Discover Clun

Clun lies within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape and brings together the history of a castle site with a museum, distinctive buildings and named walking stages. Its attractions range from the extensive earthworks on the edge of the town to a nature conservation designation on the River Clun. This offers a varied perspective on the town when planning a trip: cultural history, walking routes and events can all be taken into account, depending on your interests.

Clun Castle and the Heritage Trail

Clun Castle stands on a rocky rise on the edge of Clun. In addition to the castle remains, there are extensive earthworks; the great tower was built around 1300 and is at least 28 metres high. A visit therefore focuses both on the remains of the site and on a specific architectural landmark. Clun Castle is open daily throughout the year during daylight hours. Check the conditions before your visit. A path leads to the castle from the car park at Clun Memorial Hall. The Clun Heritage Trail also starts at Clun Castle.

Historic Buildings and Museum

Other buildings offer their own distinctive features. St George’s Church has a Norman tower, and ten bells hang in the church. Trinity Hospital is a well-preserved example of almshouses arranged around a courtyard; the complex comprises six almshouses. The tower and bells give the church a different architectural character from the courtyard layout of Trinity Hospital. Together, these buildings showcase different aspects of the town’s history, rather than directing attention solely to the castle.

The Museum of Clun is located in Clun Town Hall. It preserves and displays local historical objects from the Clun Forest area. The original collection included flints traded on the Clun-Clee-Ridgeway. This specific reference to the flint trade adds another connection to the region’s history to the museum collection. Admission to the museum is free; donations are welcome. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Walking Trails and Landscape

Two sections of the Shropshire Way are described in detail for walkers. On the section from Bishop’s Castle to Clun, the route initially follows part of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail, then crosses a ridge to Clun. The other section mentioned, from Clun to Craven Arms, climbs to the Bury Ditches hillfort. The stages differ in their route features: Offa’s Dyke and the ridge are noted for the route to Clun, while the climb to the hillfort is highlighted for the route to Craven Arms. This comparison can help you choose a walking focus.

Clun lies within the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. The River Clun is designated as a Special Area of Conservation to protect the freshwater pearl mussel. The first designation describes the area’s inclusion in a protected landscape; the second identifies a specific conservation aim for the river. Nature enthusiasts can therefore consider both the landscape status and the protection of a particular species.

Festival and Market

The Clun Green Man Festival celebrates the traditional May Day bank holiday weekend and welcomes visitors from many parts of the country and beyond. As programme details may change, check the specific festival information before your trip. The Clun Produce Market takes place at Clun Memorial Hall on the third Saturday of every month. If you would like to include the market in your plans, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Culmington, Bishops Castle, Longville, Clunbury, Saint Martin’s, Oreton, Alberbury, Hopesay.

For the broader travel overview: Shropshire.