Four Historic Houses to Visit from The School House B&B

Many of our guests enjoy a day out at one of the historic houses in Shropshire and the Marches, all within easy reach of The School House B&B. Fill up your flask, take a leisurely drive through the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and enjoy the majestic houses, gardens and parkland that grace this part of the world. Here are four of our favourite historic houses to visit while staying at The School House.

For guests staying with dogs, please check the relevant website for the latest guidance, as the rules vary between sites.

Berrington Hall, nr. Leominster – 40 mins’ drive

This neo-classical stately home was built in the 1770’s for Thomas Harley and is set in 250 acres of landscaped parkland created by ‘Capability’ Brown. Berrington Hall is described as ‘Georgian grandeur on a human scale’.

There are three walk routes around the grounds (max. 3 miles). Round the picturesque lake, across open fields and through woodland.

In December the staff ‘dress’ the yew bushes leading up to the house to make them look like Christmas puddings.

Croft Castle & Parklands, Yarpole, Nr. Leominster – 30 mins’ drive

Croft Castle was a family home to the Croft family dating back to the 11^th Century, although the manor house that stands there now was built in the 14^th century. During a tour of the castle you can learn much about this family that have been confidantes to many of England’s leaders since Norman times.

The picturesque church is still used as a parish church today, and the walled garden is a delight to explore at any time of the year.

The parklands and woods are great for a dog walk as Croft Castle is set in 1,500 acres. There are five waymarked routes, from a short (1.5 miles) stroll along the Fishpool Valley to a jaunt up to Croft Ambrey Hillfort (3 miles), or a longer trek around Pokehouse Wood (5.5 miles).

Attingham Park, nr. Shrewsbury – 1 hour’s drive

Arguably the grandest of all the houses near us, Attingham is an 18^th-century Regency mansion set in 200 acres of stunning parkland. Enjoy a tour of the house and learn about the Hill family who bought the original piece of land at Attingham in 1700. Then step into the vast Stables Courtyard where you can enjoy some refreshments.

Wander round the Pleasure Grounds and Walled garden. Or take a longer stroll through the deer park (max. 2 miles), the surrounding woodland walk (3 miles) or step back in time on the World War II Walk (4 miles).

Powis Castle and Garden, nr. Welshpool – 50 mins’ drive

Renowned for its beautiful gardens and ornate yew trees, Powis Castle is well worth a visit. As well as the medieval castle there is also a museum displaying some of the treasures of Clive of India. We like to tell guests about the link between Powis Castle and The School House – the 3^rd early of Powis was the main contributor to the building of Chapel Lawn school.

Such is the beauty of the gardens you could spend all day at Powis Castle. We often recommend that guests combine it with an hour or two in the small market town of Montgomery en route.