Clee Hill Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Clee Hill Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Clee Hill sits in a fantastic spot for exploring both Shropshire and the Welsh borders. The hill itself offers walks with massive payoff - on good days you can see Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Malverns from the summit.

Ludlow (8 miles away) is a must-visit with its medieval streets and castle (Castle Square, SY8 1AY, open 10am-4pm daily). The town scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and has over 500 listed buildings. I'd recommend timing your visit for the Ludlow Food Festival if you're coming in September.

The Severn Valley Railway (Station Drive, Kidderminster, DY10 1QX) runs steam trains through gorgeous countryside. It's about 25 miles from Clee Hill but worth the trip - especially if you've got kids who'll love the experience. They run daily services April-October.

For something closer, try Titterstone Clee Hill's summit. The radar station domes make it look like a sci-fi film set! The views are free and available 24/7, though the wind can be brutal so pack a jacket even in summer.

Pet Friendly

Many Clee Hill cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The open access land on Clee Hill itself gives dogs plenty of space to run, though keep them on leads near livestock.

The Talbot Hotel in nearby Cleobury Mortimer (DY14 8BQ) allows dogs in the bar area and garden. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! We've found most local pubs are dog-friendly - The Crown at Hopton Wafers is another good option.

For wet weather, the Ludlow Buttercross Museum (SY8 1AZ) allows well-behaved dogs on leads. And after muddy walks, many cottages provide outdoor taps and towels specifically for cleaning dogs before they jump in your hot tub!

The Forestry Commission sites at Bringewood (15 minutes' drive) offer marked trails through woodland - perfect for dogs who need to burn energy. There's parking at SO456735 and most paths are well-maintained.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Clee Hill

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (School Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS) gives a brilliant introduction to the area. Their interactive exhibits explain the geology that makes these hills so special. Open 10am-5pm daily, it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The mammoth replica is surprisingly impressive and their café serves good local food.

Rays Farm Country Matters (Billingsley, WV16 6PF) combines farm animals with woodland walks and sculpture trails. It's about 15 minutes from Clee Hill and gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. Kids love the hands-on animal feeding sessions at 11am and 2pm daily. The owl display is genuinely educational rather than gimmicky.

Stokesay Castle (SY7 9AH) is England's best-preserved medieval manor house according to English Heritage. It's a 20-minute drive and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The audio guide brings the place to life and the views from the tower are worth the climb up the narrow stairs. Open 10am-5pm in summer, reduced hours winter.

Is Clee Hill suitable for families with young children?

Yes! While the hill itself has some steep sections, there are plenty of gentle walks suitable for little legs. The Small Breeds Farm near Kington (30 minutes away) is brilliant for toddlers and many cottages provide games and DVDs for rainy days. Your hot tub will be a hit with kids too - just check the cottage rules about minimum ages.

What's the best time of year to visit Clee Hill?

Each season has its appeal. Spring brings lambs and wildflowers, summer gives the longest days for hiking, autumn has spectacular colours in the surrounding woodlands and winter offers crisp, clear views (when it's not foggy!). For the best chance of good weather for that hot tub, June-September is your safest bet.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. There's a limited bus service connecting Clee Hill village to Ludlow (service 292), but it doesn't run evenings or Sundays. Taxis are available but need booking in advance. I'd recommend bringing a car to make the most of the area.

Are there good places to eat nearby?

Yes! The Hopton Crown (DY14 0HE) serves excellent food and local beers. In Ludlow, you'll find everything from casual cafés to high-end restaurants. The town has a reputation for good food. Many cottages have well-equipped kitchens too and Ludlow's food shops are great for self-catering.

Is the mobile signal good enough to work remotely?

It varies dramatically. Some cottages have good 4G, others sit in signal black spots. Most holiday properties now offer WiFi, but speeds can be patchy. Check with your host before booking if you need reliable internet for work calls. The hot tub might help you forget about work anyway!

What should I pack for a Clee Hill holiday?

Walking boots are essential, along with waterproofs (even in summer). Binoculars help with the amazing views and swimwear for the hot tub! The weather can change quickly on hills, so layers are sensible. Most cottages provide towels but check if you need extra for hot tub use.

Some helpful links:

1. Shropshire Hills AONB official site
2. Visit Ludlow tourism information
3. Severn Valley Railway timetables and tickets