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The Old Yard House, Craven Arms

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The Old Yard House is a spacious self-catering property in Shropshire that works brilliantly for larger groups. Located in the peaceful countryside near Craven Arms, this converted barn sleeps up to 13 guests across multiple well-appointed bedrooms. The property features a games room perfect for group entertainment and generous living spaces where everyone can gather.

The surrounding Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a stunning backdrop. Rolling hills and quiet country lanes make this an ideal base for groups wanting to escape busy city life.

Accommodation includes multiple well-appointed spaces spread across the property. The main living area offers plenty of seating for the whole group.

About The Old Yard House

The Old Yard House is a spacious self-catering property in Shropshire that works brilliantly for larger groups. Located in the peaceful countryside near Craven Arms, this converted barn sleeps up to 13 guests across multiple well-appointed bedrooms. The property features a games room perfect for group entertainment and generous living spaces where everyone can gather.

The surrounding Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a stunning backdrop. Rolling hills and quiet country lanes make this an ideal base for groups wanting to escape busy city life.

Accommodation includes multiple well-appointed spaces spread across the property. The main living area offers plenty of seating for the whole group. The kitchen is fully equipped for preparing meals for larger parties. Social spaces flow naturally throughout the house.

Ludlow Castle sits 8 miles away (15 minutes). Stokesay Castle is 3 miles distant (7 minutes). The Long Mynd offers excellent walking just 6 miles away (12 minutes). Shrewsbury town centre is 20 miles north (30 minutes).

The Old Yard House delivers authentic countryside accommodation for groups who want space, comfort and easy access to Shropshire's best outdoor activities.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Old Yard House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Craven Arms, Shropshire

Weather & Local Conditions

8°C

Clear sky

Updated: 20 Jul 2026, 3:00am

🌡️
8.20°C
Temperature
💨
3 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
96%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Old Yard House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

168m

(551 feet above sea level)

The Old Yard House sits in a peaceful Shropshire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️
168m
Elevation
📍
Craven Arms
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Craven Arms are typical Shropshire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 52.4198600° N | Longitude: 2.798501° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Craven Arms (Monday, 20 July 2026):

4:11am

Sunrise

7:23pm

Golden Hour

8:23pm

Sunset

🌅
4:11am
Sunrise
🌇
8:23pm
Sunset
📸
7:23pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:23pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Craven Arms, you have approximately 16.19 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Old Yard House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

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Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Shropshire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 20 Jul 2026 | Location: 52.4198600, -2.7985010

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Old Yard House

Spacious Group Accommodation

The property sleeps 12 guests comfortably with six bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, giving everyone their own space whilst staying together under one roof.

Games Room Entertainment

A dedicated games room keeps groups entertained during evenings and rainy days, perfect for families and friends looking for indoor fun together.

Peaceful Rural Location

Set in quiet Shropshire countryside, the property offers genuine peace and relaxation away from traffic and noise, ideal for groups wanting proper downtime.

Fully Equipped Kitchen

The large kitchen has everything needed to cook for bigger groups, making self-catering easy and helping keep costs down for family gatherings.

Shropshire Hills Access

Direct access to outstanding walking country means groups can step out and explore some of England's finest landscapes right from the doorstep.

Generous Living Spaces

Multiple social areas mean groups can spread out or come together as they choose, with plenty of seating for everyone to relax comfortably.

Getting To The Old Yard House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Yard House by car, take the A49 towards Craven Arms and follow signs for local roads leading to the property near SY7 9LS. Off-road parking is available for multiple vehicles, making arrival straightforward for groups.

By Train

Craven Arms railway station is approximately 2 miles from the property. Taxis are readily available from the station for the short journey to The Old Yard House.

