Why go now?
This area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), which covers a quarter of Shropshire, has wonderful autumn walks through heather-covered hills, valleys and ancient woodland.
What else is there to do?
There are charming towns and villages in and around the AONB: the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is a good place to start. Church Stretton is the walking heart; Ludlow is the foodie hub; Bishop’s Castle is packed with pubs; Craven Arms is the cultural capital; and quiet Clun is full of history. Find more about all of these at visitsouthshropshire.co.uk. Medieval Shrewsbury, to the north, is the nearest big town, with lots of attractions including new prison tours.
Anywhere good to eat?
It has to be Ludlow. The cafe at Ludlow Food Centre, called the Ludlow Kitchen, champions local food and serves a delicious platter of pork pie, cured meats and cheeses. Mortimers is a new modern British/French restaurant that opens next month and is taking bookings now. Lovers of fine dining should get to Michelin-starred Mr Underhills before it finally closes on 20 December – for a nine-course, daily changing market menu (from £67.50).
How about a drink?
Kerry Vale Vineyard, to the west of the AONB, runs tours and tastings three times a week. The Three Tuns Inn in Bishops Castles dates back to 1642, and serves ales from the adjoining brewery.
Anywhere to stay for under £100?
The Queens, a pub/restaurant in Ludlow, added three rooms last year (doubles from £95). Pen-y-Dyffryn near Oswestry is a multi-award-winning country house hotel (doubles from £95, peny.co.uk). Other options include the four-star Castle Hotel in Bishop’s Castle (doubles from £95); the five-star Ragleth House B&B in Church Stretton (doubles from £85); and the refurbished YHA Wilderhope Manor, which has a four-poster bridal suite (£39, dorm beds from £18).
