Explore the Local Area
One of the best things about staying at Coates Farm is that you don’t need to travel far to experience the very best of Shropshire.
Set in peaceful countryside just outside the historic market town of Much Wenlock, we’re perfectly placed for everything from gentle walks and independent shopping to world-famous heritage sites and some of the county’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re staying for a weekend or a little longer, you’ll find plenty to fill your days if that’s what you want to do!
Discover Much Wenlock
Just a short walk from the site, Much Wenlock is one of Shropshire’s most charming market towns. Full of independent businesses, historic buildings and welcoming cafés and pubs, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring.
Browse the traditional high street, stop for a coffee, enjoy lunch at Baker & Cook, or stock up on local produce from Much Wenlock Fruit & Veg Market, where you’ll find fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, local honey, local apple juice, homemade pickles and locally grown flowers and plants (open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday mornings – it’s always worth checking opening times before visiting).
For quality meats and pies be sure to call in at A. Ryan & Son Butchers, known by locals as Paddy’s, run by Paddy, Sue and their family.
If you’ve forgotten any essentials or need to fuel up, the Nisa Local & Shell Petrol Station is also within walking distance and stocks a wide range of everyday groceries.
Things to do & see
Walk Straight from Your Pitch
Leave the car behind and discover the countryside on foot.
A public footpath leads directly from Coates Farm into Much Wenlock (around a 20 minute walk), making it easy to wander into town without needing to drive or walk on the main road.
For those wanting to stretch their legs a little further, there are countless walking routes across the surrounding countryside.
One of the area’s highlights is Wenlock Edge, a beautiful limestone escarpment made famous by A.E. Housman’s A Shropshire Lad.
Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, the views across the Shropshire countryside are well worth the effort.
With peaceful lanes, rolling fields and miles of public footpaths, you’ll quickly discover why Shropshire is considered one of England’s best-kept secrets for walking.
A Town Steeped in History
Much Wenlock is famous for being the birthplace of the modern Olympic movement. In 1850, Dr William Penny Brookes founded the Wenlock Olympian Games, inspiring Baron Pierre de Coubertin when he later created the modern Olympic Games.
History lovers can also visit the fascinating Much Wenlock Museum, where you’ll discover the story of the town and its surrounding countryside, including a remarkable collection of Roman coins discovered on our own family farm 50 years ago!
While you’re in town, it’s also worth visiting the impressive ruins of Wenlock Priory, cared for by English Heritage, and taking a stroll around the historic Guildhall.
World-Famous Heritage on Your Doorstep
Just a short 15-minute drive away lies Ironbridge Gorge, one of the UK’s most important heritage destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Home to the world’s first cast iron bridge, Ironbridge offers a fascinating insight into the Industrial Revolution. Families will particularly enjoy Blists Hill Victorian Town, where history comes to life through recreated streets, traditional shops and costumed characters.
In 2026, the National Trust began caring for the Ironbridge museums and collections, helping to preserve this internationally important heritage for future generations.
In the evening it’s a great spot for fish and chips by the river too!
Fishing, Horse Riding & Outdoor Pursuits
Waters Edge Fishery & Leisure, less than a mile from the site, offers peaceful coarse fishing in beautiful surroundings and is ideal for both experienced anglers and beginners.
For those who enjoy horse riding, Mill Farm Riding Centre in Hughley (10 minutes drive) provides riding lessons and countryside hacks for riders of different abilities.
Discover Shropshire’s Hidden Gems
Shropshire is full of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, and Coates Farm is perfectly placed to help you find them.
Whether you’re visiting for two nights or two weeks, you’ll soon understand why so many of our guests return to explore a little more each time.
Explore the Best of Shropshire
Coates Farm makes an ideal base for discovering some of Shropshire’s best-loved towns and attractions.
Within easy driving distance you’ll find:
- Church Stretton (25 mins) – often called “Little Switzerland”, with access to the stunning Long Mynd and Shropshire Hills National Landscape.
- Ludlow (35 mins) – a beautiful medieval town renowned for its food, independent shops and castle.
- Bridgnorth (20 mins) – famous for its cliff railway, riverside walks and historic high street.
- Shrewsbury (30 mins) – the county town, packed with Tudor architecture, independent boutiques, cafés and riverside walks.
- Telford – offering shopping, family attractions and excellent transport links.
Being centrally located means you can enjoy a different corner of Shropshire each day before returning to the peace and quiet of Coates Farm in the evening.