Pub with rooms Bishops Castle, Shropshire | The Castle Hotel

Overview

Hidden away deep in the Shropshire Hills midway between Shrewsbury and Ludlow, Bishops Castle draws a bohemian crowd for its independent shops, arts and crafts galleries and quirky annual festivals.

Built in 1719 on the site of the ancient castle ruins at the top of town, the Castle Hotel enjoys glorious views across roof-tops to wooded hills from its beautiful garden, the place to be on warm summer days. More informal inn than hotel, the Castle has been owned and run with aplomb by Henry and Rebecca Hunter since 2010, who have created a relaxing and comfortable base for exploring the Welsh Borders, the Long Mynd and Ludlow, attracting both the walking and cycling fraternities and dog-lovers.

The original charm and character of the Georgian building have been retained throughout the three unspoilt bars and panelled dining room - expect large windows, old cushioned settles, blazing winter log fires, and rugs on wooden floors.

COTTAGES - Families or couples wanting more privacy and looking to stay in the area for longer might like to book one of the two fully-equipped self-catering cottages adjacent to the hotel. Market Square Cottage sleeps three and Elephant Gate House, originally built as stables for the hotel, sleeps six.

Rooms from:

12 doubles: £125

Good to know

Credit cards (except Amex) accepted

Alfresco dining

Parking available

Dog stay: Free

Dog-friendly

Your canine companion will find a Dog Welcome Box in the room - feeding mat, food bowl, drying towel, lead, treats and poo bags.

Alfresco

The glorious gardens offer a magical vantage point with views across rooftops to the surrounding Shropshire Hills.

Bishops Castle

A small and ancient market town encircled by the South Shropshire Hills and noted for its independent shops, antiques, quirky festivals and two micro-breweries.

Rooms

The 12 rooms ramble across two floors and make the most of the inn's elevated position - some look over the roof-tops or the colourful hotel gardens, others enjoy stunning views to the wooded hills beyond.

All are individually designed and neatly furnished in contemporary country style, the largest being the two suites with antique pine, upholstered chairs, big comfortable beds, roll-top baths in the rooms, plus a spacious, well-equipped bathroom with walk-in shower. Other rooms vary in size but you can expect soothing colours, quality linen on comfortable beds, hot water bottles, fresh coffee and milk and biscuits.

Families or couples wanting more privacy and looking to stay in the area for longer might like to book one of the two fully-equipped self-catering cottages adjacent to the hotel. Market Square Cottage sleeps three and Elephant Gate House, originally built as stables for the hotel, sleeps six.

Restaurant & bar

South Shropshire is a fantastic area for locally sourced, sustainable produce, especially with foodie Ludlow just 20 minutes away, and the kitchen makes good use of the network of artisan local growers and suppliers.

For example, rare breed pork, lamb and beef are reared at Strawberry Fields Farm in Dorrington, eggs come from Ed Hall and salads and vegetables are grown at Little Batch Market Garden, both just outside Bishops Castle. On the eclectic daily menu, which combines pub classics with more imaginative dishes, you may find smoked haddock and cheese brulee with homemade bread; chicken, smoked bacon and leek pie with hand-cut chips; and marmalade bread and butter pudding with vanilla custard.

Wash down with tip-top local ales, including two beers brewed at the Six Bells and Three Tuns in the town or quaff decent wines supplied by Tanners of Shrewsbury. Dine alfresco on warm days in the elevated south-facing gardens, replete with vine-hung pergola, raised fish ponds and beautiful views.

Things to do

Shropshire is a cracking county for walkers, with most heading for the remote, secret country of the Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge, Clee Hills and the Stiperstones - a fascinating, mysterious landscape steeped in folklore and legend.

Shopping is a real pleasure at 55 Mill Street in Ludlow - a collection of traders housed among the historic buildings in this wonderful old town. Expect a treasure-trove of decorative antiques, French brocante (bric-a-brac), vintage clothing and textiles, architectural antiques and garden furniture.

17th-century Powis Castle is a magnificent mansion that began life as a border fortress, built of red limestone and known as the Red Castle. William, third Baron Powis, who died in 1696, added towers, turrets, battlements and created formal gardens with terraces, statues and clipped yew. Glorious surrounding landscape and views.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest railway station: Craven Arms

Taxi from station: 18mins

Drive: Ludlow 31mins; Shrewsbury 44mins; Welshpool 26mins

Address

Market Square, Bishop's Castle, Shropshire SY9 5BN

Gallery

Enquire to book

To make a booking, please use the form below or you can call our reservations team on 020 8161 0100. Our phone lines are open Monday - Friday, 9am - 5.30pm.

The Castle Hotel

From £110 per night