We often go to Oswestry and Shrewsbury for the day as they are both traditional towns that still have non chain stores and some excellent eating places.
We wanted to try further afield.
The first place to look is here
https://www.visitshropshire.co.uk
Day 1
We went to Oswestry to break the journey up and have brunch.
Oswestry dates back to 1190 it is an ancient market town located in the North of Shropshire close by the English – Welsh Border. Its strategic position as a ‘frontier town’ has given it a turbulent history. Today the town still retains its vital function as a market and shopping centre serving North West Shropshire and Mid Wales. The narrow passageways link streets whose names conjure up images of the past: English Walls, Welsh Walls, The Bailey and the Horsemarket. It is a locally important shopping and agricultural centre and still retains the intimacy of a rural town serving local people and home to a number of specialist and independent shops.
It has an excellent park in the middle of the town.
Ludlow
Ludlow is a thriving medieval market town and an architectural gem with a lively community feel, busy with events and festivals throughout the year. The historic town centre and the 11th century Ludlow Castle are situated on a cliff above the River Teme and are surrounded by the beautiful countryside of south Shropshire and the Welsh Marches. Ludlow is an excellent base for walking and cycling; as well as exploring the rest of Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.
Evening walk
Clun is the smallest town in Shropshire and the only one not to have railway line or station, or so I read It has a castle, a 14th century pack horse bridge, we went for a walk to the top of the Castle mound to see whats left of it, on the way back we found a Black Thorn bush so picked the sloes from it make some Sloe Gin.
Time for bed
We found a very nice Pub with rooms in Wentnor
Wentnor is a small village at the lower end of a long ridge west of the Long Mynd in southern Shropshire. A peaceful and remote spot off the beaten track, it makes a good destination or break on a countryside walk.
The village consists of a few houses either side of the road, a church and a pub. Other hamlets, a shop and another pub are a short distance away down country lanes. Wentnor is low-key and picturesque, with its pretty cottages, flower displays and historic barns
https://www.crowninnwentnor.co.uk
The Crown is a traditional country pub, the thing that gives it the edge is the friendly staff cleanliness and excellent food, its also dog friendly.
Some of the views from just outside the pub
Evening walk
Just a short drive away is Clun
Clun is the smallest town in Shropshire. It has a castle, a 14th century pack horse bridge, we went for a walk to the top of the Castle mound to see whats left of it, on the way back we found a Black Thorn bush so picked the sloes from it make some Sloe Gin, very easy to make and will be drinkable by Christmas but even better the following year.
One of many Sloe Gin recipes.
https://sipsmith.com/how-to-make-the-perfect-sloe-gin/
Day 2
Bridgenorth
Bridgnorth, in reality, is two towns: the High Town (good views down) and the Low Town (good views up). Now connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain. The Low Town was once a thriving port along the banks of the River Severn, while the High Town held the castle, the churches, and many fine 16th and 17th century mansions.
A must is going up the Funicular, £1.60 well spent.
https://www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk
The river is very nice but take care if you decide to go on it as its quite fast flowing so take care.