Shropshire and Herefordshire : A Destination Guide

Shropshire and Herefordshire are two English counties that border the west of Wales. They are often regarded as England’s ‘quiet counties’. But they are becoming increasingly popular as holiday destinations as visitors discover there is much more to them than meets the eye.

Both counties are easy to get to. The major gateways are Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. They are bordered by the M5, and it’s simple to find the connecting A roads that will take you to some of the most extraordinary and unique scenery the UK has to offer. Both Shropshire and Herefordshire are well served by major train routes, making them two of the most convenient holiday destinations in the country. Visitors from abroad can fly to Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham’s airports. Tourists coming from the other side of the Welsh borders will find both counties simple to get to by rail or road.

Startling Shropshire

Shropshire’s landscape is a fascinating one. At first, it seems that there are just endless acres of ancient woodland or rolling fields, but then these scenes are interrupted by a sudden hill or a dramatic valley. The reason behind this can be traced back to the Ice Age, when glaciers carved their way through the land. The valleys of Longmynd and the Ironbridge Gorge are prime examples of Shropshire’s spectacular prehistory. The county is built on rocks from 11 out of the 13 known geological time periods. While this might not sound important, it has affected the way the greenery grows and the animals that live there. As a result, Shropshire has an incredibly diverse array of plants and wildlife.

The Tolkien connection

There are plenty of walking trails throughout the county, ranging in difficulty from relaxed and easy to more challenging treks. If the great outdoors is what helps you relax, then be sure to pack some walking boots and if you’re visiting in the colder months, some waterproofs and warm clothing. There are also a good number of cycle paths that can give you a tour of historic Shropshire, especially if you follow the route from Shrewsbury, through Atcham and to The Wrekin. The Wrekin is the county’s most famous landmark, a hill from which you can see 15 counties. It is thought to have inspired JRR Tolkien whilst he wrote The Lord of the Rings.

Activities for children

If you’re on a family break you’ll need to take the children into account. But don’t panic, as there are plenty of exciting attractions to visit. Wonderland is a theme park geared specially towards younger children, with many rides and a huge indoor play area making it perfect for off-peak holidays. Older children might prefer the challenge of The Adventure Rope Course in Shrewsbury, where they can learn everything from bushcraft and archery to tunnelling and fencing.

If you’re staying in one of our luxury, self-catering cottages, you don’t have to feel tied to the kitchen stove every night. Shrewsbury has become something of a gastronomic hotspot with a fantastic selection of places to eat. The Clive in Ludlow offers affordable fine dining, while places such as The Tilley Raven in Tilley offer delicious pub food, with dishes including ribeye steaks and their acclaimed Medieval Lamb Shanks.

High-flying Herefordshire

Herefordshire shares the same vibrant landscape as its neighbour and is ideal for walkers and cyclists. There’s also the opportunity for some kayaking, courtesy of Wye Pursuits, but the more adventurous visitors might fancy a trip up Symonds Yat. Symonds Yat is a 400ft-tall rock, accessible by a hand-drawn cable ferry from Herefordshire. Getting down is a lot easier! Abseiling is popular on the Yat and there are schools with coaches and equipment on hand. But if the Yat isn’t high enough for you, you could charter an air balloon and take in the incredible scenery from the skies.

Caving and cider

A visit to Clearwell Caves in the Forest of Dean is an opportunity for a day out that involves the whole family. The caves have been used to film TV shows such as Dr Who and Merlin. But you’ll also get the chance to follow in the footsteps of generations of miners from Neolithic times though to the Victorian era. The Museum of Mazes at Symonds Yat West is a fantastic way to literally lose yourself for a day, while the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo gives you the chance to get up close to some of the world’s most beautiful insects.

But kids don’t have to have all the fun! Herefordshire is also famous for its cider. There are plenty of cider mill tours on offer, where you can see just how the county’s favourite tipple is made. If you prefer something a bit more sedate, then it’s worth paying a visit to the Three Choirs Festival. This is the world’s oldest classical choral festival, which rotates annually between Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester. The festival takes place between July and August and is an enchanting way to spend a summer’s evening.

With Herefordshire and Shropshire becoming more popular, it’s well worth booking your accommodation in advance to make sure you get a luxury cottage close to the areas you’re interested in seeing. If you want to avoid the summer crowds, booking off-peak will give you access to a greater range of properties.