Clun Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Clun Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Clun packs plenty into its small footprint. The ruins of Clun Castle (4.5/5 TripAdvisor) stand proudly on a natural mound overlooking the town. Managed by English Heritage, it's free to visit year-round. The 13th-century structure offers fantastic views across the valley.

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (4/5 TripAdvisor) sits 20 minutes away in Craven Arms (SY7 9RS, open 10am-5pm daily). Their interactive exhibition tells the story of the landscape's formation. I recommend their excellent café for lunch using locally-sourced ingredients.

Stokesay Castle (4.5/5 TripAdvisor) is Britain's best-preserved medieval manor house, just 25 minutes' drive (SY7 9AH). English Heritage maintains this 13th-century gem, with audio tours bringing its history to life.

The small town of Bishop's Castle lies 7 miles north and features independent shops, the Three Tuns Brewery (Britain's oldest licensed brewery) and excellent walking routes. We've found the town's food festival in September well worth timing your visit around.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love Clun! Many cottages welcome pets, often providing bowls, beds and even treats on arrival. The surrounding countryside offers endless walking opportunities without needing to drive anywhere.

The White Horse Inn (SY7 8JA) in the town centre welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good pub grub. Their beer garden has water bowls and plenty of shade in summer.

Clun Forest walks provide perfect dog exercise territory. The circular route from the castle through Bury Ditches (an Iron Age hill fort) takes about 3 hours and offers spectacular views. Remember to keep dogs on leads around livestock.

The Clun Valley Dog Training Club runs sessions on Sundays if your four-legged friend needs some holiday discipline! They welcome visitors by arrangement.

For emergency vet care, Bishops Castle Vets (01588 638356) is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-6:30pm with 24-hour emergency cover.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Clun

Clun Castle should top your list. These impressive ruins date from the 1100s, built by the Norman lords to control this section of the Welsh border. The walk up offers fantastic views across the town and valley. What makes it special is how quiet it remains even in peak season. Take a picnic and enjoy the peace. One visitor noted: "No entry fee, no gift shop, just history and views - perfect!"

The Clun Valley walking trails showcase the best of the area. The Shropshire Way passes right through town, with well-marked routes for all abilities. My favourite section follows the river south towards Newcastle, with swimming spots for brave souls (or hot tub users wanting an extreme temperature contrast!). The tourist information centre in the town square provides free walking maps.

Offas Dyke Path crosses just west of Clun. This ancient earthwork marked the boundary between England and Wales, built in the 8th century. The section near Clun offers some of the best-preserved parts of this 177-mile national trail. The visitor centre in Knighton (15 minutes' drive) provides excellent background information before you tackle a section.

Is Clun good for families with young children?

Yes! The gentle river walks, playground in the town square and family-friendly pubs make Clun ideal for kids. Many cottages provide games and DVDs and the hot tub will be a highlight for water-loving children. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre nearby has excellent interactive displays and regular holiday activities.

What's the best time to visit Clun?

May brings the famous Green Man Festival (first weekend), while summer offers the best walking weather. Autumn provides spectacular colours in the surrounding forests. Winter sees fewer visitors but cosy pubs with roaring fires - perfect for returning to your hot tub under starry skies.

Are there good places to eat in Clun?

Despite its small size, Clun offers good dining options. The Sun Inn serves excellent locally-sourced food, while The White Horse provides classic pub fare. The Maltings Café offers great breakfast and lunch options. For special occasions, The Castle Hotel in Bishop's Castle (15 minutes' drive) has an award-winning restaurant.

Do I need a car in Clun?

While a car is useful for exploring further afield, Clun itself is walkable. The town has a small supermarket, butcher and bakery for essentials. Bus services connect to Shrewsbury and Ludlow, though they're limited. Taxis are available but should be booked in advance.

What's the nearest train station to Clun?

Craven Arms station (9 miles) offers connections to Manchester, Cardiff and Shrewsbury. Ludlow station (16 miles) provides additional services. Both would require a taxi to complete your journey to Clun.

Is there good mobile reception and internet in Clun cottages?

Mobile coverage varies by network - EE and Vodafone generally perform best. Most cottages now offer WiFi, though speeds might be slower than urban areas. Check with your accommodation provider if high-speed internet is essential for your stay.

Some helpful links:

1. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
2. English Heritage - Clun Castle
3. Shropshire Hills Walking Routes
4. Clun Green Man Festival
5. Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd