The Castle Hotel, Shropshire

When the medieval motte-and-baillie castle, built by the Bishop of Hereford, fell into disrepair, it was replaced by the Castle Hotel on the site of its old baillie (enclosed court). The square stone building has presence. To the left of the entrance is the Snug – just that – with further bars beyond; to the right, a venerable panelled dining room. Outside, a surprise: a lovely garden full of flowering borders and a spacious terrace under a pergola. In the sunshine, with those spellbinding views, it feels distinctly Gallic. The owners had much to do when they took on the Castle: central heating, bathrooms, wiring, the works. They redecorated the bedrooms – and put in smart new bathrooms – in uncontroversial contemporary style and some have those eye-gluing views. But it’s downstairs that you will feel the pull of this place. It’s the constant hum of activity and the way the hotel and its market town are plainly symbiotic. Put simply it's a well run, comfortable country hotel, perfect for a rustic escape.

 

Written by Fiona Duncan

• Restaurant
• Hearty modern pub grub. Eat in any of the three bars or the oak panelled dining room.
• Spa
• Comprehensive range of in-house treatments which are available on request.
• Sit-out Terrace
• Fantastic terrace for outside dining in the summer months
• Bar
• There are three separate cosy bars all with log fires

• Views
• Stunning views over the surrounding countryside
• Garden
• Lovely flower filled south facing gardens
• Pet friendly
• Pets stay for free!
• Child friendly

• Sights nearby
• You are spoilt for choice for things to do including characterful towns, ancient castles and bountiful gardens.
• Cycling
• Fantastic cycling country amid the South Shropshire hills with something for all abilities.
• Great walks
• Great walks straight from the door plus the South Shropshire Way and Offa's Dyke

• Other Activities
• Superb shooting closeby
• Fishing

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Fantastic hill top hotel, located on the old Castle ruins, with stunning views out of the Shropshire Hills a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Access to unspoilt walking countryside right from the hotel front door. Bishops Castle is famous for its quirky independent shops, two real ale Breweries and laid back culture. • Set in a quiet square well away from passing traffic • Close to Powis Castle, Ludlow, Church Stretton, Shrewsbury and Wales • Three bars and an oak panelled restaurant serving local produce • The Shropshire Hills, Offa’s Dyke, Powis Castle, Clun and The Long Mynd • We are a Four Star Inn and have been recommended by The Good Pub Guide for fifteen years continuously • Fabulous beer garden with panoramic views of the Shropshire Hills • Recommended by The Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays Special Places, and Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence for the last four years continuously. • Three crackling log fires in the cooler months • Children and well behaved dogs welcome • Walkers are welcome with great hill walking countryside

What is there to do in the area? Walking in some of the oldest and most unspoilt countryside in England & Wales. Walking areas include, The Long Mynd, Cardingmill Valley, The Kerry Ridgeway, Offas Dyke, The Shropshire Wau and Wenlock Edge. Guests can visit many historic landmarks, including Powis Castle, Ludlow Castle & Stokesay Castle. Ironbridge Gorge and its many museums dedicated to the birth of the Industrial Revolution or Attingham Hall new Shrewsbury. This corner of Shropshire is famous for its artisan food produce and many local suppliers are used at The Castle Hotel, plus the chance to visit many sites still producing Food & Drink using traditional methods.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? We offer a full cooked Shropshire breakfast, including many other options available as well as a breakfast buffet table.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We serve both an extensive lunch and evening menu every day throughout the year. The style of food is modern British cooking with a traditional hearty coaching inn influence. Which are your most popular room types, and why? We have three types of Rooms from “Smaller”, “Standard” & “Master” rooms, these can cater for most budgets and customer needs. Our Master rooms are spacious & relaxing with fantastic views and luxurious bathrooms, some have free standing baths & walk in showers.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We are very family friendly and have a number of family rooms available. Children are allowed in all areas of the hotel and we have an enclosed garden that they can enjoy. We have a children’s menu available for meal times and a number of bar board games available.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? The Castle Hotel is a fantastic base for exploring this corner of Shropshire and the Welsh borderlands. We offer access to some of the very best walking countryside and are a dog friendly establishment. Dogs are very welcome and stay free of change. Bishops Castle is famous for its Real Ale and has two micro-breweries in town which offer regular brewery tours, one being The Three Tuns Brewery which is the oldest licenced Brewery in the country.