YHA Clun Mill

Whether on foot or bike, you won’t tire of the views surrounding your rural retreat – it’s called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a reason, you know. Particularly fine scenes of Shropshire countryside can be seen at Offa’s Dyke, the Long Mynd and Carding Mill Valley, and a 10-minute walk will get you to the ruins of Clun Castle. For those really going the distance, YHA Clun Mill is also close to the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycling route. Jump in the car and in 15 minutes you can experience how the Victorians farmed at the Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, or head to the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (also 15 minutes) to explore the exhibition, riverside walks and regular family events. For astronomy buffs, The Spaceguard Centre (with a working observatory) is about 25 minutes away. The towns of Craven Arms (a 20-minute drive) and Ludlow (half an hour) have a fine selection of shops and eateries – and if you’ve come for the castles you can take your pick from Stokesay Castle, Ludlow Castle, Hopton Castle and Richard’s Castle.