The Roost is situated in an enviable, rural position, with adjoining lake on the edge of the Shropshire Hills and Welsh Marches an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Shrewsbury, a short distance away is a medieval town with over 600 historic Tudor and Georgian buildings and boasts the longest street of independent shops in the country. It hosts 'Farmers' and 'Craft' markets each month in the square, as well as having a full time "Award Winning" indoor market. Almost encircled by the River Severn you can hire canoes, kayaks, take paddle boarding lessons or join the Sabrina for a gentle meander.
Theatre Severn is Shrewsbury's contemporary, riverside theatre with 2 auditoriums staging musicals, drama and live concerts. The historic Old Market Hall in Shrewsbury's square, with it's beams and coffee shop shows up to date films daily.
Ludlow has 500 listed buildings, castle and museum along with an open air market in the square 5-7 days a week selling food, craft & antiques. They also host outdoor concerts in the castle during the summer.
Ironbridge nestled in a fantastic wooded gorge is famous for the worlds first iron bridge built in 1779. There is plenty to do there with museums of Iron and tile making, and Blist's Hill Victorian Town. There is also a great art's scene with craft barns and galleries.
Festivals in both Shrewsbury and Ludlow abound throughout the year including Food, Beer, Music, Literature and Chocolate Festivals to name but a few, quite a selection. Here are some of them;
Coming up in 2026
Loopfest 1-3 May
Shropshire County Show 23 May
Shrewsbury Food Festival 27-28 June
Woodshrop '26' 17-20 July
Church Stretton Arts Festival 25 July - 9 August
Shrewsbury's Art Festival & Sculpture Trail July - August
Shrewsbury Folk Festival 28-31 August
Shrewsbury's Steam Rally 30-31 August
Shrewsbury Octoberfest 2-3 October
Walking & Cycling...
Whether you want a day on the hills or gentle exercise there is walking and cycling for everyone.
We are fortunate to have plenty of hills within a 10 to 30-minute drive eg:
- Cardingmill Valley & The Long Mynd
- The Lawley
- Caer Caradoc
- Wenlock Edge
- Stiperstones
- The Wrekin
- The Quarry
Or maybe you would prefer a more relaxed stroll along the River Severn or around the lanes and local footpaths.
You can cycle the lanes including designated 'quiet lanes' or do a more strenuous ride up into the hills. Be assured though that there is somewhere secure to lock up your bike up at the cottage at the end of the day.
National Trust or English Heritage...?
There are many homes and castles to visit in the area. Here are a few:
National Trust
- Attingham Park and House - The NT's most visited property.
- Powis Castle
- Chirk Castle
- Sunnycroft
English Heritage
- Shrewsbury Castle
- Wroxeter Roman City
- Acton Burnell Castle
- Stokesay Castle
The Tourist Bits...
There is a variety of attractions, catering for all tastes, here are a few:
- Shrewsbury and Ludlow Castles
- Shrewsbury Abbey
- The Quarry & Dingle
- Theatre Severn
- Shrewsbury Prison
- The Bog visitor centre in a former Victorian School
- Cosford RAF Museum
- Severn Valley Railway and it's steam trains
- Boat trip down the River Severn
- Hawkstone Park Follies
- David Austins Nursery, a rose paradise
- Stiperstones Nature Reserve
- Wroxeter Roman Vineyard
- Museums and art galleries
Food & Drink
The area is renowned for its excellent food and drink with both Shrewsbury and Ludlow hosting food festivals throughout the year.
Just 1 mile away in Dorrington there is fine dining at The Clock Tower in Netley Hall, award winning Dorrington Horseshoes Inn offering locally sourced food and not to be missed the Old Hall, Persian restaurant offers both sit in and takeaway.
Dorrington also has an award winning butchers and a local store and post office for your convenience and there is a farm shop open Friday and Saturday.
Further afield Shrewsbury has many restaurants including the award winning 'Beefy Boys', serving burgers like you've never tasted before. Church Stretton has cafes like the wonderful 'Berries', restaurants and takeaways and Ludlow has many excellent restaurants and it's own brewery which welcomes visitors on tours or maybe you just want to stop off for a quick drink.
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