The Old School Campsite
UK England West Midlands Shropshire Bishop's Castle
If Bear Grylls and Kirstie Allsop went in to business together they might come up with something like The Old School Campsite. By English standards it’s remote; “a 10-minute drive from everything,” according to owner Stuart. He’s the Grylls of the place, with a background in the military and outdoor education, while his wife Rachel, a former art and design teacher, is more Allsop – with a touch of adventure thrown in. Stay at their campsite and, in addition to a place to pitch your tent, you’ll be able to join their range of art and adventure activities: from crochet to climbing, batik to bushcraft.
Camping and glamping pitches are tucked behind a former school house, now home to Stuart, Rachel and their two children. It’s hard to think of a more appropriate place for this pair of teachers to combine their camping and creative-outdoor education businesses. And though the 19th-century classrooms have gone, the teaching continues with lessons now taking place on the site’s climbing wall or in Rachel’s studio. Situated in the Shropshire Hills, almost atop the Welsh-English border, it offers a taste of Wales’ great outdoors in a location that’s conveniently connected. And, once you’re on site, it’s just a short stroll to the top of Corndon Hill from where you have views to the area’s most famous peaks and plateaus, Stiperstones and the Long Mynd included.
The campsite is open to all (though large caravans and motorhomes might find the site’s dimensions tight) with grassy pitches for tents, electric hook-ups and dogs welcome. Glampers can choose between a furnished bell tent (there are three in a small separate meadow) or the glamping caravan which has its own shower room and toilet. With an on-site shop selling the basics, as well as organised activities and easy walking in to the hills, there’s no real need to go elsewhere.
Having said that, if you do fancy exploring further afield, you can go kayaking or mountain-biking with Stuart, Rachel or one of their other instructors – or go it alone to discover the sights. Big-name attractions, including Ironbridge Gorge, are within reach but there are plenty of pretty villages, market towns and smaller attractions closer by. The Shropshire Hills’ Bog Visitor Centre and Snailbeach Lead Mine are good places to start and both are, of course, about a 10-minute drive from site.
Our Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
Book with complete confidence at The Old School Campsite with the Cool Camping Coronavirus Booking Guarantee. We guarantee the following clear policy for your booking:
- A low deposit of 30% to secure your booking
- Balance due 30 days before your holiday
- Complete flexibility to move bookings up to the end of 2021 in the event of Coronavirus restrictions
- Due to the flexibility provided we are unable to offer refunds
- This guarantee supersedes any other policies
Gallery















Details
Facilities
12 of the pitches have electric hook ups. 1 shower (50p), 2 toilets, BBQs. Glamping bell tents are kitted out with a futon-style double bed and camp beds with duvets, pillows and linen provided. Each has electric hook-up with an electric heater, a 2-ring gas stove for use outside and a box of cooking equipment, tableware and washing-up essentials. Outside, each tent has an awning, dug-in firepit and a picnic table. The glamping caravan has a double bed and 2 singles, all with linen provided, a kitchenette, cooking equipment and tableware as well as an en-suite shower room and toilet. The site has a small shop, a washing-up area, a laundry with a washing machine and tumble dryer as well as a communal-use freezer. There’s also a chemical disposal point on site. Campfires are permitted in off-ground fire pits.
Suitable For
Everyone! Campers, glampers, campervans, caravans, motorhomes, groups, dogs...
Nearby
Creative Outdoors is Rachel and Stuart’s own arts and outdoors education specialist offering all sorts of activities on-site from jewellery making and printing to climbing and archery and off-site activities including kayaking, canoeing and mountain biking. You can also head off on walks in to the Shropshire Hills straight from site. The Bog Visitor Centre (01743 792484) is 4 miles away with information on the area and local walks. Snailbeach Lead Mine (07716 116732) is 7 miles to the north. A similar distance south and a drive of 15 minutes gets you to the market town of Bishop’s Castle where there are cafes, shops and galleries. For a Welsh market town, hop over the border and head for Montgomery (11 miles away), which also has a model car museum and a ruined castle. Powys Castle (01938 551944) is 12 miles away. The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway (01938 810441), Shrewsbury, Wroxeter Roman City (01743 761330), Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom (01952 677917) and The Ironbridge Gorge Museums (01952 433424) are all within an hour’s drive.
Food & Drink
You can stock up on the basics or treat yourself to a smores kit, pail of ale or basket of bubbly from the campsite’s own shop. There’s also a convenience store in the village of Stiperstones, 7 miles away. The farmers’ market at Bishop’s Castle, also 7 miles away, takes place once a month (third Wednesday) and there are plenty of shops and eateries including Thyme Café – recommended for scones, cakes and lunches. There’s also a café at The Bog Visitor Centre (01743 792484). Pontesbury (10 miles away) has takeaways including Zenna Chinese Restaurant (01743 791848) and Balti Spice (01743 791848). If you’re heading to Shrewsbury, Eat at Eight is recommended.
Opening Times
All year (except February).Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
The site is close to the Welsh border and on the edge of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so expect lengthy walks through pretty hills and dales as well as splendid views all around.... and plenty of peace and quiet next to firepits in green fields, setting the barbecue smouldering for dinner and taking in the starry night sky.
The site is approximately 2 acres in size and, although small, has been described as 'a gem of a site' by previous guests and is well equipped for your needs.
We have grass camping pitches as well as touring pitches with electric hook ups for campervans and caravans. We have a stone and brick built building containing toilets, wash basins and shower, available for all visitors. Separate washing up facilities with both hot and cold running water. A chemical waste disposal point is available. We have on site BBQs for your use. You can have relaxing evenings watching the sun setting, while listening to the birds singing as dusk descends, then as the darkness falls you can gaze at the wonderful display of stars in the night sky. Directly accessed from the site, you can be immersed in the wonderful Shropshire countryside within seconds.
By day, stroll over to the site’s activity centre for a host of arts and crafts workshops: guests can embrace their artistic sides with silver jewellery, felt, knitting, enamelling or batik workshops on site, to wrap up stays with handmade souvenirs to boast about back home. If that sounds too laidback, spend time at the activity centre chatting to owners Rachel and Stuart instead. They’ll help guests to organise rock climbing days, paddleboard lessons, canoeing trips on the Severn and the Montgomery Canal, and mountain biking excursions on the trails nearby – or venture out solo on wanders along the long-distance Shropshire Way, which passes within minutes of the site.
Video Tour
Accommodation
3 bell tents, 1 glamping caravan and 18 pitches (12 with electric hook up).
Ellesmere Glamping Bell Tent
Large Grass Tent & Touring Pitch
Extras

