Folly History
Folly History
The Folly is a stone tower, 16 feet square and 80 feet high, standing on Callow Hill, near Craven Arms in South Shropshire. It is a Grade II listed building and a much loved local landmark.
About Benjamin Flounders
About Benjamin Flounders
Benjamin Flounders was a man of remarkable energy and wide interests. He built Flounders Folly in 1838, largely from local stone.
Visiting Flounders’ Folly
Visiting Flounders’ Folly
Flounders’ Folly can be found by following a waymarked trail from the Discovery Centre in Craven Arms. There are a number of walks on public paths that can take in the Folly.
The Flounders’ Folly Trust
How to get to the folly...Off the A49 near Craven Arms, on the road from Lower Dinchope to Westhope.
Directions

Flounders’ Folly

Given current Covid-19 restrictions, we regret that Flounders’ Folly is closed to the public until further notice. As soon as we are able to re-open the tower, we will update this website and our Facebook and Twitter accounts. We look forward to seeing visitors old and new and our intended opening dates, published below, are provisional!

– Seabury Salmon, Chair, Flounders’ Folly Trust

Flounders’ Folly is the landmark stone tower standing 80 feet above Callow Hill, near Craven Arms, South Shropshire. The Folly is visible for miles around and provides visitors with spectacular views of countryside near and far.

Opening dates and times are provisional and depend on the weather and Covid restrictions. Check back on this website nearer the time to ensure it will be open, or follow Flounders Folly on Facebook or @Flounders_Folly on Twitter.

Built in 1838 by Benjamin Flounders (hence the name), the Folly fell into disrepair in the 20th century but was restored in 2004-5 by the Flounders’ Folly Trust. It is now open to the public one day each month so people can climb to the viewing platform at the top of the 78 stairs and enjoy the wonderful views of the Malverns, the Black Mountains, Cader Idris and much much more. Specially commissioned illustrations that run round the viewing platform enable visitors to work out exactly what landmarks they are looking at in the landscape.

The footpath to the Folly from the small parking area off the lane between Lower Dinchope and Westhope is open every day, year-round, so come and have a look – there are great views on the walk up and from the foot of the tower!

Video Flyby

Take a look at our Video Flyby by Tom Woodward

 

Flounders’ Folly Opening Dates for 2021

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A Cross of St George flag will be flying from the Folly when it is open. As the Folly is stewarded by volunteers, opening cannot be absolutely guaranteed.

Month Dates Times
January 2021 31st CLOSED
Feb 2021 28th PROVISIONAL 11am-3pm
March  2021 29th PROVISIONAL 11am-4pm
 April 2021 2nd (Good Friday) 11am-4pm
4th (Easter Monday) 11am-4pm
  25th  11am-4pm
 May 2021 3rd (Bank Holiday) 11am-4pm
30th 11am-4pm
  31st (Bank Holiday) 11am-4pm
 June 2021 27th  11am-4pm
July 2021 25th 11am – 4pm
Aug 2021 29th 11am – 4pm
30th (Bank Holiday) 11am – 4pm 
Sept 2021 26th  11am – 4pm
 Oct 2021 31st 11am – 3pm
 Nov 2021 28th TBC

 

The best place to park is at the foot of Callow Hill on the road from Lower Dinchope to Westhope, SO 457854, from where there is a footpath to the Folly. Please park considerately and do not block gateways.