions dotted across Shropshire. The National Trust properties of Berrington Hall and Croft Castle are within a 30 min drive from Stoke St Milborough. With a house, garden and parkland, they are perfect destinations whether you just have a couple of hours to fill or want to spend longer. Plus, what could be nicer than a famous National Trust scone to finish off the day. Strawberry jam and clotted cream anyone?