Craven Arms Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Craven Arms Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Craven Arms might be small, but there's loads to see. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (SY7 9RS) is a must-visit. Open 10am-5pm daily, it's got brilliant interactive exhibits about the local landscape and a lovely butterfly meadow. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from over 500 reviews.

Just 2 miles away is Stokesay Castle (SY7 9AH), an amazingly preserved 13th-century fortified manor house. English Heritage maintains it and it's open 10am-5pm in summer. The audio tour is fantastic - I'd definitely recommend it. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm (SY6 6QN) is about 5 miles north. They demonstrate farming methods from the Victorian era, complete with heavy horses and traditional craftspeople. Kids love the animals and there's often demonstrations of old farming techniques. It's open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-4:30pm from April to October. TripAdvisor rates it 4.5/5.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in Craven Arms welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens where they can run about while you enjoy your hot tub. The Shropshire Hills are perfect for dog walking - miles of open countryside and woodland paths to explore.

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre welcomes dogs in outdoor areas and the café has a dog-friendly section. Their woodland walks are great for a morning stroll with your four-legged friend.

For food, The Stokesay Inn (SY7 9AH) has a beer garden where dogs are welcome and staff often bring water bowls out. The Castle Hotel in nearby Bishop's Castle is super dog-friendly too, with treats behind the bar.

If you're bringing a dog, pack some towels for muddy paws after walks - the Shropshire soil can get pretty sticky after rain! Many local cottages provide dog beds and bowls, but it's worth checking what's included before you travel.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Craven Arms

The Land of Lost Content Museum (SY7 9DP) is one of the weirdest and most wonderful museums I've ever heard about. It's packed with 20th century memorabilia - toys, packaging, household items - a real nostalgia trip. Open Thursday-Monday, 10am-5pm. One visitor called it "the most fascinating collection of everyday items I've ever seen" and it scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Stokesay Court (SY7 9BD) is a magnificent Victorian mansion that featured in the film "Atonement". They do guided tours on selected dates (booking essential). The gardens are stunning and the house has an amazing collection of period furniture. The tour guides really know their stuff about the house's history. Open for tours on specific days only, check their website for dates.

The Secret Hills Walking Centre organises guided walks in the area. Even if you're not much of a walker, their shorter routes are manageable for most people and the views are worth it. They know all the best spots that tourists miss. A recent walker commented: "Our guide showed us views I'd never have found on my own - worth every penny." Book at the Discovery Centre or online.

Is Craven Arms good for families with young children?

Yes! The Discovery Centre has a great play area and child-friendly exhibits. Mickey Miller's family play barn (SY7 9QD) is good for rainy days with soft play and a café. Many cottages provide games and DVDs and having your own hot tub is always a hit with kids.

Can I get around Craven Arms without a car?

You can, but it's limiting. The town has a train station on the Cardiff to Manchester line. Local buses serve nearby villages, but services are infrequent. For seeing the best of the area, I'd recommend bringing a car. Some cottage owners offer pickup services from the station if arranged in advance.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring and summer are lovely for walking and outdoor activities. Autumn brings amazing colours to the Shropshire Hills. Winter can be quiet but sitting in a hot tub while it's cold outside is pretty special! The Discovery Centre and most attractions open year-round, though some have reduced winter hours.

Are there any good local food specialties to try?

Shropshire has great food! Try Shropshire Blue cheese, local lamb from the hills and Ludlow sausages. The Craven Arms Farmers Market (first Saturday monthly) has brilliant local produce. The Green Dragon pub does good food using local ingredients.

Is there anywhere to go if the weather is bad?

Besides your cottage's hot tub? The Discovery Centre is mostly indoors and Ludlow (15 minutes drive) has shops, cafés and Ludlow Castle to explore. The Land of Lost Content Museum is entirely indoors and will keep you busy for hours.

Can I bring elderly relatives with mobility issues?

Many cottages have ground floor bedrooms and bathrooms. The Discovery Centre is fully accessible with disabled parking. Stokesay Castle has limited access for wheelchairs but the ground floor and gardens are manageable. Always check specific access details when booking.

Helpful links:

1. Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
2. Stokesay Castle Information
3. Shropshire Hills AONB Walking Routes
4. Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
5. The Land of Lost Content Museum