Why we love glamping in Shropshire

There's never a bad time to go glamping in Shropshire, from the frosty hillsides of winter to the blooming woodlands of spring, but here are a few things you might consider timing your visit around. One of the UK’s top folk music events, Shrewsbury is often voted the UK’s friendliest festival, with a relaxed and welcoming vibe where all come together like one big family. With an eclectic mix of folk, roots, world, and Americana, along with traditional dance and workshops, there’s never a dull moment. Equally, there’s lots of room on the vast site to grab a beer, sit back, and enjoy the music.

For the pure foodies, Ludlow Food Festival offers food and drink cooked by some incredible chefs and a brilliant day out that will leave you full and happy, not least because you've had a hand in supporting so many local businesses. If you're more interested in the second half of "food & drink", sample a range of 180 real ales alongside a prosecco parlour, wine bar, and gin den, at Shropshire Oktober Festival. A mixture of comedy and live music rounds out this autumn weekender with everything from oompah and skiffle to rock bands. At least if you're glamping in Shropshire you'll have somewhere comfy to sleep it off.

If glamping in Shropshire is going to be the start of your walking career, Linley Beeches is a great choice. The circular route passes along the historic avenue of Linley Beeches before heading back through the West Onny river valley, with beautiful views of some of Shropshire’s finest countryside on a clear day. The Caer Caradoc walk is a moderate level ramble, and one of the most popular Shropshire hills walks, taking you from the pretty Shropshire town of Church Stretton to the summit of Caer Caradoc and its ancient hill fort. It’s a challenging climb, but well worth it for the spectacular views from the top.

A more challenging trail runs to the top of Long Mynd in the Shropshire hills on the Burway Loop, a five-mile stretch with a gorgeously green panorama, ideal for more experienced walkers glamping in Shropshire. Offa’s Dyke Path is a long-distance footpath broadly following the England-Wales border, with stunning views of South Shropshire, and some epic climbs that will challenge even the hardiest hikers. Fell runners often take on the 177-mile trail in five days. We recommend spending a little longer, and breaking up the walk with comforting pub stops.

The award-winning Old Downton Lodgeat Ludlow is the proud holder of 3 AA Rosettes and a listing in the Michelin Guide. The A La Carte and tasting menus evolve seasonally, with highlights including bream with garlic beans, piquillo puree and octopus, and halibut with nasturtium root, bacon, and samphire. If that's a bit out of keeping with your idea of glamping in Shropshire, then The Boathouse at Shrewsburymakes things a littler simpler, serving fantastic pub classics with a twist in front of fantastic views of the river Severn at arguably one of the best pubs in Shropshire.

To get yourself a tasty souvenir of your glamping in Shropshire, try a visit to the Shropshire Distillery, which began its story in the 'Gin Shed’ at the family home. A warm welcome (and a G&T - of course) awaits you as you walk around the distillery and you can even make some gin yourself in your very own still. Alternatively, Ludlow Farm Shop offers locally reared and produce food, with 80% coming from Shropshire and surrounding counties. You can see artisans making the food through glass windows around the shop, producing a wide range of delicacies along with local wine, spirits, and beers.

Ludlow Castle is one of the finest Shropshire castles, set in glorious green hills at the heart of Ludlow, one of the prettiest black and white Shropshire towns. Walk through the Castle grounds and get a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval society. For slightly more modern history, the world’s first iron bridge, erected over the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in 1779, is now a world famous industrial monument, surrounded by a spectacular wooded gorge that was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Now recognised as a World Heritage Site, it’s free to visit, and as good for nature lovers as it is for history buffs glamping in Shropshire.

You can also rocket yourself back to the age of steam and see life more than 100 years ago at Blists Hill Victorian Town, a Telford open air museum with a difference. Meet some (almost) real Victorians in their authentic shops and cottages, buy curious goods from a bygone era, and watch tradespeople in action in their atmospheric workshops. Attingham Park is another well-preserved site, that makes a grand addition to your glamping in Shropshire. The 18th-century estate with 200 acres of parkland and Regency Mansion is lovingly maintained by the National Trust and you can stroll through the elegant walled gardens before stopping for a cream tea in the Carriage House Cafe.

Glamping in Shropshire with Canopy & Stars

Glamping in Shropshire with Canopy & Stars is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world without having to pitch a ten in a force ten gale. Our spaces give you access to some of the wildest locations in the UK and include everything from luxurious yurts to converted chapels, and arboretums to cavernous workshops, with extra special touches like hillside hot tubs, roaring agas, and comfy mezzanine beds to make for a memorable stay. Many of our owners also provide extra special experiences to add to your glamping in Shropshire, from private yoga sessions to guided foraging expeditions - anything, and everything, to make your glamping holiday with Canopy & Stars the most unforgettable you’ve ever been on.

How do we choose our places?

At Canopy & Stars, we always send a member of our team for an overnight stay at each of our glamping spaces, to make sure the experience lives up to our high expectations and rigorous standards. Each of them is unique and we love them for that individuality and character. We look for solid fundamentals so we know you'll get a good night's sleep, then touches of magic so we'll know you'll take a great memory home with you.

Whether you’re glamping in Shropshire for a romantic getaway with a partner, adventures with friends, or to catch up with family members, our accommodation choices are never mundane, offering something extra to make your holiday truly unforgettable.

About Canopy & Stars

Canopy & Stars is a small, independent travel company that’s committed to making a positive impact on the planet. We share our profits with our employees, all of whom are given a stake in the company, and with our charitable trust, established to support a range of climate change projects. We treat our employees, accommodations owners, and suppliers with fairness and kindness, making sustainable and ethical choices that protect both people, and planet. We have a long-running tree planting campaign in partnership with the charity Treesisters, and also support other local initiatives. Take a look at our about us page to learn more about the work we do.