Field Studies Council Preston Montford, is situated in the heart of Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn with views into Wales. The Centre is set in a 12-hectare estate which is managed to provide a rich range of habitats, including the River Severn Montford SSSI, a semi-ancient woodland growing on a steep bank of glacial drift. Most of the area is grazed fields with hedges, 18th century specimen trees and some more recently planted copses. The eastern side of the estate is an area of more specialised habitats; ponds, wildflower meadow, ancient orchard, the remains of a walled garden and a bee hotel.

Preston Montford is easily accessible from the motorway network and the location of the centre enables easy access to practically every type of habitat and urban setting in Britain. Ranging from the Long Mynd and Stiperstones in the South Shropshire Hills AONB, to Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Ludlow, Birmingham and Snowdonia.

Facilities

  • Bar: We have a licensed bar stocked with local ales and spirits, wines, soft drinks and snacks
  • Capacity: Altogether we can fit 131 beds separated between three blocks, the Main House, Darwin and Wenlock.
  • Car Parking: There are limited parking facilities available at the centre.
  • Catering: Self-catering is also considered upon specific request.
  • Children's Facilities: We have games and activities on-site for children aged 8+; however, younger children are welcome.
  • Common Room: Queen Anne Common Room, the Ante Room and Darwin Common Room.
  • Disabled Facilities: We have two disabled access rooms and other ground floor bedrooms available, with easy access.
  • Hot and Cold Drinks: We have hot and cold drinks making facilities accessible around the centre.
  • Kitchen: Fully catered services for most dietary needs are available, as well as packed lunch-making services.
  • Linen: All bedding is provided. Please strip your beds on departure.
  • Lounge: We have an adult lounge area with comfy sofas.
  • Outdoor Clothing: Outdoor clothing is available to hire but please note availability is limited.
  • Outdoor Facilities: Extensive range of on-site and off-site activities.
  • Shop: Our shop sells drinks, snacks and souvenirs of your stay as well as a selection of Field Studies Council publications.
  • Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the centre.
  • Workrooms: We have four classrooms located around the centre. All have interactive televisions which can be linked to laptops. We also have one science lab which has a ceiling-mounted projector.

Accommodation

We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. Our residential centres offer a range of room sizes and layouts from single and twin up to larger dormitories. Note: not all centres have single/twin rooms. All rooms are subject to availability. Some rooms are en suite and others have shower and toilet facilities close by. Please contact us if you want to discuss your room requirements.

Each centre also has places to relax during any free time such as a lounge, games room and outdoor space.

Food

For one day visits you are usually asked to bring a packed lunch unless it is specified otherwise.

Residential visits include freshly prepared seasonal meals, with a hot breakfast, packed lunch and choice of evening meal. Food is sourced locally wherever possible and we can cater for most dietary requirements. All of our residential centres have been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award which recognises organisations which go the extra mile to make sure visitors are receiving healthy, nutritious and sustainable meals.

To get a better idea on what food we offer at our centres, please see our sample meals

Local area

The centre is close to the Long Mynd and Stiperstones in the South Shropshire Hills AONB, Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Ludlow and Snowdonia. Preston Montford is located 6 miles west of Shrewsbury. Within easy reach of the North Shropshire meres and mosses, and the Welsh and Shropshire Hills. Less than one hour from Birmingham. Less than 2 hours from Manchester and Liverpool, 3 hours from Central London.
Shrewsbury is a historic market town with a rich history and is the birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin.

Virtual tour Video tour of the area

Travel to Preston Montford

As part of our environmental commitment we encourage all visitors to travel by coach, train or public transport.

By road – From the A5, take the roundabout exit signposted to Mid-Wales and Welshpool (A458). Half a mile along this road, turn right onto B4473, the centre is located on the left after approx. ½ mile. SAT NAV: SY4 1DX.

By train/bus – There is a bus from Shrewsbury bus station to Montford Bridge, which is then a 15-minute walk from Preston Montford. Shrewsbury Railway Station has a taxi rank outside and Preston Montford is a 10-minute journey.

Accreditations

Courses and Experiences at Preston Montford

News at Preston Montford

All news from Preston Montford

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