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Be a Destinations-UK-Ireland Sponsor  Our Shropshire Articles Acton Scott Farm Wollerton Old Hall Garden Hodnet Hall Garden All Stretton Village Weston Park House and Gardens Boscobel House Whittington Castle Church Stretton Montgomery Canal Much Wenlock The Historic Buildings of Bridgnorth Other England Articles Yew Tree House A fantastic bed and breakfast in a wonderful Shropshire location |
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Shropshire is a county worth visiting for its historic villages, beautiful countryside, literary connections, and industrial heritage. It’s also a stepping stone to the country of Wales. In the south are hills, moorlands and valleys with much of the area being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here are the Stiperstones, Long Mynd, Clun forest, and Stretton Hills. Towns and villages include Ludlow, Church Street, Craven Arms, Much Wenlock, All Stretton, and Bishops Castle. 
Ludlow castle’s architecture spans the time from the Norman conquest through the 16th century. Its purpose was to help the border defend itself against the Welsh. Ludlow became crown property in 1461 with the crowning of Edward IV and stayed in royal hands for 350 years. It was home to Princes Richard and Edward who disappeared into the Tower of London never to be seen again. 
The 12th century church is the resting place of A.E. Housman, famous Shropshire poet. The castle isn’t Ludlow’s only famous historic building. There are over 500 listed ones. The Feathers Hotel dates from 1521 and still welcomes guests. The local museum gives a town history. A. E. Housman is buried in St Laurence’s church. 
Wenlock Edge, a limestone escarpment is a favourite with walkers. Views reach in all directions. At the end of the ridge the village of Much Wenlock provides scenery of a different kind. Half-timbered buildings include a 16th century guildhall. 
The ruins of Wenlock Priory are of interest. Founded in 680, it was pillaged by the Danes, then rebuilt. The 350-foot long nave made it one of England’s longest monastic churches. A lavatorium has carved marble panels. 
Shipton Hall near Much Wenlock was built c1587 is an excellent example of Elizabethan architecture. There are Georgian additions to this family home. A Saxon church sits on the grounds. 
Stokesay Castle is near the town of Craven Arms. It is a well-preserved 13th century fortified manor house. The gatehouse is timber-framed, and the great hall retains its original medieval staircase. 
Hawkstone Park and Follies were created in the 18th century in hilly terrain. It’s seen by footpath that traverses ravines, arches, bridges, cliffs, woodlands, and caves—allow 3.5 hours for a complete circuit. 
In the north is the town of Shrewsbury, home of Brother Cadfael of literary and TV fame. There’s a scenic walk around the old town that sits almost surrounded by the river Severn. Poet A. E. Housman immortalized it with these words, “High the vanes of Shrewsbury gleam, islanded in Severn Stream.” Boat trips on the river are on offer. 
Shrewsbury has over 660 listed buildings. Medieval buildings grew up around the town’s Norman castle, turned into a home, then into council chambers. It’s now the site of the Shropshire Regimental Museum. Queen Anne and Georgian buildings add to the mix of black and white houses. A particularly good example is Rowley’s House, a late 16th century Tudor merchant’s home. It’s is now the local history museum and art gallery. 
Weston Park, close to Shrewsbury, was built in 1671 and houses a collection of paintings, furniture, and objects d’art. There are 1000 acres of parkland, woodland, and landscaped grounds by ‘Capability’ Brown. For the kids there’s a pet corner, adventure playground, miniature railway and deer park. 
Attingham Park is a late 18th century house set in parkland. Italian furniture and a large silver collection are on view along with a picture gallery. There are costumed guided tours. 
Wroxeter Roman City is the ruins of one of Rome’s largest cities. It covered 200 acres of land, two miles of walls and housed 5000 people. Much is unexcavated. 
Ironbridge Gorge is a World Heritage Site of industrial locations that went full tilt in the 18th century. They are the result of Abraham Darby pioneering the use of coke to smelt iron (1709). This was the beginning of affordable engineering and led to the rise of the area’s industries. Here is the world’s first iron bridge, built in 1779. Ten museums provide a complete look at the industrial heritage of the area. The Museum of the Gorge gives the details of the history. Dale House is where plans for the Ironbridge were worked out by Abraham Darby III. 
The Museum of Iron is home to the original Darby furnace used to smelt iron. Coalport China Museum and Tar Tunnel, in its restored china works, displays their national collections and gives demonstrations of their craft. Tar tunnel oozes bitumen from its walls. 
Children will enjoy Blists Hill Victorian Town, built on the banks of the Shropshire Canal. Wander around the town streets to visit shops, a working foundry, a grocers, printing shop, bakers, a working foundry, cottage gardens, a pub and much more. Costumed staff are on hand to lend authenticity to the experience. 
The 17th century hunting lodge Boscobel House is remembered because of its connection with the Royal Oak in the grounds. It was said that Charles II hid in the tree after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, thus escaping Cromwell and going on to become King of England. A tour gives all the details including hiding holes in the house. A farmyard, smithy, and exhibition round off a visit. 
Shropshire is home to a large number of gardens open to visitors, including those under the National Garden Scheme. Hodnet Hall Gardens, Wollerton Old Hall Gardens, and Burford House Gardens are worth visiting. 
Other English Heritage historic sites of interest are medieval Langley Chapel (at Acton Burnell); Lilleshall Abbey (at Oakengates) with its extensive ruins and ancient yew trees; Haughmond Abbey (at Upton Magna), a 12th century chapter house with medieval timber ceiling and sculpture; and Buildwas Abbey (Iron Bridge), a 12th century abbey with an almost complete church. 
A fantastic family day out can be found at