Must see's in Shropshire include:
Since 1998, Shropshire has been administratively divided into Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire County Council. However for most purposes it is still one county with the same media, press, emergency services, records service, etc.
Some parts of West Shropshire have a Welsh influence in their place names, though the people living there speak English like the rest of the county.
The A49 (which runs from Herefordshire to Lancashire) runs through Shropshire from north to south, while from the M6 the M54 and A5 run east to west.
Railways also run from the south to Shrewsbury, stopping primarily in Ludlow and Church Stretton. The main line from Birmingham and Wolverhampton also runs to Shrewsbury and then north to Chester or west to Wales. Shropshire doesn't currently have a main rail link to London, although London can be easily accessed via Birmingham New Street.
Air travellers will normally fly to Manchester Airport, Birmingham International and possibly John Lennon Airport, Liverpool. East Midlands Airport is also a possibility.
Shropshire is a predominantly rural area and sparsely populated. Car transport remains essential for travellers wanting to take full advantage of the county, despite recent efforts to increase public transport usage.
It is possible to see most of the major sites by public transport. However, trains and buses can be infrequent or seasonal.
Most towns in Shropshire have their own public transport and taxi service.
Seasonal shuttle buses give access to areas of Shropshire including the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (see Church Stretton).
If gardens are more your thing, then you won't be disappointed. Shropshire is home to some 20 national collections including English Roses, Clematis and Tulips. Choose from the award winning Wollerton Old Hall Garden near Market Drayton, the Dorothy Clive Garden near Market Drayton and Hawkstone Park and Follies near Shrewsbury to name a few.
With over 90 attractions to visit, here is a taster of just some of the attractions that you can explore and discover:
Stokesay Castle. A very romantic 13th Century fortified manor house.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museums. The world's first iron bridge (oddly beautiful) spanning the River Severn. Birth place of the industrial revolution, Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are nine award winning museums and sites that tell this momentous story.
The Severn Valley Railway. Britains premier steam railway, 16 miles of glorious countryside and restored stations. Shropshire has many other steam train attractions besides.
Wroxeter Roman City (Viroconium). The fourth largest Roman city in Britain. Wroxeter was also the city of Camelot from the ledgend of King Arthur. Much to see and learn. You can follow the trail of the Real King Arthur.
The Royal Airforce Museum Cosford. Aviation history brought to life, the largest collection of missiles in the country. Exciting displays of civil and military planes_cLast of the few.
Weston Park. Ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford. Lots of events, concerts and the occasional world summit too.
Hawkstone Historic Park and Follies. Wooded magical land of Grottoes, caves, cliffs and follies. Setting for the TV Chronicles of Narnia. Awesome.
Wroxeter Roman Vineyard. One of the worlds most northerly vineyards producing red, white and sparkling wines.
A working watermill, Victorian Judges Lodgings and a Nuclear Bunker. Just how diverse can we get?
Shropshire specialties include Shrewsbury biscuits,Gingerbread, Whimberry Pie and Fidget Pie.
Traditional pubs and inns, tearooms and fine dining restaurants can all be found in Shropshire.
You can even try Shropshire wine at Wroxeter Roman Vineyard, an historic site near Shrewsbury. Choose from a whole host of wines including Shropshire Gold, Wrekin Reserve and Wroxeter Medium. The vineyard also offers tours and tastings.