The National Trust's best places to stay in Shropshire - including a former part of Shrewsbury's medieval defences

From cosy cottages and barn conversions nestled within the countryside to historic estates offering a step back in time, these properties offer a unique way to experience the beauty of the county.

Here are some of the National Trust's recommendations for a stay in Shropshire.

Attingham East and West lodges

Part of the grand entrance gates to the mansion and parkland at Attingham Park, you can imagine being the gatekeeper for the grand house while staying in these gate lodges.

Built in the early 1860s, the impressive entrance gates lead to an 18th-century mansion, full of regency-era treasures, where those who stay also gain free entry.

And, beyond the house lies 200 acres of parkland, that visitors can explore after everyone else has gone home.

Attingham East Lodge is suitable for up to four guests with two bedrooms.

Meanwhile, Attingham West Lodge was commissioned by Richard, 5th Lord Berwick and built in 1862. It is now a comfortable holiday cottage with Georgian style to link with Attingham’s history.

The lodge is a Grade II listed building with river views from the master bedroom, walks from the doorstep and after-hours access to the estate.

There are also several barns available within the Attingham Estate that can be viewed here. 

Town Walls Tower

The property offers a great retreat for two in the last remaining watchtower on Shrewsbury's medieval walls.

Town Walls Tower is a four-storey tower that once formed part of the county town's medieval town defences. It’s full of original character, with arrow slits, wooden floors and exposed stone walls sitting alongside comfortable modern touches like the roll-top bath and a stylish kitchen.

The National Trust's website says: "Part of the town walls remain next to the building. The walls were built between 1220 and 1242 during the reign of King Henry III during his campaign against the Welsh forces.

"Around 200 years later, Henry IV carried out repairs to the walls and may have added the watchtowers then. During the 1800s, the tower was used as a home for a watchmaker and then a coachman. The tower came into the care of the National Trust in 1930."

The tower has one bedroom and can accommodate up to two guests.

1 Sternsmill Cottage

Sitting on the Dudmaston estate, this cosy cottage boasts beautiful countryside views and even a cave in the garden.

The National Trust says: "1 Sternsmill Cottage is a cosy secluded holiday home on the Dudmaston estate. The property benefits from a private garden, beautiful countryside views, and even a cave in the sandstone cliff behind the cottage. It was built in the 19th-century and retains many original features, including wooden floors and the range in the living room."

Visitors can make the most of free entry to Dudmaston Hall before exploring the nearby village of Quatt.

The property features two bedrooms and is suitable for up to four guests.

Morville barns

Located on the Morville Hall Estate, borth barns are cosy conversions that are surrounded by lots of local attractions.

Originally believed to be stables, the National Trust says the early 18th-century converted barns offer a cosy and rustic stay for family and friends who want a place to go away together.

The holiday cottages are also part of a new National Trust project that is aiming to carefully bring to life 16 unused barns at five National Trust estates in England.

1 Morville Barn is one of two halves of Morville Barn, and both 1 and 2 Morville Barn can be booked together for two families to stay together.

Mose Barn

The National Trust describes Mose Barn near Bridgnorth as a "beautiful barn conversion, with original trusses and tiles alongside luxurious modern comforts".

The barn is located in a quiet, remote hamlet in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, close to the Dudmaston Estate with its acres of walking trails.

It is built from traditional Shropshire stone, sandstone and timbers, and the barn brings together a root house, granary and a series of cowsheds from the mid-19th century.

It can house up to six guests and features three bedrooms.

Forge Barn

Forge Barn is a newly-converted accessible barn with wonderful countryside views.

It is one of five newly-converted barns in the quiet northern part of the Attingham Estate, and is surrounded by 4,000 acres of park, farm and woodland.

The National Trust says the property was built in the first half of the 1800s as a cowhouse, and the barn is now a light and comfortable space with plenty of character and charm.

It boasts two bedrooms and can host up to four guests.

Further destinations can be seen on the National Trust's website.