Longmynd Hotel
Shropshire Hills
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.
Longmynd Hotel
• Open January to December and during the festive season • 56 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 80 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • 2 travel cots & 2 high chairs • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounges • Garden • Well-behaved dogs welcome on self-guided holidays • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point |
Then & now at Longmynd Hotel
Built in 1900, this Church Stretton landmark opened as The Hydropathic Hotel in July 1901 at a cost of £20,000. It was hyped as a glamorous addition to the town, not least for its nine acres of land, dormer windows, fine pitched roof (since replaced), healing waters from the saline spring five miles away, and interior furnishings by Heal's (then known as Heal and Son Limited). Sadly, the venture was not a success. Renamed the Longmynd Hotel, it became the headquarters of St Dunstan’s, a charity for blinded ex-service personnel, in the 1940s (now known as Blind Veterans UK). Approximately 700 men and women learnt new manufacturing skills here in the hope of finding employment after WWII. You’ll notice a blue plaque commemorating this historic period at the entrance, installed during the charity’s centennial year in 2015. Longmynd Hotel has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 2017.
Nowadays, you’ll find 56 well-appointed guest rooms in two categories (Classic and Premium), some of which have balconies overlooking the wooded surrounds. There’s also a large dining room for a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients and a licensed bar – both with beautiful views across the Stretton Valley. Elsewhere, there’s several comfortable lounges, a handy boot and drying room, books and games to borrow during your stay, and a Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. The extensive grounds include an animal-themed woodland sculpture trail crafted by chainsaw sculptor, Dave Bytheway.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
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
House calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Discover Shropshire Hills
Places to visit
Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Longmynd Hotel.
Church Stretton
Just a 10-minute walk downhill, this market town lives up to its Little Switzerland moniker for its dramatic hills on both sides of the valley. It has retained much of its Edwardian charm, tempting with independent shops, traditional tea rooms, pubs, and restaurants.
Ludlow
A 20-minute drive away, this attractive market town rewards with a historic town centre, beautiful period buildings, and a castle dating back to the 11th century. Visit-worthy places include St. Laurence's Church, Ludlow Museum, and Ludlow Millennium Green.
Ironbridge Valley of Invention
A 45-minute drive away and within the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this collection of award-winning museums stretches along the River Severn. All are within six square miles of the Ironbridge Gorge, hailed as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Severn Valley Railway
Operating steam-hauled passenger trains between Bridgnorth, Bewdley, and Kidderminster, this 16-mile journey takes you along the beautiful Severn Valley. The nearest station at Bridgnorth is a 40-minute drive from Church Stretton.
Shrewsbury
A 30-minute drive away, Shropshire’s country town charms with an imposing redbrick castle, higgledy-piggledy streets, and quirky buildings. Highlights include visiting Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, relaxing in Shrewsbury Quarry, and following the Darwin Town Trail.
Much Wenlock
A 30-minute drive away, this small Shropshire town was the birthplace Dr William Penny Brookes – the founder of the modern Olympic Games. Highlights include visiting the remains of Wenlock Priory, the site of an Anglo Saxon monastery founded in about AD 680.
Hereford
An hour’s drive away, this attractive cathedral city is home to the famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world dating from the 1300s. Further highlights include the Chained Library, the Black and White House Museum, and the life-sized Hereford Bull Statue.
Attingham Park
A 25-minute drive away, this 18th century estate with 200 acres of parkland is managed by the National Trust. The Mansion has an evolving visitor programme and different areas of the house open throughout the year.
Powis Castle
A 45-minute drive away, this 13th century castle, world-famous garden, and historic collection has been cared for by the National Trust since 1952. The paintings, sculptures, furniture, and tapestries on display throughout the house are rather impressive.
Chirk Castle
Occupied as a castle and stately home for over 700 years, this fine medieval hilltop fortress is just under an hour’s drive away. Highlights include the military displays, elegant state rooms, and award-winning gardens covering 5.5 acres of manicured lawns.
Getting to Longmynd Hotel
Getting here
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.
For pricing, please contact Me2You Cars directly.
Me2You Cars
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended Shrewsbury based company, Me2You Cars*. We recommend booking your taxi, including your return journey if needed, at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1743 537644 or 07791 670110
Email: danielle@me2youcars.com
*Me2You Cars is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
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.