Bishop’s Castle is an ideal base from which to enjoy the many attractions in Shropshire and Powys. 

A comprehensive guide to all these attractions, and many others is included in each of our apartments and rooms. The Bishop’s Castle Tourism Office is next door but one to The Porch House.

Walking and Cycling

Being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty there is plenty of scope for those who enjoy walking and cycling. There are a number of walks which start from Bishop’s Castle, you can download leaflets which describe the best here. There is also an excellent website with downloadable maps here. We will be happy to advise on local walks and with a bit of notice can arrange for a guided walk to suit your ability. There is a local taxi service, call Rus 07551 825931, which is bookable to pick up/drop off at your walk’s start and finish. Cycles can be hired from Ludlow, or if you bring your own you may store it in our barn. The annual Tandem Triathlon in July is a big event in town for all ages. Bishop’s Castle is on the Sustrans Cycle Route 44

The bc ring (aka the Bishop’s Castle Ring) - a 61 mile, five day walk which is centered on Bishop’s Castle.  We can arrange pick-up and drop-off each day so you don’t have to carry all your gear.  See www.bcring.co.uk for details or you may purchase the guide book from us.

Within a short drive you can also reach:

Stiperstones - A spectacular rock outcrop on a long ridge, less well known than The Long Mynd but much more interesting. There are some old lead mines and quarries along the western edge of the Stiperstones (Tankerville, Bog & Snailbeach) which are also worth a visit, as is the Bog Centre for teas. Open Easter - Oct, Weds - Sun. You can download a circular walk here.

Long Mynd - Very popular in summer, great views and if the weather is good you can also watch the gliders and paragliders taking off over the edge of the escarpment. www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk

Offa’s Dyke - The Dyke passes about 3 miles from Bishop’s Castle, some excellent scenery but a lot of up and down

The Shropshire Way - A fascinating long distance walks encompassing Shropshires geological roots.      www.shropshirewalking.co.uk/shropshire-way/

The Kerry Ridgeway - 15 miles from Bishop’s Castle to Cider House Farm, Powys. Good route for cycling. www.bbc.co.uk/wales/mid/sites/walks/pages/kerry_ridgeway.shtml

Bury Ditches - A spectacular Hill Fort about 3 miles from the town.  It has a number of well laid out paths around the fort.

Mitchell’s Fold & Corndon Hill - Mitchell’s Fold is an ancient stone circle and the area around it, although less well known than the Long Mynd and Stiperstones, is well worth exploring.

Shopping

Ludlow and Shrewsbury have a range of interesting shops; not the large out-of-town multiples, but small gift, antique and small quirky shops selling a wide variety of products. Ludlow is also renowned for its food shops and our favourite Japanese restaurant, Koo, www.koo-ook.co.uk. Park & Ride is recommended for both towns.

Museums & Attractions

Within 20 Miles:

Stokesay Castle - Strictly speaking not a castle but a fortified manor house built in the 14th century. www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.351

Land of Lost Content, Craven Arms - A bit hard to describe this museum. It will certainly have something which you can remember from time gone by. A most enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. www.lolc.org.uk

Acton Scott - A museum of farming and rural life, open March - October. Featured in the BBC series ‘Victorian Farm’ www.actonscott.com

Powis Castle - The home of the Fitzherberts, now owned by the National Trust.  Good collection of treasures brought home by Clive of India and wonderful gardens.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-powiscastle_garden

Within 40 miles

Ironbridge Museum - 10 museums in one - it takes several days to do it all, one of the best museums in the country. It is about a 50 minute drive from Bishop’s Castle. www.ironbridge.org.uk

Wroxeter Roman City - It was once one of the largest roman towns in Britain, the site is quite interesting although only occupies an hour but worth combining with a trip to Shrewsbury. www.english-heritage.org.uk/wroxeter

Hawkstone Park - An 18th century garden which has a long walk designed to pass through gullies, tunnels and follies, best enjoyed out of school holiday times, an enjoyable and unusual day out.  www.hawkstone.co.uk/park.htm

Activities