Have You Got 2020 Vision?

If you’re starting to look ahead to your 2020 holidays and breaks away, then look no further than The School House B&B’s guide to how to make 2020 a year to remember.

Marvel at the True Colours of Nature

It won’t be long before the snowdrops start bobbing their heads along the country lanes here in south Shropshire and we at The School House know one of the best places to see them. Just 20 minutes’ drive away is the small hamlet of Stanton Lacy, where snowdrops can be seen in abundance around the churchyard. We can recommend a great walk around the village which provides sweeping views along Corvedale towards the medieval town of Ludlow.

Not long after the snowdrops retreat, the bluebells will be out in all their glory in Brineddin Wood. Throughout May there is a carpet of blue along the bottom of the wood and after a short walk you can be there, marvelling at the amazing display of colour. Take a flask of coffee and sit for a while in the cool shade of the woods and you might even spot one of the resident deer.

August sees the arrival of one of the Shropshire Hills’ many wonders – the beautiful purple heather. It grows in abundance in the area, with the greatest displays of colour up on the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd. Many of our guests have driven our Shropshire Hills itinerary, which will showcase the area’s breath-taking scenery through a blanket of purple upland.

Indulge in a Feast of Festivals

Previous readers of the blog will know that we do tend to go on about the wealth of festivals in this area, but there’s good reason for that! Starting with the Bishop's Castle Arts Festival in February, there are festivals aplenty celebrating everything from beer, to walking, to art and much more. Festivals are what Shropshire is all about – showcasing local produce, artistic talent and the beauty of the region itself. Check out our Events page for a taste of what you could see and do at Shropshire’s finest festivals this year.

Immerse Yourself in Something New

A new decade has begun, so what better time to learn a new skill or try something you’ve never done before. Here are just a few suggestions within easy reach of The School House.

Bobby Britnell runs courses and workshops in all sorts of arts and textiles, from bark to watercolour to patchwork – there is something for all abilities and interests.

If you’re more of a thrill-seeker, then the Phil Price Rally School is just a short drive from here across the Welsh border. They offer intensive one-day rally courses as well as longer courses and exams.

How about a walk with a difference in the company of some beautiful and adorable alpacas? Westhope Alpacas is about half an hour’s drive from us and they offer an experience that would grace any bucket list – get to know your walking companion, brush their silky fleece and then take in stunning views as you walk through the rolling Shrophire Hills countryside.

If you’d rather let someone (or something) else do the hard work, then Darky Dale Forest Stables offer a variety of riding experiences from 30-minute treks to all-day pub rides, lessons, pony days and horse shares so everyone’s desires can be catered for.

Get Outside More

If your New Year’s resolution is to get out and about more, then we can certainly help you with that. Our map room is filled with walking books, leaflets and our own folder of suggested walking routes, waiting for you to discover the Shropshire Hills. There’s no need to go out and buy an Ordnance Survey map before you come – we have plenty that we can lend you whilst you’re here.

Don’t forget we have a dog-friendly room so you can bring your pooch for company. If you prefer to get out on two wheels, we are on the Shropshire Cycleway South and can suggest cycle routes to suit you.

So whatever your vision for 2020, we hope to welcome you to The School House B&B and share some of what this beautiful area has to offer.