This thriving medieval market town sits amid some of the loveliest country in the land, a launch pad for walkers and cyclists alike, with Offa’s Dyke, Long Mynd and the Kerry Ridgeway all close. After a day in the hills, roll back to this quirky hotel for a night of gentle carousing. You’ll find heaps of country comforts: hearty food, impeccable ales, super rooms with honest prices. Downstairs, there’s a coal fire in the pretty snug, oak panelling in the breakfast room, and Millie the short-haired dachshund who patrols the corridors with aplomb. Stylish bedrooms upstairs have all be refurbished. Expect good beds, warm colours, flat-screen TVs, an armchair if there’s room. Some are up in the eaves, several have views of the Shropshire hills, two have baths in the room. Back downstairs you find the sort of food you’d want after a day in the hills, perhaps hot garlic prawns, beef and ale pie, sticky toffee pudding. Don’t miss the hugely popular real ale festival in July, the beer drinker’s equivalent of Glastonbury. The garden terrace, with long country views, is a fine spot for a sundowner.
Visited The Castle Hotel for a drink and a bite to eat. There was a lovely warm welcome from the staff and the beer (Three Tuns XXX) and food (fish and chips) was excellent. There was also a lovely roaring fire. Highly recommend a visit!