The Olde Cow House, Cardington

Set amidst the rolling hills of the South Shropshire countryside, the village of Cardington boasts the oldest pub in Shropshire – The Royal Oak – which is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Its rural location makes a wonderful base whilst sightseeing and the village provides miles of country paths in all directions through the beautiful Shropshire hills, making this an excellent spot for cyclists and walkers. There is a wide variety of birdlife – including buzzards, woodpeckers and ravens, as well as the Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Severn Valley Steam Railway, Stokesay Castle, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and the Ironbridge Gorge – boasting as many as 10 museums. The attractive market towns of Church Stretton – known as ‘Little Switzerland’ by the Victorians – and Much Wenlock are both within easy driving distance and offer a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants.