Our guide to luxury Shropshire holidays

Nestled amongst the Shropshire Hills, Ludlow is the gastronomic capital of Shropshire. This mediaeval market town has more Michelin restaurants than any other in all England, with cosy pubs and the renowned Ludlow Food Festival to back them up. Once described by John Betjeman as ‘the loveliest town in England’, there are over 500 listed buildings – many of which timber-framed on cobbled streets. An 11th-century castle stands guard over the town alongside parts of the ancient town wall, with plenty of history to go alongside helpings of culinary delights.

In the early 20th century, Market Drayton had four gingerbread bakers; the smell of the sweet, spicy biscuit would have wafted over the town. But its origins in this particular town date back to the 17th century, although it may have been earlier since ‘gingerbrede’ arrived in the UK with the Crusades in 1390. Now, the town's historic links with gingerbread is celebrated through its annual Ginger and Spice Festival where, as you can imagine, any and all ginger-related artisan treats are made and sold. Above all else, be sure to try ‘Market Drayton Gingerbread’, it’s in a league of its own.

Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire, sat next to the meandering River Severn (the longest river in Britain, in fact). The town is celebrated for its beautifully preserved Tudor buildings – many of which now host modern, independent boutiques – enchanting cobbled streets, and the imposing Shrewsbury Castle, still watching over its residents to this day. Shrewsbury has famous connections too; it’s the birthplace of Charles Darwin, only one of the most culturally significant biologists in history.

Indeed, Shropshire shares its border with Wales, and the two regions are separated by the picturesque natural boundary of the River Severn. With its proximity to Wales, Shropshire is often referred to as a "border county" and you’ll find the influence of Welsh culture here, there and everywhere.

Brown Clee is Shropshire’s highest peak at 540 metres above sea level, with no higher peaks east until you reach Russia. From here, many who have summited the hill say this is one of the best views in England, with a patchwork of green farmland stretching in front of you and rocky outcrops like the ‘Giant’s Chair’, formed in the last Ice Age.