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These counties are a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break.
Although these counties have more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
These wonderful counties draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
A warm welcome to Shropshire and Denbighshire – you’ve made a great choice of destination! Set on either side of the Welsh-English border, the counties of Denbighshire and Shropshire both feel like oases of tranquillity and calm, but don’t be fooled – there’s still plenty to do, see and enjoy. There are castles galore, historic houses, fabulous gardens, museums, family attractions and, of course, the world-famous Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire.
You’ll find busy and attractive market towns including gourmet Ludlow and the county town of Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin. There’s a fantastic selection of places to stay, and you certainly won’t go hungry or thirsty here! And with specialist boutiques, markets and farm shops to suit every family – and every pocket – Shropshire and Denbighshire are perfect for a spot of retail therapy.
For the foodies out there, these counties will not disappoint. Whether you’re going for
a Michelin-starred blow-out, a casual bistro meal or a family picnic laden with locally produced treats, this region will serve it all up and more. Restaurants of note include Old Downton Lodge in Shrewsbury, Palé Hall in Llandderfel, the Hundred House in Norton and Mortimers in Ludlow.
If you’re a culture vulture, there’s plenty to get your beak into around here. There’s always something going on in this vibrant part of the world, from literary fairs to world-class exhibitions. It’s an area that’s particularly rich in musical events – and a highlight is Denbighshire’s Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which has been running since 1947.
When night falls, this region is known for its quirky events, cosy pubs and familyfriendly venues. Pull up a pew and sup a pint in an independent pub as you enjoy local live music and soak up the atmosphere of this welcoming part of the UK. ■
Ironbridge in Shropshire was the first cast iron bridge in the world
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Shropshire & Denbighshire offer an abundance of things to do, with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Expect a surprise around every corner in Shropshire and Denbighshire, where rolling hills provide bracing walks, stunning coastline offers seaside fun and market towns will charm the pants off you. Prefer a bit of history? Here you can step back to Victorian times, stroll through magnificent sculpture parks or explore wartime tunnels.
Flood your social media feeds with photos of you posing in front of historic castles and cathedrals, or simply museum-hop to your heart’s content on days out around this cultured region.
The most famous Shropshire landmark is the 18th-century Iron Bridge, which was erected across the River Severn in 1779. It’s
Iron Bridge sits at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site
a striking and mighty marvel in itself, but it also sits at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site. This selfstyled ‘Valley of Invention’ was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, and boasts eight different museums to explore. You could spend days visiting them all, and they do combination tickets and passes to make it cheaper.
The largest of the sites is Blists Hill Victorian Town – a 54-acre open-air museum where costumed performers provide a fascinating insight into life in the Victorian era. You can visit Victorian cottages and shops, taste authentic food and join craftspeople demonstrating their trades in this recreated working town.
Blists Hill is a 54-acre open-air museum providing a fascinating insight into life in the Victorian era
Another of the Ironbridge Gorge museums is Enginuity – a child-friendly interactive extravaganza where budding engineers can learn how a blast furnace works, try pulling a locomotive along a track, and even learn about the very first electric car – which was made right here in Coalbrookdale.
While in the area, stop off in the market town of Craven Arms which is home to the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. Here you’ll learn about the Ice Age and come face-to-face with a full-sized replica of a mammoth’s skeleton found in the nearby village of Condover. The museum is instantly recognisable thanks to its unusual turfed rooftop.
For those who like their tourism a little bit darker, how about getting an insight into life behind bars at Shrewsbury Prison? Dating back to the late 18th century, it was a working jail until as recently as 2013. You can try solving one of the on-site escape rooms, and they also do tours of the building – either self-guided or with an ex-prison officer. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t like Ronnie Barker made out in Porridge.
One of Shropshire’s fastest-growing attractions is the British Ironwork Centre & Sculpture Park in Oswestry. This one-of-akind attraction is the birthplace of the famous Knife Angel – a 27-foot monument against knife crime made from 100,000 blades by artist Alfie Bradley. It’s often on tour around the UK, but it does return home periodically so you might just catch it in residence.
Here you can also wander around the Metal Safari Park and admire their many animal sculptures, including farmyard favourites, giraffes and the famous ‘spoon gorilla’ made from 40,000 spoons. And when you’ve worked up an appetite walking around the 50 acres of creative sculptures, trails and art displays, there’s a café serving home-made cakes and savoury dishes, including vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. If you have your your-legged friend in tow, then they’re more than welcome to explore the sculpture park and outdoor areas.
If you find yourself in Ludlow, you can enter a world of enchantment at the town’s castle. A ruined medieval fortification overlooking the River Teme, Ludlow Castle was founded shortly after the Norman conquest and was among the first stone castles to be built in England.
A castle of a very different kind resides in Stokesay. Reputed to be the finest and best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England, Stokesay Castle includes the great hall, unchanged for more than 700 years. Climb to the top of the fairytale tower for extensive views of the Shropshire Hills.
Over the border on the Flintshire coast, Flint Castle was one of the first castles to be built in Wales by King Edward I and is a mustvisit for fans of military architecture. Its round ‘donjon’ tower, isolated from the rest of the inner ward, is unique in design. This is where Edward’s ‘iron ring’ of fortresses across north Wales to subdue the Welsh first began.
Also built for King Edward I in the 13th century is Castell Rhuddlan in Denbighshire. It’s a classic concentric castle, characterised by two rings of walls for parallel lines of defence.
The National Trust’s headline property in Shropshire is Attingham Park, set in 200 acres of parkland near Shrewsbury. Inside, you can marvel at the incredible picture gallery roof which was so expensive it helped to bankrupt the previous owner, Lord Berwick.
Afterwards, head into town and you can gaze up at Shrewsbury Cathedral. This Gothic wonder was completed in 1856 and designed by Augustus Pugin. It’s a Roman Catholic cathedral, and Mass is celebrated there daily.
It was medieval Shrewsbury Abbey that inspired Shropshire author Edith Pargeter –better known by her pseudonym, Ellis Peters – to pen her Brother Cadfael historical murder mysteries. In the novels, it’s home to the famous sleuthing monk who was later played by Derek Jacobi in the ITV series. Founded in 1083 by Roger de Montgomery, the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, the abbey showcases architectural reminders of the Norman church and later additions.
Even more historic gems await in Denbighshire. Plas Newydd, in Llangollen, is where Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby captured the imagination of Regency society. The ‘ladies of Llangollen’ received a stream of visitors to their unpretentious little cottage, which over the years they transformed into a Gothic fantasy of stained glass and l
Flint Castle was one of the first castles to be built in Wales
Photos courtesy Geoff Griffiths & John R Jones
elaborately carved oak.
And if Shrewsbury has whetted your appetite for prison museums, Ruthin Gaol (open for the spring and summer season from April onwards) is the only purpose-built, Pentonville-style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. Here you can learn about the grim life of an inmate in the Victorian penal system, and discover dark stories of escapes and executions.
For something altogether more upbeat, Denbigh’s 1950s Museum is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. This quirky museum hosts a unique collection of 1950s memorabilia, including the largest cigarette packet display in the UK. You’ll find exhibitions dedicated to crime, sport, music and classic cars – and the star exhibit is the getaway vehicle from the Great Train Robbery.
You won’t have to worry about the children being bored in Shropshire and Denbighshire! From leisurely nature walks to heart-pumping thrills, these counties keep people of all ages smiling from ear to ear.
Have you heard the saying about going ‘round the Wrekin’? It’s a colloquial term for going the long way from one point to another, and it comes from Shropshire’s best-known summit, just west of Telford. The Wrekin isn’t actually the highest spot in the county,
If you want to reach the highest point in Shropshire, head south to the Clee Hills
but people love it the most – and that’s what matters. It’s a popular destination for walkers, with a 30 to 40-minute trek to the summit and a stop halfway for refreshments. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across Shropshire and farther beyond.
