In and around Clun - Forest View

Forest View is situated in the village of Clun, Shropshire. It is just five minutes walk into the centre where you will find, shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops.

CLUN, SHROPSHIRE

The village of Clun itself was famously described by Housman as 'one of the quietest places under the sun'. But there is plenty to explore in Clun and the surrounding areas. Clun itself has a 14th century pack horse bridge, a beautiful church, a very interesting Trinity Hospital, Town Hall, Museum and an imposing Norman Castle, which is now owned by English Heritage.

Clun has many events throughout the year, starting in May with the Green Man Festival. Mummers perform in The Square where there is also a Sunday Market. Morris dancers and a Craft Fair also feature and Frostie, Queen of Cold challenges the Green Man in the Battle on the Bridge. If the Green Man doesn't see her off, then there is no Summer in the Clun Valley.

In August, the Clun Carnival and Show incorporates a week long series of events and in October, there is the annual Beer Festival.

There are great walks that Clun has on its doorstep. Take Offa's Dyke path for example. Many visitors will be more interested in the archaeology than in pitting themselves against the elements. The most interesting stretch is within easy reach. Llanfair Hill is the Dyke's highest point and where it is 'at its finest and most inspiring.' The Shropshire Way and the Jack Mytton Way, a long distance bridleway and cycle route, also pass through the town.

Another place to visit are the Bury Ditches, near Clunton. When severe storms blew down many trees, the Forestry Commission got the message and cleared the whole site, revealing one of the finest hill forts in Britain. You are rewarded for the climb with ramparts and ditches towering above the slopes and wonderful views from the interior. It looks as if Clun's ancestors were determined to protect their peace and quiet.

The surrounding area includes many villages and towns worth visiting. Ludlow is considered one of the finest preserved mediaeval towns in England. It has many things to offer the visitor including Ludlow Castle, St Lawrence Church, Ludlow Museum and the many ancient buildings in the town. It is fascinating to walk through the streets and alleys laid out to the original mediaeval plan. Ludlow has also become famous for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as other first class eateries. It is also noted for the many events and festivals that take place from Shakespeare in the Castle, the annual Craft Festival and the Food and Drink Festival.

Church Stretton is often called Little Switzerland because of the glorious hill country on each side of the town. It is especially attractive to walkers but everyone can enjoy a gentle stroll up Carding Mill Valley or one of the other delightful valleys leading up to the Long Mynd.

The National Trust owns a number of historic homes and parks in the area. Powys Castle, Welshpool, was originally built in c.1200 by Welsh Princes and was subsequently embellished and adapted by generations of Herberts and Clives. A beautiful collection of treasures from India is displayed in the Clive Museum. The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters, rare and tender plants is a must see. Berrington Hall offers a great day out for everyone with countryside and lakeside walks, ornamental gardens, a spectacular house and activities for the children. The hall is set above a wide valley with sweeping views to the Brecon Beacons. For further details and information on other National Trust properties and land in the area visit National Trust.

Other places to visit include Acton Scott Working Farm showing daily life on an upland farm at the turn of the century. Severn Valley Railway - this restored steam railway travels down the beautiful Severn Valley from Bridgenorth to Bewdley and then Kidderminster. Ironbridge Gorge where the Industrial Revolution in the UK started. Its series of museums, soread along the banks of the River Severn pay tribute to what happened in this great valley two hundred and fifty years ago. The first iron wheels, the first iron rails, and even the first steam railway locomotive were all made here as well as the first Iron Bridge.

Or you can go over the border into Wales. There are beautiful drives through the Welsh mountains to the seaside towns of Aberystwyth and Aberdovey. Venture a little farther up the coast to the lovely Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth and you are in the Snowdonia National Park.