Bishops Castle - A very isolated and tiny Shropshire town in border country. A rotten borough in which an MP was elected by just 53 people, at a time when the large population of Birmingham had no votes. Some fragments of a 12th century castle and many historic buildings from Elizabethan to Victorian. Many excellent walking routes in the surrounding countryside, including Offa's Dyke.

Bridgnorth - Ten miles west of Wolverhampton. A beautiful interesting old town, full of black and white Jacobean and Tudor houses. Stands high above the Severn Valley, with a short steep cliff-railway connecting the High Town and Low Town. Richard Baxter's house, 17th century timbered Town Hall, Midland Motor Museum, leaning ruins of 12th century castle (bombarded by Cromwell from the mount of 10th century castle), museum in one of the town gates, caves once occupied and terminus of steam Severn Vally Railway, are points of interest.

Church Stretton - A charming place at the foot of the Long Mynd (pronounced Minnd) on the west, and Caer Caradoc on the east. Was the scene of the defeat of Caractacus in 51 AD. An excellent centre for exploring the Shropshire Hills, locally described as 'Little Switzerland'. Nearby is the Acton Scott historic working farm.

Craven Arms - At the southern end of Wenlock Edge, Craven Arms was once an important sheep fair location. Its buildings include half timbered houses of an earlier settlement, Newton. This is excellent walking country. The 'Jack Myton Way' can be followed along Wenlock Edge. Near Craven Arms is Stokesey Castle, probably the most photogenic historic building in Britain.

Ludlow - Eighteen miles west of Kidderminster. A most attractive ancient town, standing high above, and almost surrounded by, the rivers Corve and Teme. The Norman Castle, which stands most majestically on a high rock above the water, is full of romantic interest, and many strange tales of love and treachery during the era of the Border raids, are told. The church is one of the largest in the country. The Feathers Hotel is a fine example of richly carved black and white 17th century building, with decorated ceilings and carved chimney-pieces. One ancient gate (out of seven), many timbered houses. Altogether as interesting and picturesque an old town as there is to be found. Resting place of poet A.E. Houseman in churchyard. On its eastern side rises the famous Clee Hill, whose sides are deeply quarried. Excellent place for touring.

Market Drayton - Twelve miles south west of Stoke-on-Trent. An ancient town on the Shropshire Union Canal, with Gothic church, and Edward VI Grammar School. A battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought in 1459 on Blore Heath. Clive of India was born here and is buried at Moreton Tay. Nearby attraction is Hawkstone Hall, with one of the most outstanding of all parklands.

Much Wenlock - Delightful small market town with fine old buildings, situated below north eastern end of Wenlock Edge. Guildhall beautiful stone and timber building. The ruins of Wenlock Abbey are 14th and 15th century but it was originally founded in 680AD. There is also a local museum in the town.

Newport - Six miles north of Telford. Ancient small market town with 17th century Grammar School, market cross and Georgian buildings. Church with interesitng monuments. On the Shropshire Union Canal. Nearby is large lake, Aqualate Mere.

Oswestry - Fifteen miles north east of Shrewsbury. A bright, attractive, historic town built on a knoll, with narrow, crooked streets and half timbered houses, and traces of the old walls which used to enclose the town. St. Oswald, King of Northumbria, was killed here in 642 by King Penda of Mercia at the battle of Caer Nef. The town was burnt by King John in 1212, and by Llewellyn in 1233. St. Oswald's Church has a fine tower, and once belonged to the monastery. It contains a monument to Hugh Yale, ancestor of the founder of Yale University. Clyde Museum and Cumbrian railway Museum. Nearby is Iron Age Old Oswestry Fort. A good centre for exploring Shropshire and the Berwyn Hills.

Shifnal - A short distance to east of Telford. Market town which suffered dramatic fire in Queen Elizabeth's reign. Has a very interesting Norman church. A railway viaduct passes over the town.

Whitchurch - The origin of this little market town is pre-Conquest - standing on the Roman fortress town of Mediolanum. It is situated on the west bank of the Wye, and has narrow streets and old-fashioned houses. It is, despite being in Shropshire, the centre of the farmhouse Cheshire cheese ‘industry'. The Church is 18th century and has modern glass. There is the tomb of Sir John Talbot, First Earl of Shaftesbury, and other interesting monuments. The town is close to the lock staircase of the Grindly Brook on the Llangollen Union Canal. Nearby is the masterpiece landscape park of Hawkstone.