Chevaliers Gatehouse is a secluded hamlet deep in the Shropshire countryside, but lies within four and a half miles of historic Bridgnorth and four miles of the pretty market town of Much Wenlock. Next to the Hall is the historic Norman church of St Michael with its 12th century wall paintings and famous 12th century font.
The Gatehouse is reached along a winding narrow country lane that ends at this historic estate. After visiting Chevaliers Gatehouse with the artist John Piper for Shropshire : A Shell Guide (published 1951), John Betjeman wrote that the hall was ‘best approached by foot, horse or bicycle; only so can its peace and various landscape be appreciated’.
Chevaliers Gatehouse remains a haven of peace and rural beauty today – an ideal place to explore Shropshire and the Heart of England, from the gastronomic centre of Ludlow to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum, the Shropshire hills and many other historic houses and gardens, including the Dower House Gardens in nearby Morville of Dr Katherine Swift (author of the bestselling book The Morvile Hours) and the world famous nursery gardens of David Austin Roses.
Bridgnorth, four miles away, is an attractive market town famous for its funicular railway and the many flights of steps which connect the High and Low Towns. Regular steam trains also run from here along the Severn Valley Railway. The town has many charming pubs and bistro restaurants, as well as high street shops, a supermarket and a cinema.
Much Wenlock, five miles away, has been voted the second most beautiful town in England. You can stroll around the ruins and grounds of the ancient Wenlock and Buildwas Abbeys (Wenlock Abbey was one of the most important in the 15th century), go antique shopping, visit the local Olympian museum, browse for second hand books (Wenlock Books won the coveted Independent Bookseller of the Year award in 2006) or go shopping at the artisan shops and galleries or the traditional butcher, Ryan’s, that has won a national award for Best Butcher in Britain.
Half an hour’s drive away to the south-west is historic Ludlow, one of the gastro capitals of England with award winning Michelin restaurants, secluded gastro-pubs, historic market square and famous castle ruins where the two ‘Princes of the Tower’ were brought up in the late 15th century. In April 1483, the eldest of the two princes is reported to have stayed at Chevaliers Gatehouse on his fateful journey to the Tower of London after the death of his father Edward IV. To the north-west, also half an hour away, is historic Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, with its old cathedral, market squares, theatre and riverside restaurants.
Chevaliers Gatehouse is conveniently located for access to the M5, M6, M54 and M40 motorways. The nearest station is fifteen miles away with frequent inter-city trains from London, Manchester and Glasgow and services to Wales and the West Country. The nearest airport is Birmingham International Airport, approximately 40 miles away.
Local Heritage Attractions
Shropshire has a wide selection of historic houses, castles and gardens to visit. Many are normally open all year but please check the details before visiting to avoid disappointment. We can recommend:
- Dudmaston Hall, near Bridgnorth
- Daniel’s Mill, Bridgnorth
- Wenlock Abbey, Much Wenlock
- Buildwas Abbey, near Much Wenlock
- Ludlow Castle
- Stokesay Castle, near Ludlow
- Boscobel House and White Ladies Priory (where Charles II famously hid up the Royal Oak tree in 1651)
- Hampton Court and Gardens, near Leominster
- Wightwick Manor, near Wolverhampton
Family Day’s Out
- Severn Valley Railway
www.svr.co.uk
One of the country’s most charming vintage steam train lines with a selection of trains (including a refurbished 1930s First Class Dining carriage) that runs along the River Severn between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth. This year the line celebrates its 50th anniversary. Wonderful old-fashioned station pub as well called The Railwayman’s Arms.
- Ironbridge Gorge Museums
www.ironbridge.org.uk
- Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Church Stretton, Shropshire, SY6 5QN
www.actonscottmuseum.com
A super family day out at a Victorian working farm. Lots of animals to feed and hold for young children. Enjoy demonstrations all in the beautiful setting of the Shropshire Hills.
- West Midlands Safari Park
Spring Grove Rd, Bewdley, Kidderminster DY12 1LF
10am - 3pm weekdays and 10am – 4pm weekends
Booking required.
Gardens
- The Dower House Garden at Morville Hall
Telephone: 01746 714407.
The Dower House Gardens occupy a l.5 acre site in a beautiful setting within the grounds of Morville Hall, near Bridgnorth in Shropshire.
- David Austin
Bowling Green Ln, Albrighton, Wolverhampton WV7 3HB
Telephone: 01902 376334
Breeder of roses. 900 varieties. His show garden is a must see with a lovely tearoom.
- Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Wollerton, Market Drayton TF9 3NA, England
Telephone: 01630 685760
The garden has been designed and developed by Lesley and John Jenkins since 1984, it covers 4 acres, is intensely cultivated and depending upon plant interest, visits can take between 2 and 4 hours.