If you want to challenge yourself to reach the actual highest point in Shropshire, head south to the Clee Hills. Located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clee Hills are home to a wealth of wildlife including the peregrine falcon.
For more of a variety of stunning landscapes, Hawkstone Park Follies features a range of dramatic and rugged natural sandstone hills set in 100 acres of parkland. The many follies themselves are quirky and entertaining – including a gothicstyle greenhouse, an old hermitage, a l
The Wrekin is one of Shropshire’s bestknown summits
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sandstone grotto and a 100ft monument with spectacular views from the top.
If you’re on two wheels, Llandegla Forest is a Denbighshire beauty that’s much loved by cyclists. It can be a bit muddy after rainy weather, but what mountain biker doesn’t love a blaze through the mud? Just don’t fall off while you’re filming a video to pop on your family WhatsApp group.
Over the border in Flintshire, the River Alyn flows to Rhydymwyn from Loggerheads County Park – the ideal place for a not-toostrenuous family walk. Follow the riverside trail from the visitors’ centre and café through the woodlands to Devil’s Gorge which is a hit with abseilers. You can choose a low route or opt for the higher trail which commands stunning views of Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range.
There’s something for everyone at Oswestry’s Park Hall Countryside Experience, an award-winning attraction with hands-on activities from pig racing to massive indoor play barns. It also houses four museums including the Welsh Guards Museum, an Iron Age roundhouse and an astonishing recreation of wartime trenches, plus hundreds of acres of beautiful countryside to explore.
Get back to basics on a trip to Fordhall Organic Farm, on the outskirts of Market
Drayton, which is England’s first communityowned organic farm. Owned by an army of 8,000 shareholders who saved it from development in 2006, it’s open to the public as an educational resource. You can visit the farm shop and bistro-style restaurant, explore farm trails and even spend the night glamping in luxury yurts.
For a bird’s-eye view of Denbighshire head to Llangollen Wharf for a narrowboat trip over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Look over the sides to admire a view which really will take your breath away. Alternatively, for something really special, take a horse-drawn boat to Horseshoe Falls, a man-made marvel engineered by Thomas Telford.
Locomotive fans, rejoice! There’s plenty of steam-powered fun to be had in Denbighshire! Llangollen Steam Railway is a real favourite, and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. Starting at Llangollen Station near Dee River Bridge, trains run 10 miles to Corwen, following the beautiful River Dee. They have heaps of events and experiences taking place every year, including afternoon teas, real ale trains and a 1960s weekend.
To frolic on a glorious sandy beach, venture to Prestatyn or Rhyl. Both have plenty of space for long strolls, as well as traditional seaside amusements. And if the Llangollen Railway l
For a bird’s-eye view of Denbighshire take a narrowboat trip over Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Visit Ludlow
Ludlow, the ‘loveliest town in England’ welcomes you. A market town situated in the very heart of the Marches, in the south of Shropshire close to the border of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Wales.
An English market town on the Welsh border, Ludlow is small, landlocked and remote, yet this beautiful town packs a punch way above its size, so make sure you make time to visit this outstanding town of physical beauty, versatility and old English charm.
‘Has there ever been a visitor to Ludlow who hasn’t wished they lived there?” Jeremy Paxman.
Ludlow has more listed buildings than anywhere else its size in Britain; with over 100 independent shops and market traders in the town centre and local food oozing out of restaurant and cafe menus; plus a fairytale castle. There is plenty to see and do, whether you are visiting for a day or planning to stay a little longer.
Relax and unwind by wandering along the ancient streets and squares, visit St. Laurence’s Church built in 1199 and climb the tower to witness one of the best views of the medieval centre of Ludlow and outwards towards beautiful fields, hills and woods of the countryside which embrace it. St Laurence’s Church has connections to A E Houseman and Price Arthur (Catherine of Aragon’s first Husband) who died in Ludlow Castle. Or visit Ludlow Castle, firstly a Norman Fortress and extended over the centuries to become a fortified Royal
Palace, which has ensured the town’s place in English history. Originally built to hold back the unconquered Welsh in 1461 it became owned by the Royal Crown when it hosted the Council of the Marches which governed Wales and the border counties. Abandoned in 1689 the castle quickly fell into ruin, described as ‘the very perfection of decay’ by Daniel Defoe. Today the Castle offers an inspiring setting for some of the most prestigious events that take place annually including the world famous, and oft imitated ‘Ludlow Food Festival’.
Unlike many other market towns in the country, Ludlow
retains a lively and bustling high street with many independently owned shops, cafes and restaurants. It boasts many everyday essentials including butchers, bakers alongside specialist delicatessens and organic shops. This is complimented by an array of high quality craft, art and antique shops. If you are eating out you can chose from cosy pubs, continental style cafes, tea rooms and Michelin recommended restaurants, there is something for everyone and every occasion.
Ludlow certainly has something to offer every day of the year, with markets most days of the week, major festivals which treble the size
of the local population and specialist events showcasing arts, food culture and the great outdoors.
There is so much to do and enjoy in Ludlow, and the entrepreneurial sprit of local businesses and event organisers is inexhaustible, a glimpse at the town’s busy events calendar on theludlowguide.co.uk is proof alone.
After spending a little time in Ludlow, we think like Mr Paxman, you’ll wish you lived here, and maybe one day you will! For now, just immerse yourself in lovely Ludlow and enjoy what Sir John Betjeman called ‘The loveliest town in England.” ■
OUR VISITOR CENTRE
VISIT THE FIRST WHISKY DISTILLERY IN NORTH WALES FOR OVER A 100 YEARS
OUR VISITOR CENTRE
VISIT THE FIRST WHISKY DISTILLERY IN NORTH WALES FOR OVER A 100 YEARS
Whether you’re going for a hike up to the falls or dropping in for a tour, a gin lab experience or visi�ng our café, we have something for everyone. The gi� shop is open every day for you to browse Aber Falls merchandise, locally sourced goods, and of course our award-winning por�olio of spirits.
ABER FALLS DISTILLERY LIMITED
STATION ROAD
Whether you’re going for a hike up to the falls or dropping in for a tour, a gin lab experience or visi�ng our café, we have something for everyone. The gi� shop is open every day for you to browse Aber Falls merchandise, locally sourced goods, and of course our award-winning por�olio of spirits.
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For more informa�on or booking enquiries please call 01248 209224 or to shop online, please visit aberfallsdis�llery.com
For more informa�on or booking enquiries please call 01248 209224 or to shop online, please visit aberfallsdis�llery.com
13, Abergwyngregyn
wasn’t enough for tiny train-lovers, Rhyl has its very own miniature railway around Marine Lake. It’s been in operation since 1911 – making it Britain’s oldest miniature line –and there’s an on-site museum with hands-on exhibits.
If you’re a family of animal lovers, a visit to Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World is a must. A family-run attraction nestled in 32 acres of woodland and paddocks, it’s home to over 120 animals including meerkats and wolves. Enjoy wild cat feeding time before stepping back in time 250 million years to wander among life-size dinosaur models.
For more escapism, Wonderland in Telford is where nursery rhymes and fairytales come to life with all of your favourite characters and their houses. Admission includes unlimited rides, and there’s an indoor soft play area too, all set within nine acres of natural woodland. Venture through the maze, stroll through Dinosaur Valley and play crazy golf on the Jolly Roger.
If your tastes are a little more high-octane, take off in top gear with a visit to one of the longest-running indoor karting centres in Europe at Sandycroft, Deeside. Apex Kart Chester caters for complete beginners and seasoned petrolheads, families and juniors aged over eight. It’s been running over 30
Traverse country paths, delve into castle ruins & enjoy a picnic amidst industrial heritage
years and in 2015 underwent a complete refurbishment to give it even more vava-voom.
