Shrewsbury

Medieval streets wind between timber-framed buildings in one of England's finest unspoilt market towns. Shrewsbury sits in a loop of the River Severn like a precious stone in a ring, its red sandstone castle keeping watch over centuries of history that you can still walk through today.

Wander the cobbled passages and you'll find yourself at Haughmond Abbey, where 12th-century ruins tell tales of Augustinian canons. The abbey's weathered arches frame views across countryside that barely seems touched by time. From here, it's a proper climb up Haughmond Hill - the reward being panoramic views that stretch to the Welsh hills on clear days.

Shrewsbury's medieval heart beats strongest around its market square and shopping rows. These covered walkways date back 700 years and house everything from independent bookshops to proper old-fashioned pubs. The town center feels genuinely lived-in rather than preserved in aspic - locals still shop here, kids still play in the squares.

Outside town, ancient woodlands like Holly Coppice and The Drive offer miles of walking trails through oak and ash. Spring bluebells carpet the forest floors, while autumn brings spectacular colour to these Shropshire hillsides. Quarry View provides another excellent vantage point for surveying this gentle landscape.

Getting here is straightforward - the A5 runs right past, and the railway connects directly to Birmingham and Cardiff. Staying at one of the holiday parks near town puts you within easy striking distance of both Shrewsbury's medieval treasures and the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal base for exploring the Welsh Marches without the crowds you'll find further south.