Bridgnorth

Two distinct levels make this Shropshire market town genuinely unique - High Town perches on red sandstone cliffs while Low Town hugs the River Severn below. That dramatic geography shaped everything here, from the cliff railway that's been hauling visitors up and down since 1892 to the stunning views across the Severn Valley.

High Town feels properly Georgian with its broad streets and handsome buildings, anchored by the striking St Leonard's Church. The Saturday market still draws crowds from across the county. But it's Low Town where the real character lies - narrow medieval streets wind between half-timbered buildings, and the old quayside remembers when this was a proper river port.

The Severn Valley Railway steams through town, making Bridgnorth a magnet for heritage rail enthusiasts. Real locomotives, proper steam, none of that diesel nonsense. St Giles and St Michael churches are worth a look if you fancy some ecclesiastical architecture, while the surrounding countryside is criss-crossed with footpaths through ancient woodlands like Lowe Wood and Poston Coppice.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A458 runs straight through, and it's only twenty minutes from Wolverhampton. The town sits at the heart of some lovely Shropshire countryside, with the Clee Hills rising to the south and gentler rolling farmland stretching north towards Telford.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the town and the wider area. You're well placed for day trips to Ironbridge or Ludlow, but there's enough here to keep you busy for a proper long weekend.