Closer to Home

Hopton Castle is situated in the village of Hopton Heath, conveniently located in the same town as Ashlea Pools, which lies approximately half way between Knighton and Craven Arms, in the English county of Shropshire.

Hopton Castle featured in the British TV series Time Team in 2010. A ruin since the early 18th century, it was partially restored between 2006 and 2011, and was officially re-opened to the public as a visitor attraction in December 2011 by the Duke of Gloucester.

Hopton Castle is a stones throw from Ashlea Pools at just a four minute drive away, a perfect day out for culture and history fans.

Sometimes it’s nice to take it easy, keep it simple, and get back to a more relaxing way of life. Clun is a good place to start. Poet A.E. Housman described Clun as the quietest place under the sun in his book, ‘A Shropshire Lad’. So if you are looking for rest and relaxation it is the perfect small town to visit.

If it’s a day out in the stunning natural Shropshire countryside that you are looking for, Clun will not disappoint.

From Ashlea Pools it will take you a short 15 minute drive to reach Clun, Shropshire.

The medieval town of Ludlow, with its many Michelin starred restaurants and annual food festival make it renowned as Britain’s gastro capital, and its a must-visit place as it is only a 10 mile drive from Ashlea Pools, that’s almost close enough to smell the food.

If you’re not heading there for food, then make a day of enjoying the beautiful scenery and culture that Ludlow has to offer, such as Ludlow Castle and St Laurence’s Parish Church.

Covering as much as 4,942 acres of heather-covered hills with stunning views of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) and the Welsh hills, this is an important place for wildlife, geology and archaeology. Travelling to the Long Mynd from Ashlea Pools will take under half an hour and you can be sure that this will be a very scenic journey.

There are paths for walking, cycling and horse riding, you can even drive to the top of the hill to take in the views. In Carding Mill Valley there are excellent visitor facilities including a tea room, shop and car park; here you can play in the stream, relax with a picnic or head on up the hill for an adventure.

Whichever activity you choose to do, you can be sure that you can relax after a day at the Long Mynd, in your private hot tub at Ashlea Pools.

Hopton Woods mountain bike base is located in Hopton Wood, near Ashlea Pools, Shropshire.

The clue is in the name with this activity, with many trails to bike up or down, some for the more experienced of riders, especially the downhill trails.

If biking is your thing then this is the perfect day out for you.

The perfect place to start exploring the Shropshire Hills, hear the stories of this varied landscape, its people & places, and its history & heritage. A visit will inspire you to explore the area and will reveal some of the stories hidden in the landscape.

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is housed in an extraordinary grass-roofed building designed to echo the hill forts in the surrounding Shropshire countryside.

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is a quick 12 minute drive away from Ashlea Pools, making it a fun and convenient day out for all the family.