Aston On Clun Cottages with Hot Tubs

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Aston On Clun Guide

Aston On Clun is a small Shropshire village where hot tub cottages offer a perfect countryside escape. The village sits in the Clun Valley, surrounded by the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it ideal for walkers and nature lovers.

Nearby attractions include Stokesay Castle (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor), the market town of Ludlow with its famous food scene and the Long Mynd - a stunning hill plateau perfect for hiking. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (4/5 on TripAdvisor) is just 7 miles away.

Aston On Clun is known for its unique Arbor Tree ceremony - one of Britain's rarest traditions dating back over 400 years. The village flag tree is decorated annually and the custom was mentioned in A.E. Housman's poetry collection "A Shropshire Lad".

Cottage options range from cosy one-bedroom conversions to larger farmhouses for groups. Many feature private hot tubs, wood-burning stoves and enclosed gardens. Some properties offer glamping pods with hot tubs for a more unusual stay.

Get More From Your Aston On Clun Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Aston On Clun might be small but it packs a punch when it comes to exploring. The village sits in the Clun Valley with the River Clun running through it - perfect for riverside walks right from your cottage door.

Stokesay Castle is just 7 miles away (SY7 9AH, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Mar). This 13th-century fortified manor house is English Heritage's finest medieval manor and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. The audio guide is brilliant and the tea room serves great scones.

Ludlow (15 miles) is a must-visit with its castle (4/5 TripAdvisor), food festivals and independent shops. The town has over 500 listed buildings and a market that runs Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (SY7 9RS, open daily 10am-5pm) offers interactive exhibits about local wildlife and history. Their butterfly meadows are stunning in summer and kids love the mammoth replica.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages in Aston On Clun welcome dogs and the area is fantastic for four-legged friends. The village pub, The Kangaroo Inn, allows dogs in the bar area and garden - they even keep treats behind the bar!

The walking here is superb for dogs. I recommend the circular route from the village to Clunton Coppice - it's about 4 miles with streams for paddling and mostly off-lead opportunities.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm (SY6 6QN) allows dogs on leads throughout their grounds. It's a fascinating place where farming methods from the 1800s are still used and they've got farm animals your dog can observe from a distance.

Remember to bring towels for muddy paws - especially if you're planning to let them join you in the hot tub! (Just kidding, keep the pets out of the hot tub, please).

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Aston On Clun

The Arbor Tree - This black poplar in the village centre is decorated annually on May 29th in a tradition dating back to 1786. The tree marks a local wedding and is the only tree in England that's officially celebrated. Even if you're not visiting during the ceremony, it's worth seeing this piece of living history with its plaque explaining the tradition.

Clun Castle - Just 3 miles away, these dramatic ruins stand on a mound above the River Clun (SY7 8JT, open daily, free entry). Built in the 13th century, it was once a key border fortress. There's no visitor centre, but that adds to its charm. One visitor on TripAdvisor wrote: "Peaceful, atmospheric and completely uncommercial - how ruins should be!"

Bury Ditches Hill Fort - This Iron Age fort (SY7 0JT, always open, free) offers some of the best views in Shropshire. The earthworks are among the best-preserved in Britain, with massive ramparts you can walk around. The forest setting is magical, especially in autumn. Take a picnic and binoculars - on clear days you can see for miles across Wales.

Is Aston On Clun good for walking holidays?

Absolutely! The village sits in the Shropshire Hills AONB with dozens of marked trails. The Shropshire Way passes nearby and Offa's Dyke Path is within easy reach. Walking maps are available from the village shop and most cottages keep a collection of route guides. The terrain varies from gentle riverside paths to more challenging hill climbs.

Where's the nearest place to buy groceries?

Aston On Clun has a small village shop for essentials. For bigger shops, Craven Arms (7 miles) has a Spar and Co-op, while Ludlow (15 miles) offers a Tesco and several independent food shops. Ludlow is famous for its food scene with butchers, bakers and delis selling local produce. Many cottages offer welcome hampers if arranged in advance.

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging but possible. Bus service 740 connects Aston On Clun with Craven Arms and Knighton, but runs only a few times daily and not on Sundays. The nearest train station is at Craven Arms (7 miles). Taxis are available but need booking in advance. I recommend bringing a car to make the most of the area.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Each season has its charm. Spring brings wildflowers and lambs in the fields. Summer offers the longest days for exploring and warm evenings for hot tub stargazing. Autumn turns the woodlands golden and winter brings crisp walks and cosy pub fires. May 29th lets you witness the Arbor Day ceremony, while August has several local agricultural shows.

Are there good pubs and restaurants nearby?

The Kangaroo Inn in the village serves good pub grub and local ales. The White Horse at Clun (3 miles) offers excellent dining with locally-sourced ingredients. For fine dining, Ludlow has several outstanding restaurants including Mortimers and The Clive Arms. Book ahead, especially at weekends and during summer.

Will I get mobile phone reception and WiFi?

Mobile coverage is patchy in the valley. O2 and EE tend to work best, while Three and Vodafone can be unreliable. Most cottages offer WiFi, though speeds are typically slower than urban areas. Some properties advertise their hot tub cottages as "digital detox" opportunities - perfect for truly getting away from it all!

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