Shropshire - Surprising visitors since AD47.

This little known corner of England may be one of the last remaining rural idylls, unspoilt and uncrowded, but it was here that the world took much of its inspiration.

Charles Darwin developed his inquisitive mind here in his home town of Shrewsbury, the Industrial Revolution started in Ironbridge (one of our two World Heritage Sites) and even the modern Olympics drew their very creation not from Athens but from the little market town of Much Wenlock.

But before you think we are some sort of museum or stuck in a time warp, Shropshire is very much alive and kicking. Here you will find we still have the type of vibrant, independent shops that many other towns let go of years ago and a calendar full of events and festivals embracing and celebrating music, food, culture, flowers and even cartoons to name a few.

The Shropshire smorgasbord is fit to bursting with local produce and real ales and there are plenty of great pubs and eateries where you can indulge (and numerous walks and strolls to take to help keep the calories in check).

Indeed ever since those clever Romans discovered Shropshire as an ideal place for some decent R&R, Shropshire has been offering comfy beds, good food, proper ales and the like to the weary. All served up with the sort of warmth and hospitality that encourages friends to return. It's a tradition that continues today.

Some people may think we are old fashioned but we like to think we have simply hung on to what really matters. You may too.

Welcome to Shropshire.