CELOBURY MORTIMER &
LOCAL AREA
Cleobury Mortimer is a small rural market town with a population of (according to the 2001 census) 1,962, Although sometimes referred to as a village, it is infact the second smallest town in Shropshire (next to Clun).
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Cleobury has a significant entry in the Dooms Day Book and is the site of at least two castles. Cleobury Castle was destroyed in 1155 and only ruins remain today. In the 16th Century, Cleobury Mortimer was central in the industrialisation of Shropshire exploited for it's highly regarded Iron Ore. However, poor transport connections led to the closure of Cleobury's two furnaces and two water powered forge mills in the early 19th Century and so the town reverted to being an agricultural settlement. A large water powered paper mill survived on the River Rea until the end of the 19th Century.
By 1900 the town was an important civic centre with a railway station, union workhouse, Magistrates' Court, police station, agricultural college, infants' school and primary school.
There are a number of landmarks in the town, the most famous of which is St. Mary's church (dating back to the 12th Century), renowned for its crooked spire.
PLACES TO EAT
There are ample opportunities to eat out or takeaway in the town, including Indian, Chinese, Tai, fish and chips and good ol' pub grub served at many of the eight public houses. We personally recommend the following places to eat based on personal experience and recommendations from other people that have stayed in our accommodation.
GOLDEN COUNTRY
TAKEAWAY (Bewdley - DY12 2AP)
Again, located nearby in Bewdley, Golden Country is a small but good quality Chinese offering an array of well cooked food. Delivery NOT available.
DAYS OUT & PLACES TO VISIT
There are a whole manor of things to do and places to see in and around the immediate vicinity. Below is a list of some of the most popular. Please click the links below to find out more:
DANIEL'S WATER MILL
ADULT
Daniel's Mill is a fully working mill set in the idyllic Shropshire countryside, deep in a wooded valley crossed by the 19th century viaduct carrying the Severn Valley to Bridgnorth. The water mill is virtually unaltered since the 18th century and is still in the ownership of the same family for over 250 years.
LUDLOW CASTLE
FAMILY
The finest of medieval ruined castles set in glorious Shropshire countryside at the heart of a superb bustling black & white market town. Walk through the castle grounds and see the ancient houses of kings, queens, princes, judges and other nobility to witness first hand a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval society.
SEVERN VALLEY RAIL
FAMILY
The Severn Valley is a heritage railway in Shropshire and Worcestershire. The 16 mile line runs along the Severn valley from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster, crossing the Shropshire / Worcs border, following the course of the river Severn for much if its route. It is one of the most popular heritage lines in the country.
WEST MIDS SAFARI
FAMILY
The West Midlands Safari park offers a fun family day out. There's lions, tigers, giraffe, rhino, elephants, zebra and wild deer. As well as safari, you can visit Discovery Trail and Penguin Cove. There is also sea lion show, Reptile World, Creepy Crawlies, Seaquarium and a twilight cave to enjoy. There's even an amusement park!
GO APE HIRE WIRE
FAMILY
Go Ape is the UK's number one forest adventure. The experience is all about living life a little more adventurously, having fun with friends and family and getting in touch with your inner Tarzan! The classic Go Ape experience is around 2-3 hours. Full safety briefings are provided on site before you fly down zip-wires, leap off swings and tackle any crossings.
BISHOPS CASTLE
FAMILY
A small market town in beautiful surroundings. There are two museums and a heritage resource centre, two breweries, including the oldest licensed brewery in the country. Many pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops catering for almost every need line the main street. There is frequent evening entertainment, live music, crafts & art.
CHRUCH STRETTON
FAMILY
Often referred to as little Switzerland, Church Streeton has been a spa town since the Victorian age providing the source of Stretton Hills bottled water. Given its location, Church Stretton is particularly popular with walkers. A thriving antiques centre boasting over 60 stalls is open daily and nearby Acton Scott Historic Farm provides a taste of farming at the turn of the 19th century. St. Laurence's Church is also worth a visit.
IRONBRIDGE MUSEUMS
FAMILY
Once described as 'the most extraordinary district in the world' the Ironbridge Gorge is still a remarkable, and beautiful place to visit today. A huge amount of early industry survives with furnaces, factories, workshops, canals and the settlements of Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge, Jackfield and Coalport can still be seen to this day. A great day out for people of all ages and definitely worth a visit.
R. A. F. MUSEUM
FAMILY
The RAF museum is free to enter and tells the story of people who moulded the world of aviation. With a world class collection and display of aircraft integrated with special exhibitions, films, interactives, artwork, engines, missiles, photographs, medals and uniforms as well as research and education facilities, the museum takes an innovative approach to telling these stories whilst keeping with tradition.
For information about other attractions and things to do in and around the local area, please visit the virtual Shropshire website.