Shrewsbury and Ludlow (two medieval Shropshire towns)
The beautiful West Midlands county of Shropshire doesn’t have a city. Shrewsbury is its largest town, and it’s nice too! A charming historic market town, it still retains medieval architecture and picturesque riverside walks. It’s also surrounded on three sides by the River Severn (England’s longest river that starts in Wales and meanders towards the Bristol Channel).
Often described as one of the finest examples of medieval buildings in England, this is lovely if you like a town with narrow streets, timber-framed buildings, ancient churches and indie shops. It’s like stepping back in time! It even has an cient red sandstone castle that overlooks the town.
Close to the Welsh border, it’s also is a great base for exploring the Shropshire Hills and Welsh Marches.
Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (learn how to upright an overturned sheep). Keep dogs away from steep banks, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
Ludlow (a foodie town with no McDonald’s!)
30 miles away, the pretty historic town of Ludlow is also worth a visit. Known for its farmers’ markets, it’s one of the growing number of towns where the local food is so good, there is no branch of McDonald’s!
Set above the River Teme in the Welsh Marches, it again combines medieval heritage with indie shops, lively markets and easy access to some of England’s finest countryside.
Oswestry (the English town closest to Wales)
Just a few miles from the Welsh border is another market town. Around 20 miles from Shrewsbury, it’s also 20 miles or so from Hay-on-Wye which holds an internationally renowned book festival each year (the town has around 20 indie bookstores).
