Shropshire Is the ‘Little Switzerland’ of England

Flanked by the Welsh border and sprinkled with quaint villages and ancient forts, Shropshire’s hills are a wonderful place for a serendipitous stroll. So the story goes, the Victorians referred to this quiet corner of England as “Little Switzerland.” While that’s being a tad generous to its blustery ridges—there are no snowcapped mountains here—Shropshire is an underrated delight. 

And it’s not just spectacular walking you’ll find here either. With ancient Roman ruins and sublime dining experiences, Shropshire should command the kind of attention reserved for the Lake District and Yorkshire. Thankfully, it doesn’t yet, so make the most of this special spot while you can.

Where to Stay

The exterior wall of Rhubarb at Drapers Hall.

Rhubarb at Drapers Hall

Drapers Hall

Shrewsbury is a great base for exploring Shropshire, and Drapers Hall is representative of the town’s fascinating history. Set inside an immaculately preserved 15th-century Tudor building, this six-room boutique hotel looks every inch its roughly 500 years, especially its low oak beams and large stone fireplace. The half-timbered Wool Suite is particularly splendid, and having to duck your head to enter the bathroom only adds to its character.

The Lodge

Located in the bucolic countryside just outside Ludlow, The Lodge is a beautiful 18th-century manor house—though its real charm is the hospitality shown by owner Arabella Salwey. Not only does she advise on how to walk the nearby Mortimer Forest, but she’ll also cook dinner and breakfast. If you get in touch and book ahead, local charcutier Paul Faulkner will drop by and prepare a majestic venison dinner and discuss his passion for quality game (what he doesn’t know about deer isn’t worth knowing).

Things to Do

An aerial landscape of Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire Hills, England.

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Hike the Shropshire Hills.

With undulating moorland covered in thick heather and dotted with grazing sheep, the Shropshire Hills resemble Scotland more than Switzerland. The wind-whipped plateau of the Long Mynd is the 1,640-foot-high summit of several dramatic walking trails within the Carding Mill Valley, and they all begin from the pretty village of Church Stretton. The Burway Loop is the most challenging hike, but also the most rewarding, as it offers weary walkers wide-screen views toward the Cambrian Mountains in Wales and the prominent Malvern Hills.

Explore Roman history.

The excavated walls of the Roman settlement, Wroxeter, in Shropshire, England.

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Once the fourth-largest city in Roman Britain, Wroxeter (or Viroconium Cornoviorum) is thought to have had a population of around 15,000, and it served as a base for legionaries to attack western Britain. These 2,000-year-old ruins include the 23-foot-high wall of the bath house, which is the largest piece of free-standing Roman wall in the U.K. There’s also a small museum displaying tools, jewelry, and pottery; here, you can learn more and better appreciate this largely forgotten period of British history.

Visit a pioneering bridge.

Visitors crossing the Iron Bridge.

English Heritage

One place that hasn’t been forgotten is the old Iron Bridge just outside of Telford. While small in stature, this pioneering structure, built in 1779, was the world’s first cast-iron bridge and marked a turning point in design and engineering as Britain entered the Industrial Revolution. But a visit to Ironbridge Gorge isn’t just to admire the famous bridge. Several museums here shed further light on its significance, and don’t miss the chance to sample one of Eley’s famous pork pies.

Go on foodie adventures at either end.

A seasonal dish at Wild Shropshire.

Wild Shropshire

Speaking of local cuisine, few counties in England are as underrated as Shropshire. Ludlow in the south is famous for its handsome castle, but don’t sleep on twice-monthly farmers markets or the delectable roast pork shoulder baps at Vaughans. 

In northern Shropshire, Whitchurch is a tiny town of roughly 16,000 yet boasts a couple of the Midlands’ hottest restaurants. Helmed by chef Stuart Collins, Docke Restaurant’s modern British fine dining is a delight. Closer to the train station, Wild Shropshire Restaurant recently won a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sourcing sustainable local produce, and chef-owner James Sherwin always takes the time to chat with his guests after the meal.

Where to Eat and Drink

The chefs at Docket preparing for service.

Peter Lowbridge/Docket

Docket Restaurant

Opened in 2017, Docket Restaurant is one of Shropshire’s finest gastronomic experiences and the vision of chef Stuart Collins. Collins has cooked everywhere from New York City to Qatar, but has since settled his talents in the tiny town of Whitchurch—and his revolving 10-course modern British tasting menu is sublime. Docket’s famous chickpea chips starter is devilishly addictive, and the chef’s counter puts guests even closer to the creations.

The Charlton Arms

The exterior of the Charlton Arms at sunset.

Charlton Arms

Straddling the River Teme above the 15th-century Ludford Bridge, this Ludlow pub is in one of Shropshire’s most picturesque settings. It has some wonderfully quaint views from its raised terrace, with the medieval bell tower of St. Laurence soaring above the town. Needless to say, The Charlton Arms is best in the summer, but pay a visit on cozy winter afternoons, too; the award-winning kitchen cooks up a divine Sunday roast.