Bishops Castle

The railway might have gone decades ago, but this Welsh Marches market town refuses to fade quietly. Bishops Castle sits high up in the South Shropshire hills, where narrow streets tumble down from a ridge that once held a Norman stronghold. The medieval street pattern remains largely intact - though the castle itself vanished centuries back.

Two proper churches anchor the town's character. The Church of St John the Baptist dominates the main street with its sturdy tower, while St Michael & All Angels Church offers a quieter retreat. Between them, independent shops and cafes line the streets - this isn't chain store territory.

Walking is what brings most visitors here. Black Knoll rises to the southeast, offering cracking views across the border hills, while Yewtree Bank provides another fine vantage point. Overs Wood gives shelter on blustery days when the peaks feel too exposed.

The countryside around here is proper Welsh border stuff - rolling hills, ancient trackways, and that sense of being well away from main roads. It's about 20 miles southwest of Shrewsbury, reached via a series of increasingly narrow lanes that wind through farmland and forestry.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this bit of Shropshire. Several options dot the surrounding hills, from traditional camping to glamping pods. You're ideally placed for tackling the Shropshire Way long-distance path, or simply pottering about the quieter corners of the Welsh Marches. The town itself is compact enough to explore on foot, leaving your days free for longer walks in the hills.