Much Wenlock Hotels

Cultural Musts:

For history lovers, try a visit to the Much Wenlock Museum. Free to enter, it provides information relating to the town's heritage as well as the geology of Wenlock Edge. If you're interested in architecture, then the town has plenty of gems for you to unearth. With a history dating back to 680AD, there are a number of medieval, Georgian and Victorian structures to admire, not least the 16th-century Guildhall. Used as a Court Room until 1985, this was the main administrative and judicial centre of the town for centuries. The stocks and whipping post are still in situ today.

Visit the Holy Trinity Church with its Norman tower or the picturesque 14th century Shipton Hall. Wander around the beautifully preserved rococo interiors or sit in the dappled shade of the ancient walled garden. For some truly spectacular ruins, visit Wenlock Priory, which dates back to the 12th century. Stroll through the immaculate topiary garden and enjoy a picnic in the grounds.

A trip to Wenlock Edge won't disappoint with its limestone escarpment, now listed as a site of special scientific interest. Here you'll find many bridleways and footpaths that are great for walking, cycling and horse riding. Places of note include the Flounders' Folly, built in 1838, which offers visitors far-reaching views over to the Welsh hills and the Brecon Beacons. Alternatively, enjoy the romantic facade of Wilderhope Manor, an Elizabethan treasure, which is now run as a Youth Hostel and under the care of the National Trust.

Other Activities:

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, consider booking a day at The Edge Adventure Activities Centre, where anything from quad biking, to Mountain Boarding, Clay Pigeon shooting to orienteering are made possible. For a more sedate experience take the Olympian Trail around the town with a self-guided tour. (The leaflet can be picked up from the Guildhall).

It's just a short distance to the famous Iron Bridge and Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron. Marvel at the incredible engineering employed by Abraham Darby III to build the bridge and the smelting process that helped catapult England into the Industrial Revolution.