New holidays

Guided Wildlife Watching in the Shropshire Hills

Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) feeding from a yellow flower at Wem Moss in Shropshire, England.
Duration: 4 nights
Interests: Explore nature
from £729pp

Step into the Shropshire Hills and discover its incredible wildlife with the help of an expert naturalist. Join a group of fellow nature enthusiasts and visit some of the region’s best wildlife watching spots. Explore a wealth of landscapes and look out for butterflies like the pearl-bordered fritillary, brimstones, and peacocks, as well as striking golden-ringed dragonflies. Listen for the melodies of dunnocks, great tits, wheatears, and chiffchaff, and let the expertise of our naturalist leader showcase Shropshire’s diverse array of wildlife at its very best.

What you’ll love

  • Daily guided visits to the area’s best wildlife watching areas
  • Guidance from an expert naturalist leader
  • Visits to Carding Mill Valley, the Stiperstones Nature Reserve, and Wenlock Edge
  • Chances to spot rare birds and butterflies
  • Relaxing at our country house in Church Stretton

What’s included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
  • Expert naturalist leader
  • All transport throughout the itinerary
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently.

Trip Notes

Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

You’re welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival. After dinner this evening, your expert naturalist will introduce themselves and the itinerary. They’ll give an introductory talk on the local area’s wildlife and what you’re likely to see during your holiday. 


We’ll begin exploring what’s directly on our doorstep this morning, with a visit to Rectory Wood. The variety of habitats and vegetation here attracts a range of wildlife, from the tiny pseudoscorpion (average size is 4mm), to larger birds of prey. We’ll then visit the Carding Mill Valley. Birdlife including Cuckoo and Red Kite, as well as insects such as Golden-Ringed Dragonflies are just a few of the species we might spot today.  


Today we head into woodland cover where we’ll search for amphibians and migratory birds such as the gorgeous sounding Wood Warbler. Later, we’ll make the short journey to Bury Ditches where amongst other limestone species, we’ll look for the gentle wood white butterfly. Plant and animal species we’ll be looking out for today include Pied Flycatchers, Woodpecker, ferns, mosses, and fungi.   

  


Wenlock Edge is a limestone landscape that stretches to the north-east of Church Stretton. On our final day, we’ll stop at several sites along its length looking for limestone rarities and woodland birds. We’ll end the day in Much Wenlock. 

 


Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.  


Longmynd Hotel

For rural calm in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the location of this characterful country house is hard to top. Set in a wooded hillside just a short stroll from the market town of Church Stretton (nicknamed Little Switzerland for its picturesque landscape), you’ll be within walking or driving distance of the Stiperstones, Caer Caradoc, Ironbridge Valley of Invention, and the historic towns of Ludlow and Shrewsbury. And then, of course, there’s the Long Mynd itself – an area of registered common land that has been cared for by a group of farmers (the self-named commoners) who have grazed sheep and ponies here for generations.

 

Rooms

Designed with your comfort in mind, Longmynd Hotel has 56 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: For more privacy, the lodges have their own terrace. 

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.  

On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.  

Room supplements

Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

About your stay

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions. 

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

Food & drink

Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.

HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.

Accessibility

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Longmynd Hotel

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Getting to Longmynd Hotel

Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.

More Information

Address

Longmynd Hotel
Cunnery Road
Church Stretton
Shropshire SY6 6AG

Tel: +44 (0)1694 722244

By train

The nearest station is Church Stretton.  Although Longmynd Hotel is less than a mile from the station, it is at the top of a steep hill and there is no taxi rank at the station. Taxis are in extremely limited supply in the Church Stretton area and drivers usually come from further afield which is reflected in fares.

Shrewsbury has more choice of trains, and you can take a taxi directly to the house from the station (see below).    

Check National Rail for train times and routes.

By taxi

From Shrewsbury, it’s a 15-mile journey taking 30 to 40 minutes.

Single journeys are approx £45 but please contact Shropshire Cars directly for confirmation.

You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended Shrewsbury based company, Shropshire Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi, including your return journey if needed, at least seven days in advance by contacting via WhatsApp or using their App:

WhatsApp: 07379338526

APP STORE:

https://apps.apple.com/app/shropshire-cars/id6578451220

and

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shropshirecars.passengerapp

By car

There’s free car parking at Longmynd Hotel if you decide to drive. 

Follow the A49 to Church Stretton. At the traffic lights turn off into town, then at the first junction turn left onto the High Street. Go straight over the mini-roundabout, and then take the next right into Cunnery Road. Follow the road up the steep hill to Longmynd Hotel.

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport. 

Trains take about two hours, with a change in Crewe. 

You can also fly into London Heathrow airport, but it’ll take at least 4 hours to reach Shrewsbury by train.

National Rail has up-to-date routes and train times.

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated  
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Spotting scope and/or binoculars 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent 
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera 
  • First-aid kit 

Longmynd Hotel Calendar

  • Guided Walking
  • Self-Guided Walking
  • Special Interests
  • Unavailable to Book

Russell Hedley

With a lifelong passion for wildlife, Russell is looking forward to sharing his wealth of wildlife knowledge with you to ensure you get the very best out of your holiday.

When not leading for us, Russell works in wildlife education, running events for education, charity and holiday operators alike.

Russell began working with HF Holidays after graduating from the University of Cumbria where he studies Animal Conservation and has received fabulous feedback from our groups.

Guest reviews

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.


Holiday prices

Date (Start - End) Itinerary Double / Twin Room Single Room Notes / Offers Trip Notes Book
2025

28 Apr - 02 May 2025

4 nights

Guided Wildlife Watching

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£729 pp

from

£729 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now

26 May - 30 May 2025

4 nights

Guided Wildlife Watching

Single Call to Enquire

Double from

£779 pp

from

£779 pp

Call to Enquire Trip Notes
Book Now
Duration:
4 nights
Interests:
Explore nature

4 nights from £729pp

New holidays

or call 020 3974 8865

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