Fancy a day at the races? Ludlow Racecourse is one of the few privately owned courses in the country. According to records, racing began here in 1725 – though local legend claims it goes as far back as the 14th century. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or just looking for great family entertainment, a day at the races is a must – especially since entry is usually free for children under 18.
This region brims with attractions to suit all ages and moods. Traverse idyllic country paths and delve into mysterious castle ruins, immerse yourself in industrial heritage or enjoy a picnic framed by spectacular landscapes. Don’t be surprised if you keep coming back for more, again and again! ■
Animal lovers should visit Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque region
1
Take a step back in time
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire is home to eight different attractions themed around the Industrial Revolution. The largest and best-known is Blists Hill Victorian Town – an openair museum where you can experience the sights, smells and sounds of times gone by. Tuck into traditionally cooked fish and chips; change your money into pounds, shillings and pence, and marvel at hot
metal pouring in the foundry – just don’t get put off by the smell from the friendly pigs at the candle makers!
2
Festival fever
Some last an hour or two, others for several days, but whatever their duration, festivals in this region are varied and convivial. Shropshire and Denbighshire host an action-packed annual schedule with something on the calendar spring, summer, autumn and winter. From
the renowned Shrewsbury Flower Show and Llangollen’s International Musical Eisteddfod to Rhuddfest family music festival, there’s something to suit everyone.
3
Visit a land of legends Search for the Holy Grail in a magical landscape of cliffs and caves peppered with incredible monuments built more than 200 years ago at Hawkstone Park Follies in Shrewsbury. Dramatic sandstone cliffs rise from
the Shropshire Plain, as you explore what some believe to be the home and resting place of King Arthur.
4
Visit medieval Ludlow I
Take a walk around the wonderful medieval town of Ludlow in Shropshire, which also has a reputation for the very best food and drink around. While you’re here you can enter a world of enchantment at the town’s castle. A ruined medieval fortification overlooking the
River Teme, Ludlow Castle was founded shortly after the Norman conquest of 1066 and was among the very first stone castles ever to be built in England.
5
Embrace the wilderness
Wading birds and garden birds, badgers and bats, hedgehogs, frogs, butterflies and dragonflies – all can be found at nature reserves in Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Rhuddlan and Ruthin. Bring your binoculars and put on your best David Attenborough voice.
6
Explore beautiful landscapes
Rolling hills are everywhere in Shropshire, and the Wrekin is one of the county’s most recognisable landmarks. It’s even believed to have inspired the landscapes of Middle Earth in Tolkien’s The Lord of
the Rings. In the south of the county, Titterstone Clee is the county’s highest point –so high, in fact, it’s rumoured to have picked up radio transmissions from Russia during the Cold War.
7
The art of iron I
One of Shropshire’s fastestgrowing attractions is the British Ironwork Centre & Sculpture Park in Oswestry. This fantastic attraction is the birthplace of the famous Knife Angel, the UK’s national monument against knife crime. You can wander
around the Metal Safari Park to admire loads of animal sculptures, including farmyard favourites and even a gorilla made of spoons.
8
Ludlow Castle, founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, is a medieval ruin overlooking the River Teme
Marvel at a mansion l Learn about the renowned ‘Ladies of Llangollen’, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, who became sirens of Regency society. Their extraordinary home at Plas Newydd is now a popular museum. Alternatively, tour the 17thcentury Bodrhyddan Hall, near Rhuddlan. The home of Lord Langford, set in several acres of formal gardens, it boasts several notable artworks and a 3,000-yearold Egyptian mummy.
9
Get your boots on Offa’s Dyke National Trail, the Clwydian Way, Wat’s Dyke path, and Wales
Coastal Path all wind through the county of Denbighshire. One of the best ways to see this gorgeous county is on foot, so make sure to pack your walking boots.
10
Uncover the past
From ley lines to battle lines, North Wales’s heritage encompasses heroic freedom fighters and handsome princes, Iron Age hillforts and hidden castles. Some villages once in England are now in Wales and vice versa, making the history of these borderlands a riveting tale of struggle and survival. ■
SHOPPING
Shopaholics will love this region for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents
Can’t get enough of searching for quirky treasures or tip-tapping the debit card in high-street stores? Well, shopaholics can have the best of both worlds in Shropshire and Denbighshire. Small, independent traders make their presence felt both on high streets and down hidden alleyways, while big-brand bargains can be found in all the major towns. Leave plenty of space in your suitcase for all your goodies!
When you’re serious about shopping, head straight to Shropshire and Denbighshire’s high streets and shopping centres to find
Don’t escape without a bag of local produce from the delis, farm shops & markets
all the brand-name gear you want and so much more. Looking for something a little more individual? The region’s independent boutiques will sort you out.
Your retail therapy begins at the most famous shopping destination in Shropshire, the Telford Centre. It’s one of the UK’s largest covered shopping centres, with the awardwinning Telford Town Park on the doorstep for anyone who’s not so keen on flipping through the sale rails. You’ll find all your highstreet favourites like Primark, H&M and Next – and you might be surprised to find the big
designer names as well. With more than 1,000 brands spread across 160 stores, it’s the place to track down the likes of Hugo Boss, Armani and Dior.
Footwear fanatics and handbag lovers can head to Skechers, Clarks or Frasers, while if bling’s your bag, you’ll find jewellers including Ernest Jones, Pandora and H Samuel.
Heading into Shrewsbury, Majors is the oldest retailer in town. Established in 1874, this fifth-generation family business started out as a hatter’s, and now offers an impressive range of designer and own-branded products. You’ll also find Majors stores located in Oswestry, Welshpool and Bridgnorth.
Over to Denbighshire and Rhyl’s White Rose Shopping Centre offers high-street fashion favourites such as JD Sports and USC, while nearby Prestatyn Shopping Park features M&S, Next, Sports Direct and TK Maxx augmenting smaller shops on the town’s busy high street.
In neighbouring Flintshire, Broughton Shopping Park, just outside Bretton, is a modern shopping complex complete with over 2,000 parking spaces, pedestrianised walkways and national retailers including River Island, Footasylum, H&M, New Look, Mountain Warehouse, Next and Sports Direct.
Shrewsbury’s beautiful 16th-century market square features the Old Market Hall at its centre. Forming three sides of the square are gorgeous high-end boutiques including Pockets menswear and Carvèll on the Square. Just off the square on Princess Street you’ll find Toggs and Cloggs, the one-stop shop for shoe and accessory-loving ladies and children. Nearby Oberon has a fantastic range of jewellery, accessories and women’s clothing.
If you want to pound the pavements in a charming market town, make sure you visit Newport. The wide high street and award-winning floral displays are home to an exciting range of independent stores, including Number 45 gift shop, Daisy Chain for boutique womenswear and Bluesky Home and Gifts for interiors and homewares.
In neighbouring Flintshire, Mold is home to one of the nation’s largest independent men’s outfitters, Vaughan Davies, which has been trading since the 1930s. Women seeking to revamp their wardrobe will find high-end threads at Jane Davies @No10.
It’s seventh heaven for foodies in Shropshire and Denbighshire. Don’t expect to escape without at least one bulging bag of delicious locally grown produce from the region’s many delis, farm shops and markets. l
L Tanners Wine Merchants, Shrewsbury j Ludlow Market
Time for a sweet treat? Try Planet Doughnut in Shrewsbury
Ludlow, of course, is renowned for its foodie reputation. Chocoholics should head to the Chocolate Gourmet on Castle Street, with high-quality truffles from some of the finest international chocolatiers. For local produce, hit the Local to Ludlow farmers’ market on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. More scrumptious treats await at Ludlow Farmshop, especially if you’re a fan of cheese and cake! You can even enjoy the farmfresh produce cooked for you right onsite at the Ludlow Kitchen.
