» Cargo of Curiosities
21/11/2009 - 13/02/2010
» Photography & Arts Exhibition
02/02/2010 - 27/02/2010
» Darwin Day Toast & Walk
12/02/2010 - 12/02/2010
» Darwin Festival
12/02/2010 - 14/02/2010
» Society of Biology Lecture - Our Chance to See
13/02/2010 - 13/02/2010
Shropshire is a great place to Hibernate.
When you think about a winter short break do you come over all 'Alpinesque' and think about snow covered slopes you can throw yourself down? There is an alternative you know that carries decidedly less risk, is a lot less strenuous but is no less rewarding. So if you are considering a short break this winter then read on.
Firstly you need to find us on a map and see that Shropshire is only a short drive away from almost anywhere. What will also immediately be apparent is that a visit to Shropshire will not involve planes, ferries, tunnels or passports.
Shropshire has been providing welcome hospitality to the well-travelled since the Romans first visited. It's a tradition that continues today. Of course, after several thousand years we think that we have perfected the art which is why today Shropshire has more than its fair share of award winning B&Bs, comfy hotels and equally accommodating self-catering cottages.
But there is more to it than that. Shropshire also has superb quality food and drink too. Ludlow, for example, has more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the country outside of London. And as you would expect there are plenty of other establishments too all turning fresh local produce into mouth-watering meals.
So what can you do when you're here? There's the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, birth place of the Industrial Revolution now with 10 hands-on museums to explain it all. The medieval town of Shrewsbury is the birth place of Charles Darwin and home to numerous designer shops and galleries - a real cultural encounter and shopaholic's paradise set in one of the finest Tudor towns in England. You may even find yourself singing carols in the Square.
Bridgnorth is a town with a split personality High Town offers great views down and Low Town equally great views up. If you are missing the cable cars, there's a funicular railway linking the two towns - which will also save your legs. Good antique shops too. Nearby Much Wenlock inspired the creation of the modern Olympics and is home to the international story telling event "Winter Tales from the Edge".
Warm yourself in front of a fire whilst sampling some real ale in one of our real market towns, like Bishops Castle, and take in some shopping in some proper shops - yes we still have them in Shropshire! We also still have traditional markets, real food and old fashioned service. How can you resist?
With the boys toys to be found at RAF Cosford, and the 16 mile Severn Valley Railway, 32 Castles, several stately homes, assorted museums and galleries you will not be short of things to do. If you are in need of fresh air you can blow away the cob webs with a stroll on the Long Mynd or encounter the Devil on the Stiperstones. (Cream teas served nearby).
And if you are still missing the Alps, you could try Church Stretton after all it's not called Little Switzerland for nothing and has the added advantage of being totally devoid of wolves and avalanches.
Shropshire Attractions & ActivitiesShropshire’s bursting with entertaining attractions, such as the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a World Heritage Site, and Hawkstone Park and Follies, the museum at RAF Cosford, the Severn Valley Railway and Stokesay Court - where they filmed the Bafta and Oscar winning film 'Atonement'.
Shropshire has some 32 castles and stately homes - some of the best can be found at Ludlow, Stokesay and at Attingham Park, Shrewsbury and there’s even a Roman City at Wroxeter. Shropshire also blooms with many national garden collections and speciality gardens like Wollerton Old Hall and Stapeley Water Gardens.
For the more active, cruising the Llangollen canal is definitely good for the soul and Shropshire’s walking, cycling, riding, golf, fishing, gliding and hot-air ballooning are legendary. Retail therapy awaits shop-oholics in the kind of independent shops that many other counties let go of years ago.
Any Shropshire Visitor Information Centre will be happy to offer you additional tourist information and advice about all of Shropshire Attractions and Shropshire Activities.
Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, looped by the River Severn. Just down-stream is the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, and birthplace of the industrial revolution. Bridgnorth can also be found in the Severn Valley. Nearby is Ludlow, Shropshire’s food and drink capital and host to the Ludlow Festival, and Much Wenlock, home of William Penny Brookes who inspired the Modern Olympic Games.
Explore all our Shropshire Towns including: Oswestry, Bishop's Castle, Clun, Market Drayton, Shifnal, Cleobury Mortimer, Bishop's Castle, Whitchurch and Ellesmere.
Shropshire Events Shropshire also has more than its fair share of country fairs and festivals with events and amusing activities happening all year round taking in most weekends and bank holidays. Main events include: Shrewsbury’s International Cartoon Festival, Shrewsbury Flower Show, Ludlow Festival, Weston Park V Festival, Shrewsbury Summer Season, and The West Mid Show.
Our Shropshire events listing shows them all.
Request a free Shropshire BrochureWhether you are visiting for a short break, or a longer holiday you can request a free copy of the Shropshire & the Welsh Borders brochure or specifically for day visitors there’s the Shropshire Places to visit leaflet.
8th February 2010
Sir Richard Branson narrates February podcast for Royal Air Force Museum
8th February 2010
Borderlines Film Festival - New cinema launches in Wem
5th February 2010
Wrexham & Shropshire Trains: Highest Passenger Satisfaction in History
3rd February 2010
New Website for Shropshire Self Catering Accommodation
2nd February 2010
