Severn Valley Railway 16 miles of beautifully preserved, steam-driven track running alongside the River Severn from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth, with trains operating every weekend of the year. A number of places to stop, including the beautiful Georgian town of Bewdley and a variety of traditional country stations, such as Arley, Highley and Hampton Loade.
Ironbridge Calls itself the Valley that Changed History. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and, two centuries ago, filled with smoke, fire and sulphurous fumes. Today a peaceful valley full of fascinating museums and heritage sites, such as: Coalport China Museum, where some of the world’s most beautiful porcelain was once made; Blists Hill Victorian Town – a complete Victorian working town where you can talk to the townspeople as they go about their daily business, making candles, casting iron, baking bread etc; the Tar Tunnel – running back into the side of the valley; and much more.
Ludlow Town: With over 500 hundred listed buildings, Ludlow Town has been called the perfect historic town. Based around the Castle, which was built by the Normans in the 11th Century, to keep the Welsh out. The Castle is now ruined but nonetheless enormously impressive as it sits overlooking the River Teme and its valley below and it provides the perfect backdrop for the Ludlow Festival (centred on an annual offering of Shakespeare). Ludlow has a range of fine shops, many of which are traditional family businesses. It is known for its fine restaurants, antiques, ancient books and range of arts and crafts. The area around Ludlow is also well worth a visit, including, in particular, Whitcliffe Common and Mortimer’s Forest and Cross (the scene of The Battle of the Three Suns, where Edward Mortimer, the 19-year-old Earl of March and a Prince of the Plantagenet line, "cut his teeth" and began his progression to the throne of England).
Hereford:
Bulmer’s Cider:
The history of cider, together with a working distillery (arguably the
best bit!)
Mappa
Mundi and Chained Library:
Medieval Map of the World and the original chained library that has been
housed in Hereford’s ancient cathedral.
The
Old House: High Town, Hereford. A traditional Herefordshire "Black
and White" house, built in 1621 and furnished in the style of the
17th century. Find out what life was like in Oliver Cromwell’s day.
The Wye Valley: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, running from mid Wales, past Hay-on-Wye (ancient "Town of Books"), through Hereford and eventually to the sea, via the Forest of Dean and Lower Wye Valley.
Long Mynd and Shropshire beauty spots: South Shropshire offers some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside of any area in Britain. The Long Mynd, The Shropshire Way, Brown Clee, The Stiperstones, Titterstone Clee – lovely old names and equally lovely places to visit.
Chester: One of Britain's most ancient and beautiful cities. As described by James Boswell, 18th century biographer of Dr Johnson, who visited the city on many occasions and concluded in 1779 that 'Chester pleases my fancy more than any town I ever saw...'.
Black Mountains and Welsh Borders: Running from Abergavenny in the South to Hay-on-Wye in the north, the Black Mountains are an area of outstanding natural beauty, steeped in history. Surrounded by the Welsh Marches, the area is dotted with ancient market towns (Kington, Presteigne, Knighton), castles (Monmouth, Ludlow, Wigmore, Montgomery, Stokesay), fascinating villages (Pembridge, Eardisley, Weobley) and much else besides.
Running from Abergavenny in the South to Hay-on-Wye in the north, the Black Mountains are an area of outstanding natural beauty, steeped in history. Surrounded by the Welsh Marches, the area is dotted with ancient market towns (Kington, Presteigne, Knighton), castles (Monmouth, Ludlow, Wigmore, Montgomery, Stokesay), fascinating villages (Pembridge, Eardisley, Weobley) and much else besides.
Stratford-upon-Avon Birthplace of William Shakespeare and one of the most important visitor destinations in the UK.
Worcester: Royal
Worcester: Visit the factory and museum of one of the most famous
porcelain makers in the world. Includes a variety of shops and a restaurant.
Worcester
Cathedral For more images of this beautiful medieval building,
see: www.worcs.com
The Commandery
Shrewsbury: Wroxeter Roman City: The fourth largest Roman City in Britain. Well worth a visit.
Tenbury Wells: For a local tour, taking in many of the sites and attractions centred around Tenbury Wells, the Teme Valley Tour has been organised by Malvern Hills District Council for the benefit of visitors.
Croft Castle: National Trust property, between Ludlow and Leominster. Dates from the 14th century. A lovely avenue of 400 year Spanish Chestnut trees.
Stokesay Castle: The country’s best preserved fortified 13th century manor house, set in the beautiful Welsh borders. Just off the A49 at Craven Arms, north of Ludlow.
Eastnor Castle: "Fairytale" Georgian castle in a lovely setting in the heart of the Malvern Hills, surrounded by a Deer Park, Arboretum and Lake. [Website]
Burford House and Gardens: Four acre gardens and early Georgian house set on the banks of the River Teme. Home to the National Clematis Collection, with over 250 varieties. Also on site is Treasure’s Plant Centre, the Burford House Gallery and the Burford Buttery, a rather nice café/restaurant.