In the hilly area of Shropshire, United Kingdom, where the air is clean and the land has been telling the same old stories for years, there is a hidden jewel that is also a perfect place for those who need a digital detox and want to have a deep experience with the nature around them. Goat Hill Lodge, under the umbrella of Rowton Retreats (@rowtonretreats on Instagram), is a charming farm stay where you can extensively enjoy the working family farm in Aston on Clun.
Imagine that the first things you hear in the morning are the cows’ gentle lowing, the playful bleating of sheep, and the rustling of leaves in the wood—all of which are only a few steps away from your private decking. This lovely accommodation is ideal for a maximum of four guests as it includes two bedrooms, three comfortable beds, and one beautifully decorated bathroom, thus being an excellent getaway for a small family, couples, or friends who want to get away and relax in the South Shropshire Hlls.
As a matter of fact, the village of Aston on Clun, with its rich historical background, is a small settlement that has been around since the Bronze Age and is listed in the Domesday Book as “Esten.” Wrapped in the virgin charm of the Clun Valley, it is a place where you can leave your worries behind and visit the nature trails, ancient monuments, and the local community that has been celebrating Arbor Day for several years now, among other traditions. Consequently, no matter if you are an experienced walker or just a person who likes to look at the stars, Goat Hill Lodge will be the perfect place for you to get away and enjoy the calm and peacefulness of this area of England.
Besides and despite all of these, Goat Hill Lodge turns out to be a very good applicant for the title “The perfect pet-friendly place,” and it is because it always allows one properly-behaved dog. Thus, it’s the ideal spot for you and your furry kid to have a good time.
A Cozy Haven Amidst Working Farm Life
In Goat Hill Lodge you will find a space that is before everything made to be a combination of rustic charm and modern comfort, and being without a TV augments this way of life with no interruptions and in complete relaxation. The lodge is very privately located in the center of the farm, so despite being surrounded by the beautiful and lively nature, you will have no worries about incoming noise and will be set off to enjoy the fun but still the peace of the area. Cows are taking their time grazing in the pasture just next to the place, the horses wander around in the fields, and the coming and going lives of the nature from which you can even expect the deer and the birds- all of this happens around you just to add charm to your stay. There are many walks that go through the farms and the woods and are not far from the house; these are your endless possibilities of impromptu adventures right at your doorstep.
The house is decorated warmly, and the house has been equipped with all the necessary things for a holiday with self-supply. In order to cook on an electric stove, one will find also a refrigerator with a freezer compartment, a kettle, and a toaster in the kitchen besides all the pots, pans, and cutlery that are necessary for cooking culinary masterpieces from farm-fresh products. In each room, there is an electric radiator that keeps the room at a comfortable temperature during the cold nights, and in addition to that, there are USB charging ports and bedside tables in the bedrooms that make it completely easy and fast to settle down at once. Sheets and towels have already been made available for you, so you can bring a little luggage and concentrate more on your leisure time.
The double bedroom of the lodge is really the core of it all, it is a very spacious and comfortable place where you can have a good night of sleep, and the second bedroom with bunk beds is for children or extra guests. There is a shower and a wash basin in the bathroom to refresh the user, keeping it simple and functional. Still, the real showstopper? These French doors directly lead to a terrace that is for you and your friends only and it has a hot tub that can be bubbled. Get into the hot water while the sun is going down on the hills, or light it on a moonlit night- the farm is not that bright at night because of the stars and this makes the light going down and the stars coming out more visible than at any other place in the world. In other words, you can have an experience of looking through the sky and getting fascinated by it that is equal to the one which can be done in an observatory.
If you are with a big group, it is also possible to reserve the Saddle Hill Lodge that is next door to you for a completely secluded trip. These two lodges combined mean an even more lavish getaway that is great for family reunions or just friends meeting. There are a lot of children coming here, and thus it is not a problem. There are many secure places you can go and check out, and this will turn your stay into an unforgettable bonding experience.
The outdoor life is the main reason why Goat Hill Lodge is a wonderful spot in the middle of the farm. The decking is not made for your ears to be dazzled with music but for you to get a glimpse of nature as it reveals its secrets to you. When the day of mellow wandering is over, you can go back to the hot tub for the ultimate relaxation. The heat that ascends in this hard place is contrasted with the sound of the pines and the silence of the hills far away. This is the sort of creature comforts that are not overdone but rather gently intermingle with the farm’s genuine aura.
