Westhope Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Westhope Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Westhope sits in a fantastic spot for exploring Shropshire's best bits. You're right on the doorstep of the Shropshire Hills AONB with its rolling landscape and walking paths. I recommend starting at Carding Mill Valley (SY6 6JG, open dawn till dusk) where you can tackle routes of various difficulties.

Ludlow is just 7 miles away and packs in more history than you'd think possible for a small town. The castle (SY8 1AY, open 10am-5pm daily) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and hosts festivals throughout the year. The town itself has over 500 listed buildings and a food scene that draws visitors from across the UK.

Stokesay Castle (SY7 9AH, open 10am-5pm) is actually a fortified manor house and gets 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's the best-preserved medieval manor house in England according to English Heritage. The audio guide is worth getting as it brings the place to life.

Church Stretton (15 minutes north) offers antique shopping and access to the Long Mynd, a heather-covered plateau with stunning views. The Secret Hills Discovery Centre (SY6 6BX, open 10am-5pm) scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor and explains the area's geology and history.

Pet Friendly

Many Westhope cottages welcome dogs, which makes sense given the walking opportunities. We've found most places allow 1-2 dogs, but always check specific cottage details before booking.

The Shropshire Hills are perfect for dogs with miles of open space. Just keep them on leads during lambing season (usually February-June) and near livestock. The Long Mynd has several car parks where you can start walks of different lengths.

For dog-friendly eating, try The Ragleth Inn in Little Stretton (SY6 6RB) which welcomes dogs in the bar area and has water bowls. The Green Cafe in Ludlow (SY8 1EG) has outdoor seating where dogs can join you.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm (SY6 6QN) allows dogs on leads in the grounds, though not in the farm buildings. It's a fascinating glimpse into Victorian farming methods and was the filming location for BBC's Victorian Farm series.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Westhope

Ludlow Food Centre (SY8 2LR, open 9am-5pm daily) is more than just a farm shop. It's a food production hub where you can watch cheese being made, bread being baked and meat being prepared. Their cafe serves dishes made from ingredients sold in the shop. One visitor told me: "We came for lunch and ended up spending three hours here watching the production and buying far too much to take home!"

Flounders' Folly (SO4 8EW) is a 16-metre stone tower built in 1838 on Callow Hill. It's only open on the first Sunday of each month (plus bank holidays) from 11am to 2pm, but the walk up is worth it anytime for the 360-degree views across Shropshire and into Wales. On clear days, you can see 13 counties! A recent visitor commented: "The best viewpoint in Shropshire by far - we could see the Malverns, Brecon Beacons and even Snowdonia."

Stokesay Court (SY7 9BD, tours by appointment only) is a magnificent late-Victorian mansion that featured in the film "Atonement". The house tour includes the library where the famous scene with Keira Knightley and James McAvoy was filmed. The gardens are spectacular in spring when the rhododendrons bloom. A visitor noted: "The guide was incredibly knowledgeable about both the house history and the filming - much more interesting than I expected."

Is Westhope suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Many cottages provide high chairs and cots. Nearby attractions for kids include the Small Breeds Farm Park (HR5 3EQ) with its owl sanctuary and the Severn Valley Railway (DY12 1BG) for steam train enthusiasts. The hot tub will be a hit with older children too.

Can I get groceries delivered to my cottage?

Absolutely. Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda all deliver to Westhope postcodes. There's also Ludlow Food Centre for local produce and Ludlow Farmshop for essentials. I suggest booking your delivery slot well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

What's the best time to visit Westhope?

Each season has its appeal. Spring brings lambs and wildflowers, summer offers long days for exploring, autumn has spectacular colours in the woodlands and winter gives you crisp walks followed by hot tub sessions under starry skies. Ludlow Food Festival in September is a highlight of the year.

How far is Westhope from Shrewsbury?

Shrewsbury is about 20 miles (32km) north of Westhope, roughly a 35-minute drive. It's worth a day trip for its medieval centre, independent shops and boat trips on the River Severn. The train station also connects to major cities if you want a car-free day out.

Are there any good pubs within walking distance?

The closest pub is The Plough Inn at Wistanstow (3 miles away), which brews its own Wood's beer. For a proper walking-distance pub, try The Crown at Munslow which serves good food and local ales. Both welcome walkers with muddy boots!

Will I have mobile reception and WiFi in Westhope?

Mobile reception can be patchy in rural Shropshire. O2 and EE typically have the best coverage. Most cottages offer WiFi, though speeds may not match what you're used to in cities. Perfect excuse to disconnect while enjoying that hot tub!

1. Shropshire Hills AONB Official Website
2. Visit Ludlow Tourist Information
3. Stokesay Castle Information
4. Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd