History
The 'settlement beside the street'
The Strettons have become accustomed to their many thousands of visitors and hospitality can be found within a short walk or drive of any point. Accommodation is plentiful too, with camping and caravan sites in addition to hotels and guesthouses. These, and a wide choice of restaurants, coffee shops and cosy pubs serving locally produced food and real ales, can be found in the villages and in the town of Church Stretton itself. Church Stretton, the ’settlement beside the street’ which was referred to as Strtun in the Domesday Book, has so much more to offer the visitor than just the excellent water that made it famous as a Victorian Spa town. The bustling market town is one of those places where time seems to have stood still. Numerous specialist shops offer the kind of service that has so sadly been lost since the advent of chain stores and supermarkets. Whether you want walking books, a galvanized watering can from the hardware store or to sample delicious local cheeses at the delicatessens, the shopping experience is truly one to savour.
The town has had a charter to hold a market, granted by King John, since 1214. The tradition continues in the charming market square every Thursday and this is supplemented by regular flea markets in the square. Church Stretton is well known to collectors as a rich source of antiques, whether in the markets, the shops or in the three storey antiques centre in the main street. Many shops still have their original frontages and several of the half timbered buildings date from around 1600 after a major fire in 1593 destroyed almost all of the earlier buildings. More contemporary, architect designed houses with ample landscaped grounds show the affluence that came to the town after the railway was first built in 1852. At about that time, water was bottled and sold in the old spa town for the first time. It is still being sold today.
Church Stretton Visitor Information
Visitor Information Centre - Located next to the Library in Church Street. Open all year.
Tel: 01694 723133
Market Days - Thursdays, alternate Fridays and Saturdays. A Local Product and Crafts market, is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.
More Church Stretton information on - www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/church-stretton
Long Mynd Shuttle Bus - a green and easy way to access the countryside - www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk or Tel: 01588 673888.Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - http://www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk/things-to-do/
For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Atrractions and Activities, visit Shropshire Tourism