Moreover, the location that is near the farm and is rural area makes the sensation of being far away even more compelling. That’s a heaven for any astronomer a night without any light distributions. You can lie on the decking takin’ in the view, the Milky Way constantly unfolding, and the city sky is miles away. In the meantime, you may go on a walk with the owner of the farm and breathe the chilly air of the valley that you will be passing through beautiful wildflowers, you will also see sheep that are eating the grass and wooden areas that are full of birds.
Time goes by quickly when you are there and you barely realize it because you are picking blackberries or just breathing the natural clean air.
Explore the Shropshire Hills: Adventures from Your Doorstep
The fact that Aston on Clun is located in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means that you can always go for an adventure nearby. Put on your boots for a walk along those parts of the Shropshire Way or Offa’s Dyke Path which are historic and the last frontier earthwork built in the 8th century to separate England and Wales. The hills beckon with trails that wind through the valley and offer everything from easy riverside walks along the River Clun to more strenuous climbs with panoramic views. The nearby Heart of Wales Line Trail which is a combination of walking and train journeys allows you to get on the train at Craven Arms and then walk to places like Knighton or the dramatic Switchback section near Clun.
If history is your thing then you will be going to Clun Castle, a 12th-century ruin, located just a few minutes’ drive, where you will be able to wander the remains of a Norman fortress that was once attacked by the Welsh. Alternatively, you may visit Stokesay Castle, one of the best-preserved fortified manor houses in England, whose black and white timbered beauty has long been associated with medieval intrigue. Blists Hill Victorian Town with its costumed interpreters, working forges and candlelit shops is a maid of all trades for a day out when the rain falls but the whimsy of the Victorians is needed.
Why not the kids? Families with kids can indulge in the search for wildlife in the nearby Bog Centre in the Stiperstones or go for nature walks led by guides to spot otters and badgers. Besides, Ludlow is a paradise for foodies that is only 20 minutes away and is famous for its castle, indie shops, and lively market that is the place to go for local cheeses and cider to have a farm-fresh picnic back at the lodge. With 594 family-friendly attractions within easy reach, from zoos to adventure parks, throwing a fit of boredom is not an option.
Why Goat Hill Lodge Feels Like Home
Among many features, the immersion in the farm environment is the one that makes Goat Hill Lodge stands out from the rest of the crowd but the owners didn’t compromise on guest’s comfort. Rowton Retreats under the care of an enthusiastic family team led by the Rowton family, ensures that things made from the fluffy towels to the well-stocked kitchen, are in your favor. Pet-friendly (one well-behaved dog), child-safe and very versatile in nature, it basically means you can have a peaceful weekend with your partner or a noisy family day with your kids and still be in the right place. Although the TV is missing, it may appear as something radical, nevertheless, it encourages human contact: board games near the radiator, joking around while soaking in the hot tub, and talking about the day’s adventures during the night.
Leaving today’s world which is ever more interconnected but strangely more isolated, this lodge is very much a reminder of the simpler pleasures. A night’s stay at the lodge is not only for sleeping – it can be a way to create new memories such as teaching the stars to children or simply roasting a marshmallow on the portable fire pit (for safety bring your fire pit). What is more, there is also the possibility to book the two lodges at the same time if you want to have the option to accommodate a larger group without losing the intimate vibe.
Book Your Slice of Shropshire Serenity Today
Would you like to swap the sirens of the city with the songs of the birds and trading deadline for daydream? In 2025, Goat Hill Lodge at Rowton Retreats is already getting full, so best to make a reservation either by checking out their Instagram @rowtonretreats or on the website. The rates are family-friendly, and with the lodge’s prime location, it is hard for nature lovers not to fall in love with this rural escapade. Although you may be hiking Offa’s Dyke, exploring Clun’s castles or simply watching the stars from your deck, this place will make sure that you will be recharged tenfold during your stay on the farm.
In the opinion of one visitor, “It is akin to immersing oneself in a storybook—tranquil, enchanting, and completely rejuvenating.” Why delay? The journey through Shropshire is calling you.
Article Source: AIRBNB