Why camp in Shropshire?
The Shropshire Hills
Covering roughly a quarter of the county, the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a must-see while you’re roaming around this part of the world.
While much of Shropshire is covered by classic West Midlands farmland, the Shropshire Hills have an altogether wilder vibe, with dramatic volcanic geology and stunning views that have much in common with the nearby mountains of Wales.
Three Iron Age hillforts, hills crowned with castles, dozens of pretty towns and villages and endless footpaths can be found in this exceptionally scenic area of southern and central Shropshire.
New to these parts? Start off at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms before diving into hiking trips along the Long Mynd or day trips touring Ludlow’s Tudor-era pubs.
Ironbridge Gorge and industrial heritage
Before rounding off your trip to Shropshire, make sure to earmark some time to see Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the outskirts of Telford.
Why is Ironbridge Gorge so special? It’s home to the world’s very first arched iron bridge, built at the end of the 18th century and still standing today. Interestingly, the builders designed the structure almost exactly as if it were made of wood.
The bridge spans a scenic stretch of the River Severn, making an excellent historic pit-stop on treks along the splendid Severn Way.
North Shropshire and the Welsh border
While for many guests the Shropshire Hills will always be the star of the show, others may prefer calm canalside rambles in the north of the county. The landscape here is totally different, which has a lot to do with the fact that there’s a good deal more water about.
Ellesmere with its shimmering lake and sculpture trail is an excellent spot for birdwatching, while the market town of Oswestry has an impressive hillfort, a wide range of independent shops and a bustling weekly market.
This area is also great for getting out to see top-notch attractions on the Welsh side of the border. The gorgeous Pontcysyllte Viaduct and Chirk Castle, for example, can both be reached within about a 10-minute drive if you settle down somewhere near Weston Rhyn.
The best Shropshire attractions
Walking in Shropshire
Shropshire is well-known for its excellent access to walking and cycling routes. We’ve listed some of the most popular below, but get in touch on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram if you’d like to see your personal favourite featured.
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Offa’s Dyke Path, a spectacular long-distance trail following the border between England and Wales
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The Wrekin, a 407-metre hill allegedly built by a local giant that can be seen as far away as Staffordshire
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Wenlock Edge, a long wooded escarpment near Much Wenlock
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The Devil’s Chair, a rocky outcrop on the Stiperstones
Museums and historic days out
As well as the industrial heritage on show at Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire has heaps of museums, historic houses and castles to discover. Some of our favourites include:
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Benthall Hall, a 16th-century country house and gardens near Broseley
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Blists Hill Victorian Town, a kid-pleasing open-air museum close to Ironbridge Gorge
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Wroxeter Roman City, a well-preserved Roman settlement five miles from Shrewsbury
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Stokesay Castle, a distinctive fortified manor house in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Family-friendly Shropshire attractions
Shropshire’s also home to a wide range of fab family-friendly attractions. Keep with kids engaged with a trip to one of the following top-rated Shropshire sights:
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Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, Telford
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Telford Steam Railway
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Ludlow Castle
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Bridgnorth Castle Hill Railway
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The House on Crutches Museum, Bishop’s Castle
Delve deeper
Surprises in Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury may at first glance seem an unassuming place, but every year the town comes alive when it hosts the Shrewsbury Food and Shrewsbury Folk festivals. And what better way to warm yourself up for open-air food and/or music bonanza than a stay at a campsite or glampsite near Shrewsbury?
Outside of festival season, you might like to pay a visit to a few of the town’s permanent attractions, from sipping beer at Britain’s oldest working brewery to river tours of the Severn’s best bridges aboard the much-loved boat Sabrina.
Hawkstone Park Follies
Wondering if anything could enhance Shropshire’s gorgeous geology? Take a walking tour of the eccentric structures at Hawkstone Park Follies near Shrewsbury and you may be pleasantly surprised. Man-made bridges, pillars and urns from the 18th century blend in with natural sandstone caves and cliffs in a celebration of the sublime that’s still just as spectacular today.
As well as the folly parts of the park, Hawkstone has an impressive arboretum, plus a troll hunting trail that may catch the eye of younger guests.
Alluring abbeys and pretty priories
Like the look of gothic arches against green Shropshire hills? It’s certainly a winning combination (as the folk at Hawkstone Park Follies have shown), so if you have the luxury of time to spare it’s well worth exploring some of the outstanding ecclesiastical architecture dotted around the county.
If you find yourself around Shrewsbury, head to Haughmond Abbey and step in the footsteps of medieval Augustinian monks, or head to Much Wenlock and wend your way around the Cluniac cloisters of Wenlock Priory.
Want to learn more, or to find something similar near your campsite? Have a browse of the comprehensive listings on the English Heritage website.
Here’s how
So, what will it be? Set your heart on a snazzy Shropshire glampsite? After an independent farm site close to Ludlow? Scroll through the options on this page and start checking availability, or narrow down your search using our filters to browse by themes, facilities and nearby leisure options. Some of our most popular requests include:
Looking for your next destination? Follow the course of the Shropshire Union Canal to Cheshire or Staffordshire, or head west and over the Welsh border to North Wales, Mid Wales or Snowdonia National Park.