Smores Kit

Fire Pit Kit

BBQ Kit

Archery Taster Session

Team Challenges

Rock Climbing Taster Session

Paddlesports Taster Session
Duration: 2.5 hours
Description: Experience the sites and views the Montgomery Canal whilst having fun and games along the way. Canoes can be paddled by one, two or three people meaning they are ideal for families and groups. Paddleboards are very accessible for all ages and abilities as you can sit, kneel or stand. Kayaks are fun boats for individuals. If you want a relaxing and different way to see the sites of Shropshire then you can't get much better than this. You could even get your British Canoeing Paddle Start Award!

Stand Up Paddleboarding Taster Session
Duration: 2.5 hours
Experience the sites and views the River Severn has to offer and learn how to paddle along the way. Paddle boards don't have to be paddled standing up, you can work on that! They are great fun meaning they are ideal for families and groups. All instruction and equipment is provided.

Mountain Biking Taster Session
Duration: 2.5 hours
We offer mountain sessions at trail centres and routes in Shropshire or wales. There are some great local routes. We can provide equipment for you or bring your own. It doesn't matter if you've never been off road before, we can give you all the skills you need.

Kayaking Taster Session
Duration: 2.5 hours
Experience the sites and views the River Sever has to offer and learn how to kayak along the way. If you want a relaxing day out, you can't get much better than this! We aim to provide you with the basic knowledge to enable you to safely get in and out of your boat, make it move and return to your start point. This is your first step into the world of paddling, ensuring you feel safe, confident and ready to progress.

Climbing Wall Taster Session

Bushcraft Taster Session

Batik Workshop

Crochet Workshop
Anyone can learn to crochet in just 3 hours. We haven't failed yet! Learn the technique, leave with a lovely gift you have made yourself and a basic kit to carry on your new hobby.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8

Knit Workshop
Anyone can learn to knit in just 3 hours. We haven't failed yet! Learn the technique, leave with a lovely gift you have made yourself and a basic kit to carry on your new hobby.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8

Silver Jewellery Workshop
Making genuine silver jewellery is easier than you think. Come and find out how and take home your own gorgeous pendant or bracelet.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Pewter Casting Jewellery Workshop
This is a wonderful technique for hand crafting jewellery. You will choose or create your own mold and after it has been cast, you will cut, file and polish your piece ready to take away. Producing fantastic results even for the youngest artists.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8

Enamelling Jewellery Workshop
An exciting process that uses vivid colours and beautiful textures to turn into jewellery or to keep as miniature works of art.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8

Printing Workshop
With something for everyone this accessible process turns a simple image into your own work of art.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Felt Workshop
Try out this beautiful craft by making felt beads, felt pictures or even a 3D bird.
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Sewing Workshop
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Free Form Embroidery Workshop
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Book Binding Workshop
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Drawing Workshop
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Foiling Workshop
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Photography Workshop
Duration: 3 Hours
Minimum age: Age 8 or Age 5 with an accompanying adult

Archery Tag Session

Sign Making Engraving Workshop

Marbling
Location
Contact The Old School Campsite, Shelve, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 0JQ
Getting There
From the A5 take the A488 towards Bishop’s Castle. Stay on the A488 and go through Pontesbury, Minsterley and Hope. Stay on the main road and you will pass an ‘Old School’ brown sign. Stay on the A488 for another 1½ miles and the campsite is on the left-hand side (opposite the fishery) with a grey flag at the driveway.
The nearest railway station is at Shrewsbury. The limited 553 bus service runs from Shrewsbury to Bishop’s Castle with a bus stop just outside the campsite.
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 12 reviews
Lovely, well organised campsite.
Clean, well organised, covid friendly, good eco credentials
Wonderful stay
Wonderful campsite
Lovely campsite
Lovely relaxing stay
Lovely site; very clean and friendly
Hardest working Hosts ever!
Great camp site, great host
Really poor experience. Not helped by the weather!
Gorgeous site, friendly owners and superb activities
Excellent overnight stay
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Coronavirus Booking Guarantee
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
Related Guides
See Campsites in Bishop's Castle
See Glamping in Bishop's Castle