Best attractions and places to see around Moreton Say, a small village in Shropshire, England, reflect its rural character and historical roots. Located near the borders with Cheshire and Staffordshire, northwest of Market Drayton, the parish offers a blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore a variety of landmarks and enjoy the surrounding countryside. The area is primarily rural, encompassing approximately 5,999 acres.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Highlight • Religious Site
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150 steps will take you to the top of the Monument. Enjoy the views 😊
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The church of St Swithun in Cheswardine. First built in the 13th centaury with the tower added in the late 15th centaury and then several modifications since. It's now a grade 2 listed building. As a different rider said the deep porch is useful to escape the rain.
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The parish church, dedicated to St Swithun, overlooks Cheswardine from the hill at the top of the village. This is at least the third church on this site, and was rebuilt in 1887 - 1889 under the direction of the esteemed architect John Loughborough Pearson, who died before the work was completed. The work was completed with the assistance of funding by the then squire of the Cheswardine Estate, Charles Donaldson-Hudson, who evidently provided half of the estimated cost of £8,500.
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Shroppie fly now reopened nice selection of beers on tap, dog friendly.
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A series of caves and passages excavated from soft sandstone makes up the mysterious and magical grotto at Hawkstone Park. The windows would once have been stained glass, and the walls encrusted with shells and fossils, along with bright turquoise furnace slag from nearby Coalbrookdale. Most of these decroations were lost during the war, but the Grotto remains an exciting place explore. Wind your way through tunnels and small caves, under arches and through large open spaces. Bring your torch so you don't miss the intricately carved arches, tree trunks and even faces in the walls.
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A lovely spot for a picnic, atop a wooded, grassy hill above the park, the obelisk at Hawkstone was built to commemorate Sir Rowland Hill, the first Protestant Lord Mayor of London. Hill bought Hawkstone and other land nearby in 1556 and his descendant, Sir Richard Hill, erected the obelisk in Rowland's honour in 1795.
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Shroppie Fly does not serve any food anymore - just Drinks between eleven, and three PM
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Focal point of the nice town of Whitchurch. The town takes its name from the white stone originally used to make the church, way back in around the 10th Century AD. A very impressive building and well worth checking out if you have time to stop.
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Moreton Say and its surroundings are rich in history. You can explore St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine, a Grade II listed building with parts dating back to the 13th century. Another significant site is St Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch, founded in 912 AD. Don't miss The Grotto at Hawkstone Park, a series of excavated caves and passages, and the nearby Hawkstone Obelisk (Sir Rowland Hill Monument), which offers scenic views.
Yes, the area offers beautiful natural scenery. You can visit Big Mere Lake, a picturesque Site of Specific Scientific Interest known for its diverse wildlife and popular for fishing. The rural landscape of Moreton Say itself, encompassing nearly 6,000 acres, provides ample opportunities to enjoy the countryside. For a specific viewpoint, the Hawkstone Obelisk (Sir Rowland Hill Monument) sits atop a wooded hill, offering views of the surrounding park.
The rural setting of Moreton Say is ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous opportunities for hiking and cycling. For hiking, consider routes like the 'Tyrley Locks – Shropshire Union Canal loop from Market Drayton' or 'The Buttercross – Tudor House Pub loop from Longslow'. Cyclists can explore routes such as 'Audlem loop from Market Drayton' or 'Holy Trinity Church – Calverhall Pond loop from Market Drayton'. More details on these and other routes can be found in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Moreton Say.
Many attractions around Moreton Say are suitable for families. Historical sites like St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine and St Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch are listed as family-friendly. Exploring The Grotto at Hawkstone Park with its tunnels and caves can be an exciting adventure for children. The area's natural features, such as Big Mere Lake, also offer pleasant spots for family picnics and gentle walks.
Yes, the rural nature of Moreton Say makes it a great place for dog owners. Many of the walking trails in the surrounding countryside are dog-friendly. Additionally, The Shroppie Fly, Audlem, a pub located next to the canal, is noted as dog-friendly, offering a place to relax with your pet after a walk.
The summer months are generally ideal for visiting Moreton Say, especially for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, as the weather is typically milder and drier. This is also when the village hosts its annual Moreton Say Flower and Produce Show. However, the rural landscape offers beauty in all seasons, with spring bringing new growth and autumn showcasing vibrant colors.
Yes, you can find places to eat and drink. The Shroppie Fly, Audlem is a popular pub located by the canal, offering food and drinks. While Moreton Say itself is a small village, nearby towns and villages like Audlem and Market Drayton provide additional options for cafes and pubs.
Beyond the main highlights, exploring the 21 listed buildings within the civil parish of Moreton Say can reveal charming historical architecture, including timber-framed houses and farm buildings. While not a 'hidden gem' in the traditional sense, the annual Moreton Say Flower and Produce Show offers a unique glimpse into local community life and traditions during the summer.
Walking trails around Moreton Say generally feature a mix of rural terrain, including paths alongside canals, through fields, and wooded areas. The difficulty often ranges from easy to moderate, with some routes like 'The Buttercross – Town Park loop from Market Drayton' being easy, and others like 'Tyrley Locks – Shropshire Union Canal loop' being moderate. Expect relatively gentle elevations typical of the Shropshire countryside.
Walks around Moreton Say vary in length. You can find shorter, easy loops such as 'The Buttercross – Tudor House Pub loop from Longslow' which is around 5.6 km. Longer, moderate hikes like the 'Shropshire Union Canal – Tyrley Locks loop from Market Drayton' can be over 11 km. This allows for flexibility depending on your preference and fitness level.
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and natural beauty of the area. For instance, the deep porch at St Swithun's Church, Cheswardine is noted as a useful spot to escape the rain. The impressive architecture of St Alkmund's Church, Whitchurch is also a highlight. The scenic views from the Hawkstone Obelisk and the intriguing exploration of The Grotto at Hawkstone Park are also highly valued experiences.


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