Shropshire - Englands Forgotten County

Shropshire is England's forgotten county, but it is well worth making the effort to get there. It is only three hours by train from London and there is plenty to see and do. It is primarily a rural county steeped in history bordering as it does mid Wales, from Oswestry in the northwest to Ludlow and the Hereford border in the south.

Consider staying in Shrewsbury, the capital of the county. Shrewsbury is a growing mediaeval town with a large mixture of places to stay and lots of things to see. It straddles the mighty River Severn, one of Britain's longest rivers. The river twists and turns and revisits the town in several places. It can and still does flood some of the town occasionally and the effects of global warming have persuaded the town council to beef up the flood defences. On a mild balmy day with the river low and sleepy it seems hard to imagine that the river could ever offer a threat, but when it is angry and running, it does.

Visit the castle set beside the Victorian railway station. Shrewsbury is the home of Charles Darwin and there are reminders of their famous son throughout the town. Consider too the half timbered and ancient Rowley's museum. To the north of the town is an area called Battle, named after the battle in the War of the Roses fought there in 1403 when thousands of men were slaughtered on both sides, the majority brought down by the English longbow. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/history/2003/02/battle_of_shrewsbury/battle_smil.shtml. Do visit the old church just north of the battlefield site where a permanent memorial is on display.

But Shropshire has much more to offer than simply the county town. In the south of the county Ludlow is a fascinating small ancient town. Katherine of Aragon was imprisoned there in the castle after Henry the eighth turned his attentions elsewhere. The castle is still in surprisingly good condition and is open most days. Countless narrow streets with many half-timbered buildings always have something to offer. Check out the Feathers Hotel in Ludlow for olde England history and charm.

Bridgnorth is a town split in two. The lower level beside the River Severn and the high town set on the escarpment that commands views along the river. Take the old steam powered Severn Valley Railway, scene of countless films and TV series, from there south towards Kidderminster and over the border into Worcestershire.

In the north of the county Ellesmere in the Shropshire Lakeland is a small town well worth a visit. Check out the canal where Thomas Telford's masterpiece, built in 1760 runs through the town before wending its way over the border and into Wales and on to Llangollen. Oswestry in the northwest is a bustling market town and on market day you are as likely to hear Welsh being spoken as often as English. Another small town worth a visit is Much Wenlock, located on Wenlock edge, a cliff face that runs diagonally across the county. There is an ancient monastery there and quaint buildings aplenty.

For the more energetic, walking holidays across the moorland of the Long Mynd offers a surprising taste of wilderness. Stay in Church Stretton, a mecca for hill walkers. Lastly, if you still have time, try and visit Telford at Ironbridge where Thomas Telford's bridge still stands, the first metal bridge built anywhere heralding the dawn of the industrial revolution

Shropshire is still relatively undiscovered, especially by international travellers, but it has much to commend it. The people are gentle and friendly and it is well worth the effort to get there. You can access thousands of holiday villas and cottages worldwide on my website www.pebblebeachmedia.co.uk. Enjoy your travelling!

David Carter has writen and published hundreds of articles over more years than he cares to remember. His latest work is the property management book SPLAM! Successful Property Letting And Management, a 244 page book full of insights into letting property without hassles. He currently runs three websites, SPLAM!, Homemax full of ideas for homeworkers, and Pebble Beach Media where you can access thousands of holiday cottages, villas and apartments worldwide. He has recently completed a new novel "White Flags" which should be available in the new year.

Websites:
http://www.splam.co.uk
http://www.homemax.co.uk
http://www.pebblebeachmedia.co.uk

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


How to Find Town Houses that Will Make Your Vacation to Orlando WONDERFUL

How to find a Town Houses that will make your... Read More

Why are Townhouse Rentals are the Way to Go when Visiting Walt Disney World

The first words that come to mind when people think... Read More

Home Exchange

Have you ever wanted to travel to far away places... Read More

Tranquil Setting for the Weary Traveler

The DeLaunay House, located 185 N. Pioneer in Ashland is... Read More

The Luxury of a Bahama Vacation Villa

Bahamas vacation villas are the way to go if you... Read More

Advantage of Renting a Condo While on Vacation

So you may be asking yourself, why would I want... Read More

Finding The Best Timeshare For You ? Make The Search An Adventure!

Taking the plunge from average vacationer to vacation property owner... Read More

A Dream Vacation

What is the meaning of a "dream vacation"? What is... Read More

Whistler, BC: A Great Winter Spot

If you're thinking about planning a great winter vacation, think... Read More

Florida Beachfront Rentals - Finding Florida Beachfront Vacation Homes

Florida beachfront rentals are a great way to enjoy a... Read More

Amazon Lodges

I had always been told that if you wanted to... Read More

Gloucestershire - History, Holidays, and Fine Food

Gloucestershire, pronounced Glostershire, is a pretty English county located south... Read More

Honeymoon Cabins in Gatlinburg

Surrounded by the romantic and beautiful Smoky Mountains, a Gatlinburg... Read More

Guide for Selecting a Villa Near Disney in Orlando Florida

This article is meant to be a guide for those... Read More

The Natural Beauty of Havasu Falls

Three major cascades at Havasu Creek create a landscape that... Read More

An Island A Day

Stand by the shores of Casco Bay on the coast... Read More

Disney World Lodging Options in Orlando Florida and Nearby Cities

At the heart of Central Florida lies one of the... Read More

Where to Find Lodging and Accommodation in Whistler, BC

Are you thinking about a great place to go for... Read More

7 Tips To Avoid Costly Surprises When Travelling Abroad

==> Try to buy your vacation travel package from a... Read More

Timeshare Presentations: Scams or Opportunities

Timeshare presentations are tricky animals. They can either be an... Read More

Customized Services is What makes a Vacation Rental the Best

The home away from home but a little bit more... Read More

Seven Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Vacations

This may seem like a very strange title for an... Read More

The Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica

Whether you've saved up for years for a fun family... Read More

Six Good Reasons to Take a Family Vacation

When I was young, family vacations with my parents consisted... Read More

Is a Vacation Rental Near Disney World the BEST Choice?

Orlando is calling to you and your family to come... Read More

Summer Vacations: 7 Universal Laws for Survival

Summer vacations - what better topic could there be for... Read More

Dare to Dream: The Vacation of a Lifetime In A Timeshare

What are your chances of getting the vacation of a... Read More

I am in a Snit

I am in my yearly snit. Now my wife would... Read More

Washington, DC a Bargain Travel Guide

Welcome to Washington, DC - The nation's capital is a... Read More

Top Family Vacation Destinations

Planning a family beach vacation? Looking for destinations with family... Read More

The Cape Town Wine Route Wonders

Just drive out to one of these delightful wine estates... Read More

Smokey Mountain Cabins - There Is Only One!

Did you know there are no Smokey Mountain cabins for... Read More

European Car Rental - Top Ten Tips for Europe Travel - Tip #2: The Price is Right

When it comes to shopping for something on-line, we tend... Read More