Percy Thrower

Anyone who's spent a Sunday afternoon watching gardening programmes will recognise the name Percy Thrower, Britain's first television gardener who made his reputation at The Dingle in Shrewsbury. What you'll find here isn't quite what you might expect - rather than a preserved garden shrine, this is more of a pilgrimage spot for green-fingered enthusiasts who want to see where it all began.

The Dingle itself remains a public park, though traces of Thrower's influence are still visible to those who know what to look for. Walking the paths he once tended gives proper context to the man who brought gardening into British living rooms from the 1950s onwards. It's a peaceful spot for a wander, even if you're not particularly interested in horticulture.

Gardening enthusiasts will get the most from a visit, though anyone curious about British television history might find it worthwhile. The location near Shrewsbury makes it an easy addition to a Shropshire touring holiday, particularly if you're staying at nearby parks like Oxon Hall or Love2Stay. Don't expect interpretive boards or guided tours - this is very much about soaking up the atmosphere of where Britain's gardening guru learned his craft.