Shropshire Horse Riding Travel Guide

You have chosen Shropshire for your horse riding holiday, it maybe one of England's quiet counties but don't be deceived; there's still plenty to see and do. Shropshire has over 90 places to visit - historic houses and castles with beautiful gardens, the famous Ironbridge, museums and family attractions. Shropshire sits very comfortably on the English Welsh border, a short drive from almost anywhere you will have heard of! Shropshire has many traditional market towns including gourmet Ludlow and the county town of Shrewsbury.

Things to do and see

This is an area steeped in industrial history, so lots to do outdoors as well as educational visitor centres for any non-riders.

Visit Shrewsbury - In the Medieval town of Shrewsbury is full of black and white buildings and Shrewsbury has far more than its fair share of independent and unusual shops. Shrewsbury almost surrounded by the River Severn and birthplace of Charles Darwin
Tour Ironbridge - birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and one of two World Heritage Sites that bless the county - you will find, set within the gorgeous Severn Valley, 10 hands on museums that will both enlighten and entertain. The ten amazing museums are located in the spectacular and beautiful, Ironbridge Gorge, near Telford, that offers a great day out for people of all ages. Spanning the Ironbridge Gorge and set either side of the River Severn, the indoor and outdoor museums offer visitors a chance to step back in history and experience the sights and sounds of the Gorge's past. The museum's take visitors on a journey from the start of the Industrial Revolution in the early 1700's to the Victorian era 100 years later. The most recent museum is Enginuity, where the workings of everyday 21st Century objects are unravelled. Hodge Bower, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7JP tel: 0370 333 1181
Ludlow is not just beautiful it's delicious! Shropshire's gastronomic capital sits within the famous Blue Remembered Hills of the south of the county and is a great place to find your inner foodie. Ludlow Castle is a ruined medieval fortification, standing on a promontory overlooking the River Teme. The castle was probably founded by Walter de Lacy after the Norman conquest and was one of the first stone castles to be built in England. Castle Sq, Ludlow SY8 1AY tel: 01584 873355

Maesbury Marsh - You can take day or hour-long cruises on the Montgomery Canal from Maesbury Marsh. In Melverley, the church lane is alongside the Tontine Inn. Spend a pleasant hour on the Montgomery Canal, slipping slowly out of Maesbury Marsh where the eighteenth century canal-side buildings still survive. Coed-y-Rae Lane, Maesbury Marsh, Oswestry SY10 8JG tel: 01691 652168
Canal World Heritage Site - (pronounced 'Pont-ker-suck-tay' for non-Welsh speakers). Built by Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, known locally as the 'River in the Sky' is regarded as one of Telford's greatest achievements. A cast iron trough on top of 18 stone piers carries the Shropshire Union Canal 126 foot above the river Dee. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal (including Chirk Aqueduct near Oswestry and the Horseshoe Falls at Llantysilio, near Llangollen) was awarded official UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2009. It's an exclusive club that includes world famous sites like the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids, the Great Wall of China and the Ironbridge Gorge (the other World Heritage Site in Shropshire!). UNESCO agreed that Pontcysyllte Aqueduct represented a 'masterpiece of human creative genius' and that it was an outstanding example of a construction that 'illustrated a significant stage in human history.' Take an exhilarating canal boat trip across Pontcysyllte (just remember your head for heights and a camera to capture the fantastic views) or walk across the 1007 foot long structure. The scenery is breathtaking. Station Rd, Trevor Basin, Wrexham LL20 7TG tel: 01978 292015
Stokesay Castle - is a fortified manor house. It was built in the late 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, who at the time was one of the richest men in England. Today the castle has been carefully restored and there is plenty to do here on a family day out. Ludlow Rd, Stokesay Craven Arms SY7 9AH

Where to eat and drink

The Raven Hotel & Restaurant - charming hotel in a 17th-century coaching inn lies 5 miles from the historic Iron Bridge. A refined restaurant serves classic French and British dishes. There's also a bar and a courtyard with seating.30 Barrow St, Much Wenlock TF13 6EN tel: 01952 727251
Old Hall Restaurant - Modern and traditional Persian cuisine in half-timbered country house with Middle Eastern artworks. Dorrington Old Hall, Main Rd, Shrewsbury SY5 7JD tel: 01743 534897
Wilderhope Manor - A National Trust Elizabethan gabled manor house restored by John Cadbury in 1936. Even though the interiors are unfurnished, the architecture and charm of the manor are still a sight to behold. Longville, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, TF13 6EG tel: 01694 771363
Restaurant Severn - Fine dining with classical roots in a quaint building with a contemporary finish inside. 33 High St, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7AG tel: 01952 432233
Casa Naranjo - Tucked away restaurant with a taverna style and exposed beams, serving Spanish tapas, wine and beer. Barracks Passage, 73C Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 1XA tel: 01743 588165

How to get there

The M54 motorway provides easy access to Shropshire by car. Leave at Junction 6 for the most direct route. The postcode and directions will be given at the time of booking.

Birmingham, Liverpool & Manchester airports are the nearest international airports (approx 1-2 hours drive) and Shropshire is within 4 hours drive of the main London Airports.

Train

The nearest train stations for our riding locations are either Shrewsbury or Telford. It is then approx. a 30 minute car journey. Local Car hire: Thrifty 0333 332 1222

Taxi

Shrewsbury Taxis 0333 332 1222

Broseley Taxis 01952 882666

Go Carz Telford 01952 501050