Hop Barn and Applegarth

01/06/2026

31/05/2026

Yummy 😋

30/05/2026

A special treat

The Secret Gardens at Steventon Terrace, Ludlow opens for the National Garden Scheme on Saturday 20th June 2026.

1 - 5 pm. Combined admission £5. Children free.

Tea, coffee, cakes & ice cream. Plant sale.

https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/42506/the-secret-gardens-at-steventon-terrace

Discover some very secret gardens hidden behind a row of Victorian terraced cottages in Ludlow. A ½ acre south facing garden that has been developed over 30 years. It has been divided into different sections which inc a rose garden, herbaceous borders, koi fish, chickens, polytunnel and greenhouse and a Mediterranean garden.

30/05/2026

An easy and rewarding afternoon trip from both Hop Barn and Applegarth is a drive to the charming market town of Clun. The journey winds through some of South Shropshire’s most beautiful countryside, with rolling hills, quiet lanes and far-reaching views that make the drive part of the experience itself.

Arriving in Clun feels rather like stepping into a postcard. The gentle flow of the River Clun, the historic stone bridge and the attractive town centre create a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. We enjoyed sitting at one of the town’s welcoming cafés, watching the world go by and taking in the scenery.

The highlight for many visitors is undoubtedly Clun Castle, whose dramatic ruins stand above a bend in the river. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, the castle played an important role in defending the Welsh borderlands and remains one of Shropshire’s most evocative historic sites.

Clun is rich in history but never feels crowded or overly commercialised. It is simply a lovely place to wander, explore the riverside, admire the historic buildings and imagine the many centuries of life that have unfolded here.

For guests staying at Hop Barn or Applegarth, Clun makes an ideal afternoon excursion — combining beautiful scenery, fascinating history and the relaxed charm of one of Shropshire’s most picturesque small towns.

30/05/2026

A lovely place to visit

27/05/2026

Just up the road from Applegarth 🤩

25/05/2026

Another beautiful day here in south Shropshire. Thought I’d show you a picture of the River Teme at Ludlow, a favourite spot for us. We like to go to for a delicious snack/meal and walk Rupert and Sherly along the river and back through the town. I came across a video showing the source of the River Teme today. Such a peaceful beautiful spot - you’d never guess how wild and temperamental a river it becomes https://youtu.be/Bv3MPmTL2qM?si=59-UmsChetKoJpRy

24/05/2026

A wonderful afternoon spent exploring Walcot Hall as part of the National Garden Scheme. The gardens and arboretum feel delightfully unforced and full of discovery, with winding paths leading past magnificent specimen trees, lakes, rhododendrons and azaleas in full colour, and glimpses of the surrounding Shropshire hills. The arboretum itself dates back to around 1800, planted by Edward Clive, son of Lord Clive of India, and still has an atmosphere of quiet grandeur today.

What makes Walcot especially memorable is its wonderfully quirky character. Alongside the formal and historic elements are unexpected features everywhere you look — the Russian wooden church, tin chapel, grotto, fountains, old dovecote and fascinating estate buildings all adding layers of charm and curiosity. The whole estate feels lived-in, creative and welcoming rather than overly polished.

There is also such a strong sense of history here, from the Georgian hall itself to the rare trees, historic lakes and carefully restored garden features. It is easy to imagine generations of gardeners and visitors enjoying the same views across the estate. Walcot Hall remains one of those places that lingers in the memory long after you leave.

For anyone inspired to explore more through the National Garden Scheme, we’re also very well placed for visiting many other wonderful gardens across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire later in the season. Guests staying at Hop Barn or Applegarth can easily enjoy day trips to a wide variety of NGS openings — from romantic cottage gardens and historic manor houses to larger landscaped estates and arboretums — making the area a particularly lovely base for garden lovers throughout the year.

24/05/2026