Off-road parking for multiple cars
Craven Arms station (2 miles)
Easily accessible from the A49

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Stokesay Castle
Distance: 3 miles
SY7 9AH
Ludlow Castle
Distance: 8 miles
SY8 1AY
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Distance: 4 miles
SY6 6QN
The Long Mynd
Distance: 6 miles
SY6 6JG
Wenlock Edge
Distance: 12 miles
TF13 6DJ
Carding Mill Valley
Distance: 8 miles
SY6 6JG
Ludlow Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
SY8 1AS
Craven Arms Co-op
Distance: 2 miles
SY7 9PS
Bishops Castle High Street
Distance: 9 miles
SY9 5BN
Craven Arms Discovery Centre
Distance: 2 miles
SY7 9PY
Shrewsbury Town
Distance: 20 miles
SY1 1UQ
Church Stretton
Distance: 7 miles
SY6 6BU
Stokesay Castle
Distance: 3 miles
SY7 9AH
Ludlow Castle
Distance: 8 miles
SY8 1AY
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Distance: 4 miles
SY6 6QN
The Long Mynd
Distance: 6 miles
SY6 6JG
Wenlock Edge
Distance: 12 miles
TF13 6DJ
Carding Mill Valley
Distance: 8 miles
SY6 6JG
Ludlow Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
SY8 1AS
Craven Arms Co-op
Distance: 2 miles
SY7 9PS
Bishops Castle High Street
Distance: 9 miles
SY9 5BN
Craven Arms Discovery Centre
Distance: 2 miles
SY7 9PY
Shrewsbury Town
Distance: 20 miles
SY1 1UQ
Church Stretton
Distance: 7 miles
SY6 6BU

Is The Old Yard House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The games room provides excellent entertainment for children of all ages during downtime. The surrounding countryside offers safe outdoor space for kids to explore and play. Nearby Acton Scott Historic Working Farm (4 miles) gives children hands-on experience with traditional farming. Ludlow Castle (8 miles) provides educational fun with medieval history. The property's six bedrooms mean families can spread out comfortably whilst staying together.
Groups Will Love...
The dedicated games room stands out as a brilliant feature for group stays at The Old Yard House. This space keeps everyone entertained during evenings and provides a focal point for friendly competition. Combined with generous living areas throughout the property, groups have multiple spaces to gather or split up as they choose. The layout works perfectly for families or friends wanting both social time and quiet corners.
Pet Friendly
The Old Yard House welcomes dogs, so pets can join your group holiday in the Shropshire countryside. The surrounding rural location provides excellent walking opportunities straight from the door. Open fields and quiet country lanes make this an ideal base for groups travelling with dogs. Contact the property owner to confirm the number of pets allowed and check for any additional charges that might apply to your booking.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Yard House

The Sun Inn

Located 1.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SY7 9DG

The Kanteen Ludlow

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SY8 1EJ

The Bridges

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: SY5 9HE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Yard House

How many guests does The Old Yard House sleep?
The property accommodates up to 12 guests across six bedrooms, making it suitable for extended families or groups of friends. Multiple bathrooms ensure everyone has adequate facilities throughout their stay.
Is The Old Yard House pet friendly?
Yes, the property welcomes pets so your dogs can join the group holiday. Check with the owner regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional charges that may apply.
What facilities are available for group entertainment?
A dedicated games room provides indoor entertainment for all ages during your stay. The spacious living areas also offer plenty of room for groups to gather and socialise together.
How far is The Old Yard House from local attractions?
Stokesay Castle is just 3 miles away, taking 7 minutes by car. Ludlow Castle sits 8 miles distant at 15 minutes, whilst The Long Mynd walking area is 6 miles away at 12 minutes.
Is there parking available at the property?
Off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles at the property. This makes arrival and departure straightforward for groups travelling in several cars.
What cooking facilities are available for larger groups?
The fully equipped kitchen contains everything needed to prepare meals for 12 people. Ample workspace and cooking equipment make self-catering practical for bigger groups.
What is the nearest train station to The Old Yard House?
Craven Arms railway station is the closest, located approximately 2 miles from the property. Taxis are available from the station for the short journey to the house.
What outdoor activities are available nearby?
The Shropshire Hills offer excellent walking and hiking opportunities within minutes of the property. The Long Mynd, Wenlock Edge and numerous footpaths provide options for all fitness levels in the group.

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