If you’re looking for the best of British and international cheese alongside everything from preserves and breads to tinned olives and sardines, pop into the Harp Lane Deli. You simply can’t beat it for fancy things in jars, and their Portuguese tarts are to die for. Best of all, you can even sit in and order a coffee and a morsel if you’re running out of steam.
In Shrewsbury, pop into Tanner’s Wine Merchants run by James Tanner, the fourth generation of the family to work for the company. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with one of their renowned tasting events and a chance to try the best of the best. Is it time for a sweet treat? Planet Doughnut is a family-owned artisan doughnut company that focuses on creating doughnuts that are crispy on the outside and
Shrewsbury’s awardwinning Market Hall is home to over 60 independent traders
fluffy on the inside. And if you’re more about a cake with your coffee, Crystal’s Cupcakes serves delicious hand-crafted treats.
A fabulous find for foodies of all stripes, Shrewsbury’s award-winning Market Hall is home to over 60 independent traders, including plenty of tempting food stores. Pick up some fresh fruit and veg, visit the gamedealer, grab a pastry and a coffee or tuck into some Punjabi-style Indian street food.
Newport’s indoor market has 30 different stalls from pastries and artisan cheeses to chocolate truffles and dog treats. Over in Market Drayton, Sherwood Wholefoods is an independent health food store with almost a quarter of a century in the town.
Shropshire is a haven for incredible butchers and A Ryan and Son on High Street is a must-visit in Much Wenlock. It’s been l
family run for more than 50 years, and they pride themselves on sourcing the best in locally-reared meat. Next door, they’ve got a fantastic sister shop called Pig and Pie, where you can pick up a homemade meat pie, pasty, sausage roll or indulgent pudding, all made with love at the on-site bakehouse.
In Denbighshire, Rhug Estate has cooked up a winning recipe with its combination of farm shop, restaurant and takeaway café. You’ll get all the fabulously fresh produce your heart desires, including locally-sourced vegetables, eggs, preserves, breads, cheeses and cakes. Head into Denbigh and Sandbank Bakery will satisfy your cravings with its fresh bread, cream cakes, savouries and pies.
Over the border in Flintshire, you’ll find foodie favourites Lesters Farm Shop in Drury, Swans Farm Shop at Treuddyn, and Hawarden Estate Farm Shop near Chester. Set on a 200acre working beef farm, Swans specialises in pies and home-reared meat. Lesters serves wonderfully fresh fruit and veg and has an onsite café, while Hawarden Estate Farm Shop has a fabulous cheese counter, a bakery serving outstanding cinnamon buns, and pick your own fields, should you wish to select your fruit and veg yourself.
‘It’s the best sweet shop ever’, is the cry you’ll hear from children – and possibly adults
Shrewsbury boasts winding medieval streets, now lined with eateries and shops
– coming out of Spavens in King Street, Mold. Hundreds of old-fashioned jars lined along scores of shelves contain everything from blackjacks and fizz bombs to cinder candy, cola bottles, rhubarb and custards. It stocks 50 brands of liquorice alone.
Looking for the perfect souvenir, a gift for a loved one or a stylish antique to decorate your home? You’re sure to find something in Shropshire and Denbighshire – and browsing is all part of the fun.
Ludlow’s Black Bough brims with homewares and gifts, including vintage watches and gorgeous coffee table books. Don’t miss out on the traditional, open-air Ludlow Market in the Market Square on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. You’ll have a ball rummaging through books,
Labyrinth wizarding shop, Grope Lane, Shrewsbury
crafts and antique treasures.
Shrewsbury boasts winding medieval streets, complete with hidden gems. Butcher Row and Fish Street were once home to the town’s butchers. Today, the historic lanes are lined with eateries and shops.
Take in the range of stores along Castle Street or visit Dogpole where you can browse to your heart’s content. Then, be sure to take a wander up Wyle Cop to discover what’s said to be the longest row of uninterrupted independent shops in the UK, from period and vintage interiors to classic and cuttingedge couture.
White Orchard is a beautiful gift shop located on one of the most historic streets in Shrewsbury, in a magnificent timber-framed building. Look for lavish body products and luxury scarves.
Over on Shrewsbury’s Grope Lane, fans of Harry Potter will adore Labyrinth, a shop dedicated to all things from the wizarding world, from wands to spells and scented candles shaped like Polyjuice potions.
In the Market Hall, lifestyle boutiques include Thistle & Weeds, which specialises in nature-inspired stationery and gifts by independent British designers. There’s also Romy Design, which has a lovely collection of jewellery, stationery, glass and leather hand-
crafted products. While you’re in the Market Hall, be sure to check out the vinyl record shop White Rabbit Records run by musician Russ Hunt, the brother of The Wonder Stuff frontman Miles Hunt.
If you’re looking to splash the cash, visit Fabricius Green Jewellers on the High Street, where an expert team will help you choose items you’ll love for a lifetime.
Venture to the tourist hot spot of Ironbridge and pay a visit to Copper Fox for unique homewares and scented candles. Children of all ages will love a gift from Merrythought. Established in Ironbridge in 1930, the Merrythought teddy bear is widely regarded as the ultimate childhood toy, treasured by children and adult collectors across the globe.
Designer clothes and shoes, homeware, gifts and the finest Welsh produce are found all under one roof at Tweedmill Shopping Outlet on the fringes of St Asaph in Denbighshire. Many consider this a day-out destination as much as a shopping place. Take the time to browse all the different departments before enjoying some refreshments in its upstairs coffee shop or ground-floor restaurant.
With a river running through its centre, Llangollen is unquestionably a mecca for tourists. This is an Alice in Wonderland kind l
A bright and seasonal welcome awaits customers at Shrewsbury’s White Orchard gift shop
For local produce, hit the Local to Ludlow farmers’ market, held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month of town when it comes to shopping. Through each coloured door on the high street, there’s a different collection of wares from gift shops, boutiques and pottery stores to ironmongers, outdoor shops and jewellers – some selling Clogau Welsh gold.
If you’re looking for something with some vintage charm, check out antique shops including Nook Antiques, Chapel Emporium and Passers Buy Antiques. Alternatively, for ideas on cushions and throws, lamps, candles and stylish homes pop into Lily Rose Interiors on Llangollen’s Castle Street.
For a truly definitive gift, the retail gallery at Ruthin Craft Centre offers contemporary work for sale from some of the country’s leading makers. It includes jewellery, ceramics, glass, metalwork, textiles, books and stationery. Ruthin is also home to Choo Choo, a cluster of three design-led shops at the top of town selling a fine mix of gifts, homeware and clothes. Nearby Wayfarer Wools is an Aladdin’s cave with an extraordinarily colourful mix of wools and hand-knitted garments including sweaters, scarves and fancy tea cosies.
If you happen to find yourself in neighbouring Flitshire, Mold is transformed on market days, when traffic is barred from the high street and a labyrinth of unique stalls
Mold is transformed on market days, when traffic is barred & a labyrinth of unique stalls take over
take over. It always attracts a vivacious crowd, browsing for everything from food and drink to linens, furniture, household accessories and fresh flowers.
Sewing classes are a regular feature at Abakhan fabrics and hobby centre on the Coast Road in Llanerch-y-Mor, Mostyn. Dressmakers, crochet artists and knitters are in seventh heaven here, and there’s also an onsite café and gift shop.
From bustling markets for one-off gems to designer brands and foodie souvenirs, Shropshire and Denbighshire’s shopping scene will keep you spending for as long as you can stretch the budget! Whether you spend all your time in the designer stores of the Telford Centre, or prefer poking around winding medieval streets, you’ll find it’s impossible to leave here empty-handed. ■
EATING OUT
These counties are a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
When delicious food is at the top of your agenda, simply follow your nose to a smorgasbord of brilliant eateries. Whether you’re going for a Michelin-starred blow-out, a casual bistro feed or a family picnic laden with locally-produced treats, Shropshire and Denbighshire can provide them on a delicious plate.
