Places to visit locally
Much Wenlock (4 miles)
Much Wenlock is a historic Shropshire market town with many small independent shops. It also has the tranquil ruins of Wenlock Priory which stand in a picturesque setting on the fringe of beautiful town. Much Wenlock was also the home of Dr. William Penny Brookes (1809-95), originator of the still-continuing Wenlock Olympian Games, a major inspiration for the modern International Olympics. There is also a delightful little museum there which is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 10am-1pm / 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Ironbridge Gorge (7 miles)
Widely regarded as the birthplace of the industrial revolution all the Ironbridge Gorge museums have recently been taken over by the National Trust so members will be able to visit it free. The Museum of the Gorge. Toll House, Blists Hill, Museum of Iron and The Old Furnace are now open. Coalport China Museum, Jackfield Tile Museum, Darby Houses, Tar Tunnel and Broseley Pipeworks will follow with phased opening.nationaltrust.org.uk
Wroxeter (4 miles)
Wroxeter (or Viriconium) was once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. Today you can explore the excavated remains of its city centre, including the gigantic public bath house complex. The museum on site highlights excavated site finds. They reveal fascinating details of everyday Roman life here, from dining and shopping to medicines and the rituals of the bath house. A raised platform offers views over the whole excavated site. You can also tour a recreation of a Roman house, built for the Channel 4 series ‘Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day’. wroxeter-roman-city
Attingham Park (4.5 miles)
Attingham inspires a sense of beauty, space and awe. The imposing entrance, glimpses of the vast mansion against silhouettes of cedars and expansive parkland, epitomise classical design and Italian influence. Its completeness of survival exemplifies the rise and decline, love and neglect of great country-house estates. Discovering the Berwicks' estate with acres of parkland, miles of walks, the huge organic walled garden, large dog playfield and welcoming mansion is a full day out. It really is worth paying a little extra and do the private tour of Lady Berwick’s private rooms. attingham-park