Shropshire receives a glowing report today in the new edition of the Lonely Planet Guide to Great Britain, with Shrewsbury cited as “one of England’s loveliest Tudor towns” and the south of the county described as the “jewel in the Marches’ crown”.
But there will be some disappointed tourism bosses in the north of Shropshire, since towns such as Oswestry, Whitchurch, Market Drayton, Wem and Ellesmere don’t even merit a mention.
Bridgnorth is also overlooked, along with most of the Telford & Wrekin area.
The guide, which hit bookstores this morning, dedicates nearly four pages to Shrewsbury, saying: “It takes just seconds to fall in love with the spaghetti bowl of medieval streets in the heart of Shropshire’s most picturesque town.
“Time-worn Tudor buildings tilt their ponderous frames over mysterious passageways; dusky-red sandstone warms an ancient abbey and castle, and sweeping gardens run down to the River Severn.”
Ludlow’s fine dining reputation helps to earn it three pages, with it described as a “crucible of culinary excellence”.
Charlotte Beech, one of Lonely Planet’s team of 11 authors who compiled the guide, says: “Its lovely muddle of narrow streets is flanked by half-timbered Jacobean and elegant Georgian buildings, many hosting independent butchers, bakers, grocers and cheesemongers.”
Much Wenlock is praised for its “spider’s web of narrow streets” and “enchanting” priory ruins, while Church Stretton is described as a “scenic if restrained little town” ideally placed to explore the glorious surroundings. Jinlye Guest House at All Stretton is voted the guide’s favourite sleeping place.
For those looking to get away from the bustle of everyday life, the guide recommends Bishop’s Castle, saying that “stress seems an alien concept in this languorous little border town”. It also recommends the Hundred House Hotel at Norton, near Telford, for fine food and “a night of loved-up escapism”.
The Ironbridge Gorge gets high marks for the “fabulous interactive design and technology centre” at Enginuity and for Blists Hill Victorian Town. Nigel Wallis, who compiled the Mid Wales section, also highlights the “bubbly little town” of Knighton.
One Comment
Yes, we live in a fine Border County {as opposed to a West Midlands county - which we do NOT}. As a Salopian and a ‘Shrew’ I am indeed lucky to live 9 miles from the Welsh border and 40 from Birmingham…..excellent!