Bridgnorth

Two halves of the same town, split by the River Severn and connected by a funicular railway that's been chugging up and down since 1892. High Town perches on the sandstone cliffs while Low Town huddles by the water - it's this vertical drama that gives Bridgnorth its distinctive character.

The Severn Valley Railway is the star attraction here, with steam trains puffing through the countryside to Kidderminster. But don't overlook the town's own quirks. That cliff railway - officially called the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway - is England's steepest and shortest, taking just 90 seconds to climb what would be a proper slog on foot.

Wander High Town's Georgian streets and you'll find independent shops that actually seem to thrive, unlike many market towns. The castle ruins offer cracking views across the Severn Valley, though there's not much left beyond a leaning tower that looks ready to topple.

Down by the river, Low Town has a different feel entirely. The old station building houses the railway's headquarters, while the Severn itself draws narrow boats and day trippers. It's worth exploring the surrounding countryside too - Crown Meadow provides gentle riverside walks, while the Perry & Phillips Rose Garden shows off seasonal blooms.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A458 runs straight through town, connecting to the M54 for Birmingham and the M6. Wolverhampton is about 20 miles northeast if you need a bigger transport hub. The nearby holiday parks make perfect sense as a base - you're close enough to walk into town for dinner, but far enough out to enjoy the Shropshire countryside that stretches in all directions.