Surrounding Countryside

Surrounding Countryside

The Neighbouring Towns

All of our neighbouring towns have their own particular charm or interest and each of them is worth a visit. 

Shrewsbury is a unique town situated within a horseshoe loop of the river Severn. It has retained much of its mediaeval charm and contains treasures a-plenty, many very obvious, others less conspicuous. 

A walk round the centre of the town, taking in Wyle Cop, the Castle, the Library (where Charles Darwin went to school), the Old Council Gatehouse, St Mary's Church, the Old Market Hall, Rowley's House etc, will offer a wealth of interest. However, some of the quaintest spots are to be found away from the main thoroughfares and many a trip down an apparently uninteresting side alley will yield a rich reward. Butcher's Row, Fish Street, Bear Steps, St Alkmond's Square, Grope Lane, Claremont Hill and many other hidden reminders of the past make this a very interesting town. Don't miss a walk in The Quarry and The Dingle Gardens.

Telford is a must for anyone interested in industrial archaeology. The Severn Gorge at Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge was the very cradle of the Industrial Revolution and in recent years much has been done towards restoring it and creating a highly educational visitor centre. Coalport China Works Museum, Jackfield Tile Museum, the Tar Tunnel, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron etc, offer far more than can be absorbed into a single day, but a 'passport ticket' will enable you to return at any time in the future to look at what you missed in your first (or subsequent) visit(s). 

Much Wenlock is a small town with a magnificent old Guildhall, some fine old buildings and a wonderful Priory ruin which is highly atmospheric, especially with the audio-guide which English Heritage has provided. It is well worth the short journey. 

Bridgnorth is larger and is very unusual in that it has a High Town and a Low Town, connected by a funicular railway. It is a town of great character, with a very attractive main street and an interesting history. 

There is also great character to be found in Ludlow, with many fine old buildings, and of course its very well preserved castle dating from the 11th Century, when the Normans built a number of castles along the marches to keep out the Welsh. There are many antique and craft shops, and a large open market which takes place on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays (also Wednesdays in summer), with a regular fleamarket on Sundays.

The little market town of Bishops Castle is another possible base for a walk on Offa's Dyke and here you will find the Railway Museum and the House on Crutches Museum. It is a quaint town set in superb countryside.

Visitors will enjoy the small town of Clun "one of the quietest places under the sun" according to A E Housman - with its old castle remains. Clun can be used as a base for a walk on a section of Offa's Dyke. 

Powis Castle at Welshpool makes a very pleasant day out. The gardens are very attractive, especially in late spring or early summer, when the woodland walk amongst the rhododendrons and azaleas is quite unforgettable. The castle itself, set in wonderful parkland, is full of interest, and the drive to and from Welshpool, whether you take the main road or cut across country, is very pleasant.

Other places of interest include Hawkstone Follies, on the A49 a few miles north of Shrewsbury. Created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill, it has recently been restored to its former glory and includes a fascinating variety of paths, towers, monuments, rocks, tunnels, passageways etc. It also offers wonderful views. Hodnet Hall Gardens are also a few miles north of Shrewsbury, on the A33 to Market Drayton. They are open from April to September and you do not need to be a gardener to appreciate them.

The Aerospace Museum at Cosford is only about 45 minutes away, very close to junction 3 of the M54. There are collections of Missiles, Warplanes, Transport Aircraft and Research and Development Aircraft. For anyone interested in flying in any form this is sure to be a rewarding day out.

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