If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, you’re well served too. Traditional Welsh and
English recipes may be this region’s bread and butter, but there’s everything from Italian to Indian to Spanish to sample.
Get ready to unleash your taste buds on the Shropshire dining scene, with Ludlow taking centre stage as a foodie hot spot. Whether it’s a romantic riverside dinner for two or a group get-together in a country pub, you’ll find there’s something to suit everyone’s
cravings in this county.
Don’t be surprised if your eyes are bigger than your stomach in Ludlow! For high-end delights, look no further than the 3 AA rosette Old Downton Lodge. Whether you try the exquisite three-course menu or go the whole hog and tackle the sixcourse tasting menu, it’s always an experience to savour.
Mortimers, in Corve Street,
For high-end delights, try the 3 AA rosette Old Downton Lodge
serves modern British and French food, surrounded by black and white timbered buildings that are among the oldest in the county. It’s run by Wayne Smith, who’s worked with the likes of Claude Bosi. Book the sumptuous private dining room for the ultimate experience with menus tailored to your tastes.
The French Pantry is a little slice of France where traditional cooking reigns supreme – come here and you’ll delight in classic dishes such as escargot and coq au vin. Fancy views of Ludlow Castle while you dine? Of course you do! Settle in at Forelles at Fishmore Hall for a fine dining meal with views to match.
CSONS at the Green Café, on the banks of the River Teme, is the perfect spot for a family feed, and probably one of the best poundfor-pound value eateries in the area. Spoil yourself with coffee, tea and cake, or an ever-changing lunch menu reflecting the seasonal produce from local growers and food producers.
Also overlooking the River Teme, the Charlton Arms Hotel has a scrumptious menu that includes such delicacies as braised lamb shank and crab mac ‘n’ cheese. Then there’s the award-winning Clive Arms for pub grub with a modern twist.
For a hearty breakfast, Kin Kitchen on Old Street, where you’ll find the likes of Welsh rarebit made with Butty Bach beer, or for coffee and cake head over to The Cottage Café. Speaking of cake, Ludlow Kitchen nestled alongside Ludlow Farm Shop serves home-made snacks and cakes to die for.
Surrounded by stunning countryside, Shrewsbury’s restaurants feature plenty of produce straight from the garden. You can get your chops around some at the Armoury, a city pub overlooking the river with a gigantic bookcase to peruse. It’s located at Victory Quay, where you’ll find the Sabrina Boat pleasure cruiser for an evening meal from one of their restaurant partners as you drift down the Severn at Sunset.
In Milk Street, pop into CSONS. They serve up a constantly
Newport is a hub for pubs so you’ll always find your favourite comfort food
changing, seasonal menu with international twists. For a special occasion, Lion + Pheasant offers not only a stunning location but sumptuous food to boot. Situated on Wyle Cop, the 16th-century building features a traditional restaurant or stylish rooms for more private dining.
Just off Wyle Cop you’ll find the Henry Tudor Inn, a restaurant and bar located in a historic half-timbered building. It’s said that a beleaguered Henry Tudor sought refuge here in 1485, on his way to the Battle of Bosworth. Shrewsbury’s vegans, meanwhile, are well-served by Okra, a small café serving street food to eat in or take away.
Is it a Mediterranean kind of night? Riverbank Bar and Kitchen is a sleek restaurant with a tempting cocktail bar. Situated in Victoria Quay, it promises views as tasty as its food and drink. If you’re a fan of spice, don’t miss Giggling Squid on the High Street – a Thai eatery offering tempting treats like salt & pepper squid or sticky chicken.
Make sure you don’t go to Shrewsbury Market Hall without a serious appetite, because this place is stacked with foodie delights. Cook and Carve delicatessen has been trading for more than 25 years. The display counter is a marvel of stuffed artisan cheeses, cooked meats and home-cured bacon. Over at Moreish Café, Natalie Jenkins of Black Box Spice
Co. brings her intricate knowledge of blending herbs and spices to the Market Hall. When it’s time for a tipple, Gindifferent Bar specialises in more than 50 artisan gins from small distilleries around the UK, accompanied by charcuterie and cheese boards.
CUPS Coffee & Creators on Castle Street is a laid-back spot that’s half coffee shop, half makers market, so you can enjoy an artisan coffee or home-made cake while browsing all the interesting wares.
A favourite with the hip young crowd, Bird & Beer does exactly what it says on the tin – it serves up finger-licking fried chicken from a trusted Shropshire farm, plus burgers and sharing platters. Wash it all down with one of their many craft beers, available either on tap or from the fridge.
Hands up if you feel like seafood? Shropshire may be the largest land-locked county in Britain, but that doesn’t mean it’s bereft of topnotch fish and shellfish. Cornalls fishmongers has been supplying the goods to the people of Shrewsbury for more than 100 years, sourcing from small family-owned inshore day boats in Cornwall, Wales and Scarborough.
Newport is a hub for pubs so you’ll always find your favourite comfort food. Head to the Last Inn for that friendly vibe with extra special fresh food crafted with locally-sourced ingredients.
Nearby, the Red House at Lilleshall is traditional on the outside and sleek inside. Chefs here use only the freshest ingredients, expertly prepared, skilfully cooked and beautifully presented.
Elsewhere, in the centre of town, the New Inn offers hearty pub grub with cask ales brewed by the local Joule’s Brewery.
Newport boasts a first for Shropshire with Bod, where locallysourced coffee, beer and delicious dishes are an all-day deal. Set in an old bank, it’s especially popular if you’ve got your laptop and need to do some work with your bacon sandwich.
The Bridge Inn at Chetwynd End is an independent with a l
The
Hundred House at Norton serves country-style dishes with huge flavours
great reputation for Sunday lunch. Among their local suppliers are Malcolm Wickstead butcher, Moydens cheese and draught ale from Plan B.
If you’re up for venturing a little further afield, try the Fordhall Organic Farm at Market Drayton. England’s first community-owned farm has been organic for more than 65 years. There are grass-fed beef cattle, lambs and Gloucester Old Spot pigs all reared on the farm. The restaurant, Arthur’s Farm Kitchen, makes the very best use of Fordhall Farm’s own meat, paired with vegetables from an organic local producer.
For moreish tea and cake, how about a visit to the intriguing Winding House Tea Rooms in Bridgnorth? Set in a truly unique building that houses the famous Cliff Railway engine room, you’ll watch the winding gear operate whilst enjoying a pot of tea and lemon drizzle cake. Really hungry? The Punch Bowl Inn on the fringes of Bridgnorth is more than 700 years old and its popular AGA Carvery was a first for the UK.
The culinary road out of Bridgnorth takes you next towards Telford, where you’ll find a gem of a hostelry that delivers a foodie experience not to be missed. Serving country-style dishes with huge flavours, the Hundred House at Norton is the recipient of an AA Rosette and boasts its own working herb and salad garden with more than 30 different varieties.
The Hundred House at Norton has an AA Rosette and its own herb and salad garden
Sampling Celtic classics is a must if you’re in the county of Denbighshire – but if you fancy something more international then you won’t have to start looking up cheap flights on the internet. Indian, Italian, Mexican… whatever you’re after, you’ll find something to suit you here.
There’s no better place to start than with a traditional Welsh rarebit – toast covered with a sauce made from cheese, ale, butter, Worcestershire sauce and mustard, then grilled. It’s a tasty staple which sits just as nicely at simple cafés as it does at fancy tea rooms.
Try RiverBanc in Llangollen, where you can tuck into a Welsh rarebit spiked with chilli jam while gazing out over the River Dee. Or head to Loggerheads Country Park (a hop, skip and jump over the Denbighshire border), where Caffi Florence rustles up a black pudding rarebit topped with a poached egg. Go on, be daring!
