The Granary, Rowton Grange, is ideal for a comfortable self-catering break – my partner and I have stayed there both for weekends and for a couple of weeks. Every window looks out on the beautiful wooded hills of south Shropshire, and the Granary and its garden are a great place to relax.
The Granary was where I first came across an Indian Runner, a duck that’s a very different shape from my idea of a duck. I named it Edwin, but it turned out I was wrong – apparently only female ducks lay eggs, and so does Edwin, so it should be Edwina! As a townie, I found the sight of a minutes-old calf quite a shock (and was relieved I hadn’t been required to help with the birth). And I also learned that pigs aren’t always pink: the Saddlebacks have their own colouring and personality. There are also several horses, and arable farming – though I still can’t tell my wheat from my barley.
The owners – a farmer, a vet and their four children – are brilliant at making guests feel welcome. They’re all friendly and good company, without being pushy. The visitors’ book shows that our enthusiasm is shared by many, and the same guests’ names appear time after time – we’re clearly not the only ones to find the Granary worth several visits.

www.rowtongrange.co.uk
Rowton Grange, Aston on Clun, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 0PA
+44(0)1588 660227
Google map: bit.ly/iintrD

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This is a really lovely self catering holiday cottage right in the centre of town. Our two families (eight of us in all) stayed there last September and had a great weekend. Nice bedrooms, lovely kitchen and dining room and lots of toys and games for the kids. Walking distance to all the great food shops, restaurants and pubs that Ludlow has to offer. The sun shone and we ate in the lovely garden and put on about a stone between us!

Old Street, Ludlow, 10 mins walk from Ludlow train station. www.houseinludlow.com or 07802 865502

Google map: tinyurl.com/yl3zjhq

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Thai Restaurant and Globe Lounge Bar. Great Thai food, comfy lounge bar with sunny patio and terrace.

The Globe, 3 Market Street (off Castle Square) Ludlow, Shropshire

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For its miserichords and church towers.

traveller.uncommontraveller.com/2007/03/25/ludlow-shropshire--st-laurences-church-and.aspx

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Ludlow's oldest pub, where I first discovered Scrumpy.

traveller.uncommontraveller.com/2007/02/07/ludlow-shropshire--church-chocolate-beer-and-sausage.aspx

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Summer 2007 may be a total write-off but, dodging between heavy rain showers, it’s still possible to get some exercise and some fresh air. This walk in the hills just north of Ludlow offers lots of great views from every direction as you circle the woods and valleys – a slice of Shropshire at its very best – and pure beautiful countryside doesn’t get much better than this!

Best to go on a Saturday to enjoy visiting the one of the most amazing farmers' markets in the UK. Buy loads of seriously good food here!

Also a fantastic castle (11th to 15th Century), to explore as well!

www.walkingworld.com/ - walk ID number 221.

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De Grey's has had tea rooms for decades and that is lovely, but it also now has superb B&B rooms attached.

The room we stayed in was really comfortable and warm. The bathroom was really nice with fantastic shower.

The breakfasts were huge and delicious, both the pastries and the traditional English. It seems very good value - 3 star price, but feels more than that.

De Grey's, 5-6 Broad Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1NG. 01584 872764 www.degreys.co.uk

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