There are many lovely and interesting towns and villages to visit. Here are some of our favourites.
Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth was awarded the “Best large market town” category of the Great British High Street national awards for 2016. The town is divided into the High Town and Low Town with the steepest remaining inland funicular cliff railway in England connecting the two. Low Town was once a busy port on the River Severn and now provides excellent access to river side walks together with many eating places and shops to visit. The castle ruins in High Town date back to the English Civil War and is located in a pretty park which gives panoramic views across the river and towards the Severn Valley Railway. The town’s churches cover a variety of styles and historic periods. Bridgnorth is the start of the Severn Valley Steam Railway which runs to Kidderminster via Bewdley. The town has many pubs, restaurants, shops and holds a street market every Saturday. A lovely place to visit either by car, bike or train. See the ‘Virtual Shropshire’ site for more interesting information on Bridgnorth.
Bewdley
Connected to Bridgnorth by the Severn Valley Railway and the River Severn, Bewdley is described as the most perfect small Georgian town in Worcestershire. It is also an ideal location to go to after visiting the West Midlands Safari Park and the Wyre Forest which are both a short distance away from the town. Bewdley is the perfect place to wander the streets and explore.The town’s own website has more up to date information on what goes on.
Cleobury Mortimer
Describing itself as ‘Cleobury Country’ the town is a real gem and a must for a visit. Cloebury’s St Mary’s church with its crooked spire, the towns own beer from the Hobson’s Brewery and the ‘real’ shops are a few things to see and do. This is located in beautiful walking country with many footpaths and walks to be found in the area including both Clee Hills (Titterstone Clee and Brown Clee Hill) which are the highest points in Shropshire.
Ludlow
Ludlow has a national reputation for its food and drink and each September holds its own ‘Ludlow Food and Drink Festival’. Regular Farmers’ Markets are also held in the square and an antique and collectors market held each Sunday. Many other events and festivals that take place throughout the year including a Shakespeare Festival when performances take place within the castle. The town has many specialist shops and is a great place to discover things of interest. The impressive ruins of the castle is open all year round to visit. See the town’s own website for more information.
Church Stretton
The pretty town of Church Stretton lies at the foot of the Long Mynd and is located within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is well worth a visit in its own right but combined with a walk up onto the Long Mynd via Carding Mill Valley provides a great day out. There are numerous paths which cover the whole area offering anything from a gentle stroll to more challenging hikes. Horse riding and mountain biking together with gliding are all available to visitors. Click here to find out more about the town and its surrounding area.
Much Wenlock
At the London Olympic Games, one of the mascots was named Wenlock in recognition of Much Wenlock being the birthplace of Dr William Penny Brookes, the inspiration for the modern Olympic Movement. This medieval town has the feel of a village and retains plenty of character with many historic buildings. Much Wenlock lies to the east of Wenlock Edge. Further information about the town can be found on their website.
Shrewsbury
Being the county town of Shropshire, Shrewsbury has a lot to boast about including a huge variety of historical timbered buildings including Shrewsbury Castle and Shrewsbury Abbey. The town lies within a meander of the River Severn and an afternoon could easily be spent strolling along the river banks or sitting in the picturesque Quarry Park. Each year the town hosts many events including the Shrewsbury Flower Festival and Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Find out more about what the town has to offer here.