Bara brith tea loaf and Welsh cakes are other stars of any quintessential Celtic menu and there are plenty to sample at charming tea and coffee shops like the deliciously named Truly Scrumptious in Mold or Café Cranberry, Prestatyn.
For something out of the ordinary in Flintshire, take a trip to the cemetery – yes, really! We’re talking about the award-winning Tea Rooms at the pet cemetery in Holywell. Originally a place for bereaved owners of lost pets to chat, it now attracts a lively crowd of walkers, cyclists and tourists, thanks in no small part to its huge breakfasts, delicious home-baked scones, cakes and hearty meals.
For breakfast why not try Honey’s Bakery at Caergwrle, a scrumptious neighbourhood bakery with a café attached? The friendly owners bake sourdough breads, oriental filled buns and sweet-as-you-like patisseries. What makes a visit here extra special is its terrace, where you can settle down for a brew and gaze at the pictureperfect River Alyn.
Combine cosy pub vibes with elegant, inventive food at the l
L Lion & Pheasant I Bird & Beer
The White House in Rhuallt tempts with dishes including seared seabass and pan-roasted chicken wrapped in bacon
White Horse Restaurant in Hendrerwydd. This delightful 16th-century inn not only has spectacular views of the Clwydian Range, but it also serves locally-sourced produce with an international twist – think salt and pepper pork belly, octopus in garlic butter and wild mushroom risotto with Welsh truffle.
If freshly cooked fish and chips is your style, then the seaside is best for enjoying lip-smacking salty flavours. The Beach Hut at Prestatyn serves traditional handbattered fish and chips alongside, burgers, hot dogs and pizzas.
Top-notch seasonal produce, dreamy views and elegant surroundings combine to make one of the finest dining experiences in North Wales at Tyddyn Llan restaurant with rooms at Llandrillo.
New head chef Gareth Stevenson, formerly of nearby Palé Hall, took over the popular eatery in 2024, and is committed to using the best local and sustainable ingredients in his menus, Six or ten-course dinner menus feature mouth-watering creations like glazed quail, potato agnolotti and rhubarb with stem ginger and almond.
More country house hotel excellence can be found at Palé Hall in Llandderfel, less than four miles from Tyddyn Llan. Its restaurant has three coveted AA rosettes, and the hotel is an AA Five Red Star, Relais & Chateaux destination. Under the expertise of head chef
Laurence Webb, Palé Hall is known for its imaginative, decadent and locally focused dishes. Think chopped raw shorthorn beef tartar, port-roasted figs with fennel and burrata, or roasted spiced monkfish with miso and pumpkin purée.
In Rhuallt, near St Asaph, the White House restaurant with rooms tantalises the eye and the stomach with dishes including pan-seared seabass with shellfish bisque and slow-braised feather of beef, followed by decadent desserts like salted caramel profiteroles and chocolate truffle cake.
British and international classics make up the bulk of the menu at the Promenade Bistro at the 4-star Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn. Dine on Welsh lamb rump, Celtic ribeye steak or pan-seared salmon as you look out over the Irish Sea, or opt for their tempting stir fry menu with a choice of meats, vegetables and sauces. Further down the coast, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre offers 1891, a first-floor restaurant and bar with a view, a great choice for a pre-show meal or a non-stagey, leisurely dinner.
Denbigh’s Con Amici is a welcoming, family-run Italian with a good selection of hand-made pizzas, pastas and risottos, plus an alluring specials board. For bitesized morsels of deliciousness, Ruthin’s Small Plates restaurant is the place to be. Their tapas-style dishes and sharing platters take you on a journey around the world – with an inventive menu where Cantonese pork bites sit alongside Spanish-style baked fish and Indian spiced roasted cauliflower bhaji.
If you’re after authentic Thai food, Honey’s Bakery at Caergwrle has a secret – their regular Thai banquet nights. Join a loyal following of locals to tuck into three-course menus of aromatic treats such as beef noodle soup, spicy jungle curry and mung bean ice lolly.
With Ludlow at the heart of the dining scene, foodies can’t go wrong in Shropshire and Denbighshire, but there’s something for everyone no matter where you are in this region, from seafood to fine French food to curries. ■
L White House restaurant I The Promenade Bistro
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
You’ll need to fuel up for the big adventure, and there’s no better place to start than Ludlow, the culinary capital of the region. Dig into a full English breakfast at one of the many wonderful local cafés, then wander up to the castle to explore the ancient building, which dates all the way back to 1086.
Next, grab a basket full of fresh Shropshire produce from a local deli or farm shop, then head out for a bracing walk in the Shropshire Hills – safe in the knowledge that you’ve got all the makings of a hearty picnic lunch to enjoy while you soak up those far-reaching views.
The rest of the afternoon can be spent in Ironbridge Gorge. Widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the outstanding feat of engineering that is the world’s first iron bridge, then choose from one of the eight Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Get hands-on with engineering at Enginuity, perhaps, or go back to Victorian times at Blists Hill.
Come evening, it’s time to get over to Shrewsbury, check into a hotel and book a restaurant for dinner. This most atmospheric of towns is awash with excellent options, but for chic, inventive dining that’s a real treat, try and get a table at the Walrus
DAY TWO
After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, it’s time to hit the road once more – or the
winding Shrewsbury streets, that is. A good wander around town is like entering a time portal back to Tudor times, particularly on atmospheric Wyle Cop, Fish Street and Butcher Row.
Now cross over the border into Denbighshire and make a beeline for Plas Newydd in Llangollen. This former stone cottage was converted into a gothic fantasy of oak and stained glass by Lady Eleanor
End the day with an
Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby –otherwise known as the celebrated ‘Ladies of Llangollen’.
Grab a light lunch at one of Llangollen’s many fantastic cafés (if the weather’s fine, RiverBanc has a lovely waterside terrace), then it’s time to get out on the river. Taking a horse-drawn boat from Llangollen Wharf is exciting enough, but the real drama is at Horseshoe Falls, an early 19th-century weir
designed and built by engineering wunderkind Thomas Telford.
If steam locomotives are more your thing, why not skip the river and jump on a steam train? The Llangollen Steam Railway runs alongside the River Dee all the way to Corwen, with stunning views as standard along the whole route.
Finally, end the day with an evening seaside stroll along the beach. Both Prestatyn and Rhyl
have plenty of space for long and peaceful sandy walks. Grab some fish and chips from one of the award-winning shops and eat them with your toes in the sand. Or if you’re feeling flush, splash out at the stylish 1891 Restaurant at Rhyl Pavilion, where traditional fish and chips with mushy peas will cost you £18.50. If you want to make a real night of it, you could even catch a show! ■
evening seaside stroll along the beach at Rhyl
Culture vultures assemble! These counties offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Spend time in Shropshire and Denbighshire and you’ll be beguiled by the region’s rich heritage and inspiring arts and culture. There’s always something going on in this vibrant part of the world, from festivals and literary fairs to world-class exhibitions. So browse the cultural calendar and let the anticipation build for days full of music, performance and inspiring museum visits.
Are performing arts your thing? There’s year-round fun to be had in Shropshire and Denbighshire. Check out live music, dance late
into the night at a festival or expand your mind at a thought-provoking theatre performance.
If theatre is your cup of tea, Shropshire delivers your favourite flavours. One of the best-loved theatres in the area is the Telford Theatre, though it’s currently closed for improvements until October 2026. While it’s out of the picture, check out Telford’s Wellington Orbit cinema instead. Run for the community, by the community, it boasts an art space, a lunchtime café and a compact 63-seat cinema. It hosts a variety of community
groups and also showcases smaller cinematic releases that you won’t find at the multiplexes.
Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn sits on Frankwell Quay in a stunning riverside location. Whether you’re after a spot of Shakespeare or a comedy show, you’ll find it here –along with visiting opera companies and touring musicals.
