Shrewsbury

The River Severn loops around this medieval market town like a natural moat, creating one of England's most distinctive urban silhouettes. Shrewsbury's half-timbered buildings lean conspiratorially over narrow medieval streets, while the red sandstone castle keeps watch from its hilltop perch.

Walk the town walls - still largely intact after 800 years - and you'll understand why Shrewsbury was such a strategic prize. The Quarry Park spreads along the riverbank, perfect for a proper stroll before exploring the maze of alleyways known as the Shuts. Charles Darwin was born here, and his statue stands outside the old school where he learned to think differently about the world.

Beyond the town limits, the Shropshire Hills rise dramatically. The Stiperstones ridge cuts across the western horizon like a broken spine, while Pole Bank offers the county's highest viewpoint on a clear day. Ratlinghope Hill and the surrounding peaks provide excellent walking country, though some require a bit of a trek from town.

Getting here is straightforward - Shrewsbury sits on the main London to Holyhead rail line, with direct trains from Birmingham and Manchester. The A5 brings drivers from most directions, though the town centre gets properly busy on market days.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the medieval streets and the surrounding countryside. Mountain Edge Shropshire offers camping pods with hill views, while several smaller sites like Brook House Farm provide quieter bases. The combination of historic town and wild uplands within easy reach is hard to beat - you can browse Tudor architecture in the morning and be walking ancient hillforts by afternoon.