Overview
This is a circular tour around the impressive Wrekin hill, starting in Shrewsbury before running out to historic Ironbridge before heading north to Market Drayton via Lilleshall. Then drop back towards Shrewsbury to explore the Battle of Shrewsbury at Battlefield 1403.
Shrewsbury
The county town of Shrewsbury, home of Charles Darwin sits alongside the River Severn with a largely unspoilt medieval street plan and over 600 listed buildings. Explore The Quarry, Shrewsbury Castle, City Walls and Dana Prison.
Wenlock
Wenlock is a small town with attractions including the Guildhall and Wenlock Priory, a ruined 12th century monastery now under the care of English Heritage. The Wenlock Olympian Games were established in 1850 by Dr Brookes who is credited as a founding father of the modern Olympic Games.
Ironbridge
At the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, Ironbridge has become the tourist destination of the “birthplace of the Industrial Revolution” and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends over the area. Visit in August to see the Coracle Regatta on the River Severn.
Cosford
Home to the award winning RAF Museum, Cosford is steeped in aviation history and houses a large collection of aircraft from all over the world. You can also visit the National Cold War Exhibition. Cosford is also home to the RAF’s official air show where you can enjoy flying and ground displays.
Lilleshall
Lilleshall dates back to Saxon times and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Lilleshall Abbey to the east of the village was founded in the 12th century and is today managed by English Heritage. At the top of Lilleshall Hill you will find a 21m high obelisk to the 1st Duke of Sutherland responsible for the Highland Clearances.
Market Drayton
“Home of gingerbread” Market Drayton, on the John O’Groats, Land’s End cycle path is a character market town set by the side of the Shropshire Union Canal. Spend some time amongst the half -timbered Georgian and Victorian buildings where you might be tempted by some of the locally brewed beer!
Hodnet
An attractive village populated with Shropshire’s traditional black and white houses, Hodnet is famed for Hodnet Hall and Gardens. You can also visit the unique octagonal church tower, a site of worship since at least 1086.
Moreton Corbet Castle
Built by the Anglo-Saxons, the ruins of Moreton Corbet Castle sit just outside the village of Moreton Corbet near the River Roden and depict two different eras, a medieval fortification and an Elizabethan manor house.
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