Over in Bridgnorth, the Theatre on the Steps was established in 1964 when the Congregational Chapel was bought by the local amateur dramatic society. Tribute shows are big news here, so look
Rhyl’s Pavilion Theatre hosts many well known names from the worlds of comedy and music
out for the likes of ‘Fleetwood Shack’ and ‘Con Jovi’.
For theatre lovers based in the north of Shropshire, the Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton showcases community shows, touring artists and tribute acts, complete with an on-site cinema, art gallery and coffee shop.
Comedy & music
If your preferred festive show involves big-name soap stars, then try Rhyl Pavilion Theatre over the border in Denbighshire. The seafront venue seats more than 1,000 with an entertainment programme including the annual pantomime, touring stage musicals and well-known names from the worlds of comedy and music.
Another shining cultural beacon is Theatr Clwyd, a regional arts centre at the top of a rolling green hill outside Mold, in nearby Flintshire. Its façade is dramatic enough, but the breadth of its creative repertoire is even more impressive. It has two auditoriums
Few events showcase artistic passions more than Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
named after famous Welsh-born actors Sir Anthony Hopkins and Emlyn Williams, as well as art galleries and a concert hall.
For a more intimate experience, Hawkesbury Little Theatre in Buckley is home to the local theatre group, and entertains delighted locals and visitors alike with an annual panto.
Festivals light up Shropshire and Denbighshire with an action-packed annual schedule. Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the most famous Shropshire events of all. Held in the Quarry each August, it’s the world’s longestrunning horticultural event. Head down to admire some of the fantastic gardens, designed and planted by legendary TV gardeners like Percy Thrower. To top it off, expect electric entertainment such as motorcycle display teams and show jumping.
Ready to eat your way across the region? Food festivals grace various locations throughout the year in this region, with Ludlow, Llangollen and Telford’s Weston l
Park all getting in on the action. Shrewsbury Food Festival attracts top chefs for demonstrations, and thrills with family entertainment and cooking classes.
And there’s nothing quite like a country show, is there? The Shropshire County Agricultural Show has rocked the merry month of May since 1875 – with familyfriendly entertainment and scrumptious local food. There’s everything from pig racing and wood-chopping demonstrations to monster trucks and carnival parades, alongside the obligatory livestock shows and vintage tractors.
You can’t talk about festivals in Shropshire without including Shrewsbury Folk Festival, known for delivering some of the best folk acts from the UK and around the world each August. For music of a different kind, the Quarry in Shrewsbury hosts Let’s Rock – an 80s music festival where you can witness icons of the big-hair decade like Matt Goss, Tony Hadley and Pat Sharp.
Glad Fest – the UK’s friendliest literary festival – takes place in Gladstone Library in Hawarden
Few events showcase artistic passions more than Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, which takes place in Denbighshire. It’s held each July at Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion, attracting 4,000 performers from every corner of the world –some of whom have spent years fundraising to pay for the trip. Classical choirs rub shoulders with folk groups, soloists with instrumental ensembles, and dance
performances include reels, capers, New Zealand hakas and Chinese lantern ceremonies. Evenings bring star-studded concerts in the main pavilion with past performers including Luciano Pavarotti, Shirley Bassey, Alfie Boe and Van Morrison. Alas, despite three successful years in Shropshire, Camp Bestival announced that it would not be returning to Weston Park in 2025 – but there are plenty of other festivals to choose from, including Alderfest in Whitchurch, Woodshrop tribute bands festival at West Mid Showground, and LOOPFEST that takes place at various venues around Shrewsbury.
Over to Flintshire and Welsh language literature is saluted at the bilingual Gŵyl Daniel Owen Festival, centred around Mold over a week in October. A statue of the celebrated novelist stands in Mold’s Daniel Owen Square and a memorial prize in his name is awarded annually at the Wales National Eisteddfod.
Gladstone Library, Hawarden
Billed as the UK’s friendliest literary festival, Glad Fest takes place in September at Gladstone Library in Hawarden. Showcasing contemporary writing, it features readings, book signings, Q&A sessions and workshops, with visits and masterclasses from influential authors.
Farming is also central to local life and the Denbigh and Flint Show attracts bumper crowds yearly, with handicrafts and daredevil entertainers on display. Here you’ll find show-jumping horses, backflipping motocross riders, acres of delicious local produce, and more heavy horses and pedigree sheep than you can shake a shepherd’s crook at.
In Shropshire and Denbighshire, you’ll hop from museums to galleries to stately homes on mindexpanding, fun-filled days out. Culture vultures and history buffs have rarely had it so good!
Starting in the county town, the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is home to a thousand wonderful objects that span 650 million years of history, and occupies a building that was once a Victorian music hall.
Still in Shrewsbury, discover the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, housed in the medieval border fortress of Shrewsbury Castle. On show are pictures, uniforms,
weapons and memorabilia from the major county regiments, from the 18th century to the present day. The oldest parts of the castle were built between 1067 and 1074, during the reign of William the Conqueror. It was home to the Borough Council Chamber before the museum was established in 1985, and it even survived an IRA bomb attack in 1992.
Continuing on a military theme, Park Hall Farm in Oswestry is another must-visit site for battlefield historians. Among the various on-site museum buildings are reconstructed trench networks from the World Wars, plus a Victorian-themed school, the Welsh Guards museum and an Iron Age Roundhouse.
Can you squeeze in one more cultural visit? Make the trip to Much Wenlock to see its quaint museum. It tells the story of the town’s most famous son Dr William Penny Brookes. He was the inspiration for the modern Olympic Games and founder of the Wenlock Olympian Society. He also instigated the Wenlock Games in 1850 which still take place in the town every year.
Feeling artsy? The Soden Collection is an eclectic mix of contemporary art and sculpture in the heart of Shrewsbury.
Local artwork features alongside renowned British and international artists such as Pablo Picasso,
Joan Miro, Salvador Dali and Sir Terry Frost. The collection has an extensive range of abstract and modern paintings and sculptures by Halima Cassell and Endre Röder.
Artworx Gallery is an independent fine art gallery set in a Grade 2-listed building in Newport. It specialises in limited edition and original pieces and carries a range of beautiful prints. It’s a gallery with a community feel, showcasing local artists and photographers too.
Leading lights of contemporary art including artist and animator Sean Harris, the late ceramist Emmanuel Cooper and state-ofthe-art designer David Poston have exhibited at Ruthin Craft Centre, Denbighshire. This purpose-built centre boasts three galleries, six artists’ studios, a shop, a café and craft workshops.
Shropshire’s Weston Park is known for its character-filled stately home, so it’s a must for a dash of opulence when visiting the area. You’ll enjoy the beautiful gardens or one of the many events held throughout the year. The Granary restaurant and deli are open yearround, in case you want to tuck into some fabulous local produce here.
The 18th-century Attingham Park is framed by glorious parklands landscaped by Humphrey Repton. Built for Lord Berwick in 1785, the estate features attractions including themed walks and playgrounds for kids. Another nearby National Trust property is the Elizabethan-era Benthall Hall, with stunning interiors to ooh and ahh over. The 16th-century country house sits among expansive gardens for leisurely strolls, or you can take a longer walk that encompasses both Benthall Hall and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge.
There’s so much to see in this region that you might just find your own inner artist while you’re about it. Create an itinerary filled with museum-hopping, exploring historic homes and finishing with theatre shows to make the most of this artistic area. Oh, and don’t forget to time your trip with a festival or two! ■
Shrewsbury Folk Festival
The night-time economy in this region is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
From a good old time at the local pub to cracking live music, Shropshire and Denbighshire keep the action going after dark. While you’ll find some top spots for serious night owls, this is a region that’s better known for quirky events and family-friendly venues. Plus, there are plenty of cosy cinemas where you can put your feet up after a long day ambling around the countryside. And if it’s live theatre you’re after, you’ll find that performing artists are always putting on a show somewhere nearby.
