Welsh Marches and Beyond
The area surrounding Ludlow and the Shropshire hills is traditionally known as the Welsh Marches. Rather confusingly this term generally refers to the English, rather than the Welsh counties that run down border – particularly Shropshire and Herefordshire. The Shropshire Hills runs right up to the border of Wales but is really one continous landscape that gradually turns from a rolling landscape of fields into a more rugged landscape of hills turning into mountains as you head west into the heart of Wales.
Historically the area was the scene for the long struggle between the Welsh and English kings and princes, a struggle still evident in the fact that the area has the highest density of Motte and Bailey castles in Britain. Perhaps the most famous example of this is Offa’s Dyke, a defensive ditch built in the 8th century by Offa of Mercia. After the Normans arrived Ludlow became the seat of the Marcher Lords, with Ludlow Castle as their headquarters.
While there is plenty to keep you occupied in the Shropshire Hills there are also plenty of great days out from Sutton Court Farm to places slightly farther afield, including the County Town of Shrewsbury, Tenbury Wells and the Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge. Sutton Court Farm Holiday Cottages are situated in the south of Shropshire so are also ideally suited to explore Herefordshire – a quick drive will bring you to a host of fascinating and beautiful spots such as Wigmore, Leintwardine, Leominster, Croft Castle, Berrington Hall and Hampton Court Castle. Slightly further afield but still perfectly do-able as a day trip are Hay-On-Wye, Hereford and Ledbury. Over the border into Wales the town of Knighton is worth a visit along with a walk along a stretch of Offa’s Dyke, while the legendary Powys Castle always impresses.
Berrington Hall Herefordshire - Berrington Hall is a stately home owned by the National Trust and situated in north Herefordshire about 20 minutes drive from Sutton Court Farm Holiday Cottages. The neoclassical mansion house was designed by Henry Holland and is set in landscaped gardens created by his son in law Capability Brown. The house and gardens were created …
Croft Castle - Croft Castle is a beautiful National Trust property set in the rolling countryside of North Herefordshire. It makes an ideal day out from Sutton court Farm Holiday Cottages. Croft Castle has been the seat of the Croft family for over 1000 years. Situated near the village of Yarpole between Ludlow and Leominster, the Jacobean house is …
Ironbridge - Ironbridge is situated in a picturesque gorge on the River Severn. This historic town bills itself as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The early Industrialist Abraham Darby perfected the method of smelting Iron with coke in nearby Coalbrookdale in the 1709, helping to kickstart the Industrial Revolution. …
Tenbury Wells - Tenbury Wells is situated 10 miles east of Ludlow and makes a great day trio from Sutton Court Farm. Nestling idyllically in the Teme valley, this spa town just over the border in Worcestershire was described by Queen Victoria as ”my little town in the orchard”. Famous for it’s ‘Applefest’ held once a year in October.