TRAVELRAGS

Bishop's Castle

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The GuardianOct 6, 2026

Fine scenery, historic towns and great pubs: a weekend walk on the Shropshire Way

A new series of rambles cuts the 185-mile trail into bitesize portions reachable by train, with urban beavers, the Devil’s Chair tor and some delicious food along the way Few pubs boast a more idyllic setting. As I emerge from the woods after a 15-mile hike, The Bridges , on the banks of the Onny River, in the rolling south Shropshire hills, glistens in the late afternoon sun. Inside it’s all w…

14 things in this story
  • Long MyndSightheath and moorland plateau
  • StiperstonesSightnational nature reserve with wild, dramatic ridge
  • Devil’s Chair torSightrock formation on the Stiperstones ridge
  • Linley BeechesSightmagnificent avenue lines the descent into Bishop's Castle
  • Bank House B&BHotelGeorgian renovation with oak-panelled drawing room
  • Poetry PharmacySightprescriptions are poems chosen to spark specific emotions
  • Castle HotelPubgrand hotel with pretty gardens and welcoming restaurant
  • Elsewhere
  • Shropshire WayTrailShropshire, United Kingdom185-mile trail cut into bitesize portions reachable by train
  • Heart of the HillsTrailShrewsbury, United Kingdomtwo-day hike from Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle via Ratlinghope
  • CsonsRestaurantShrewsbury, United Kingdomcreative small plates
  • Old River Bed nature reserveSightShrewsbury, United Kingdomboardwalk crossing wetlands allows up-close view of rewilding
  • Lion + PheasantHotelShrewsbury, United Kingdom16th-century townhouse hotel with beamed restaurant
  • Lyth Hill Country ParkSightShropshire, United Kingdomexpansive views across Shropshire
  • St Margaret’s ChurchSightRatlinghope, United Kingdom12th-century church, burial place of last known “sin-eater”
Read the full piece at The Guardian →

The GuardianAug 21

‘Tuscany may be beautiful, but do they sell sticks of rock?’: readers’ favourite UK holidays

Your best UK breaks include an island off Mull, a rail journey along the County Antrim coast and Dorset’s best-kept secret • Tell us about your favourite under-the-radar European city – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher Mudeford feels like one of England’s best-kept secrets, the sort of place visitors from abroad might never imagine exists here. Golden sand and sparkling water give it an…

20 things in this story
  • Foxholes campsitePlaceSits on a hill above Bishop's Castle.
  • House on Crutches museumMuseumGet a feel for Shropshire rural life history.
  • Three TunsRestaurantProbably Britain's oldest licensed brewery, started in 1642.
  • Six BellsPubProvides an unpretentious family-friendly welcome.
  • Chai ShopRestaurantServes delicious Indian snacks and traditional sweets.
  • Elsewhere
  • Yorkshire DalesNeighborhoodYorkshire, United KingdomSkipton is the southern gateway to this area.
  • MudefordSuburbChristchurch, United KingdomGolden sand and sparkling water give it an almost Mediterranean feel.
  • Hengistbury HeadTrailChristchurch, United KingdomAdds beautiful coastal walks and wide-open views.
  • Forest of BowlandTrailLancashire, United KingdomStaggering 312 square miles of moorland, forests and valleys.
  • Gisburn forestTrailLancashire, United KingdomMet only two other people during a five-hour hike.
  • Pendle HillSightLancashire, United KingdomBarley village attracts walkers who climb this hill.
  • Trough of BowlandTrailLancashire, United KingdomA trip through here is a must for spectacular scenery.
  • River BlythSightWalberswick, United KingdomTake the rowing-boat ferry across from Southwold.
  • The BellPubWalberswick, United KingdomJoin us for a meal or drink.
  • Harbour InnRestaurantWalberswick, United KingdomA famous place across the water.
  • Barry's AmusementsTheme parkPortrush, United KingdomThe big dipper came into view on the train journey.
  • Shropshire hillsTrailShropshire, United KingdomSplendid views from a campsite above Bishop's Castle.
  • Rhydywernen FarmPlaceBrecon, United KingdomPitched up here after the last August bank holiday.
  • Pen y FanTrailBrecon, United KingdomTallest peak in Britain south of Cadair Idris.
  • The AnchorPubWalberswick, United Kingdom
Read the full piece at The Guardian →
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