There’s no pretending that
Shropshire and Denbighshire are the nightclub capitals of the UK. They aren’t – but you’ll still be thoroughly entertained once the sun goes down! Come evening, pubs and bars are in their element, and many of them spice up their after-hours socialising vibe with a bit of live music. In fact, for many people in Shropshire, nightlife revolves around the local pub. Better yet, the county is one of the UK’s hottest spots for awardwinning micro-breweries.
Ludlow Brewery is a brewery, a bar and an occasional live music venue, and best of all it’s a few yards
from the town’s railway station, which is extra handy after a few too many! If you’re lucky, you might find a guest food truck in residence at the weekend, but otherwise there are always bar snacks including locally sourced pork pies and Scotch eggs to line your stomach.
Other top county brewpubs include Stonehouse Brewery in Oswestry – which serves Aussiestyle barbecue food – and Salopian Brewery in Shrewsbury. The latter is only open on the first Friday and Saturday of the month, so check your dates before you turn up.
Ludlow Brewery is a bar and an occasional live music venue a few yards from the town’s railway station. Opposite page: Rhyl Pavilion Theatre bar
In Newport, the Pheasant Inn – or Phez – and the Shakespeare Inn – or the Shake – are top spots for a beer with the locals, with fab outdoor drinking areas too. And the beauty of these pubs is they’re literally next door to each other, so it seems rude to choose between them when you could just do both. Not sure what to drink? You’re spoilt for choice at the Railway Tavern, which serves a range of beers and spirits.
It’s not all about the awards, but it’s always interesting to see who the professionals reckon is top dog on the pub scene. In the case of Shropshire, the National Pub and Bar Awards gave their 2024 regional trophy to the Tally Ho Inn in Bouldon. Just outside Ludlow, it manages to combine a welcoming vibe with a real local feel and delicious regional food. And believe it or not, Shropshire is also home to CAMRA’s UK Pub of the Year 2025 – meaning that the Bailey Head in Oswestry serves the best beer in the country, as rated by real ale aficionados. If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, we don’t know what is.
Come evening, pubs & bars are in their element, many spicing up their after-hours vibe with live music
Smaller but with its own unique appeal is the Blue Bell Inn near the top of Halkyn Mountain, in Flintshire. If the spectacular views over the mountains and the Dee and Mersey rivers don’t entice you, the local ales and ciders at this familyrun freehouse will. Ale aficionados will also love the 200-year-old Fox Inn, Ysceifiog. It’s hidden away the Holywell hills, but well worth the trip for its friendly hosts, good food and choice of at least four cask ales.
Central Square in Newport is always popular with locals and students from the nearby agricultural university of Harper Adams. For cocktails that look as good as they taste, Novella Craft & Cocktails is situated in the town’s former Barclays Bank. It specialises in craft beers and concoctions that are shaken or stirred by a mixologist, just the way you like them.
Telford’s Southwater is a hub of al fresco dining to start your night, with pubs, eateries and cocktail bars next to a man-made lake. Exciting events are scheduled year-round, and if you’re not up for drinking l and
dining then you could catch a movie at the cinema, take a spin around the ice rink or engage in some friendly competition with tenpin bowling.
Y Delyn wine bar in King Street, Mold, is a naturally chilled-out meeting place for anyone who enjoys great tapas, good conversation, and quality music to boot. It hosts percussion evenings, acoustic sessions and jazz nights.
Probably the most-loved club and live music venue in Shropshire is Shrewsbury’s Buttermarket. Neoclassical columns greet you on either side of the doorway, and original arched cellars date back to the 19th century. As well as live music and themed club nights, it boasts one of Europe’s largest light and laser shows, not to mention a spectacular Wurlitzer organ. You’ll go a long way before you find another venue with that combination!
Six miles away on the bustling North Wales coast, young clubbers gather at Rhyl to let their hair down
and dance till the early hours at nightspots like the Tiki Room. Until recently, the other main club in town was Hidden, which has recently reopened as a new live music venue called Ellis Vaults.
Catch touring West End productions, comedy shows and local and international musicians. If you want to check out a live performance, you’ll find something to suit you night after night in this region.
One of the most popular live entertainment venues in the area is Theatre Severn, with its landmark wood-panelled façade above the banks of the river in Shrewsbury. Take your seat in the horseshoeshaped auditorium or catch a show at the intimate Walker Theatre.
The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock is a vibrant rural community arts centre with a full programme of cinema, theatre, dance, music and comedy. A former chapel turned bustling entertainment venue, the Theatre on the Steps rests between High
Town and Low Town in Bridgnorth. It’s been operating as a theatre since the mid-1960s and the stage has hosted Honor Blackman, Kenny Lynch and Kiki Dee to name a few.
Seaside resorts are never short of entertainment and Rhyl is no different. If you’re here with the family, a night out at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre is sure to keep them entertained. Check out its website for the rolling programme of entertainment which includes music gigs and stage shows.
Up for a night at the movies? Wellington Orbit in Telford shows all the latest releases as well as National Theatre live streams and lesserknown indie offerings in a plush 63-seat auditorium. Watching a film is extremely civilised at Shrewsbury’s Old Market Hall – you can eat savoury snacks and canapés, washed down with a glass of wine or two as you get comfy and gaze up at the screen. If you want to catch a flick in Denbighshire the Scala Cinema in Prestatyn will sort you out with the
You can eat snacks and canapés, washed down with a glass of wine or two whilst watching a film at Shrewsbury’s Old Market Hall
latest blockbusters as well as opera and theatre live streams.
Keep your eyes peeled for major international stars at the QEII Arena in Telford. Previous years have seen big names such as UB40, Tom Jones and Tears for Fears playing to exuberant crowds at this venue in Telford Park. Shrewsbury Town Football Club also hosts occasional open-air concerts in the summer. Staying in Telford, Albert’s Shed Southwater is the place to be for live events before rocking the night away at the club. Along with professional bands, the venue hosts jam nights, discos and karaoke.
Heading into Denbighshire, many Llangollen pubs hold regular music nights. Try the Sun Inn, a lively local boozer where jazz, rock and folk bands regularly take to the stage. Or, if you want to join in, the Liberty Tavern hosts Sunday jam sessions, where you’re welcome to play, sing along or just soak up the good vibes.
Over in Flintshire and the
Tivoli in Buckley, or ‘Tiv’ as it is affectionately known, started life in the 1920s as a theatre and cinema, but now has a national reputation for live music. Tearing up the sound system at the 1,000-capacity hall you’ll find DJs, tribute acts and live musicians of all stripes.
When you really want to roll in the aisles, the Crown Inn at Oakengates knows just how to tickle that funny bone. It’s home to the Telford Comedy Club, and you’ll be able to catch jokes and impressions from top comedy talent. Quite often, you’ll see previews of acts bound for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Meanwhile, Theatr Clwyd, in Mold, Flintshire, hosts frequent Comedy Club nights as well as stand-up nights with leading comedians such as Sarah Millican and Lucy Porter.
Performers from every corner of the world flood into Llangollen each July for the world-famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. You’ll be dazzled by stand-up comedy, folk concerts,
disco dances, choir competitions and a host of cultural performances from New Zealand hakas to Chinese lantern ceremonies. Here for the big-name acts? You’ll find those too – lined up for July 2025 are artists including KT Tunstall, Bryn Terfel, Il Divo and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.
If classical’s your bag, North Wales International Music Festival has been a respected name on the calendar since it was founded by William Matthias in 1972. The action takes place at St Asaph Cathedral every September, and it attracts both local and international performers, filling the cathedral to the rafters. There are also fringe performances in pubs and bars in St Asaph, some featuring folk, hip-hop, comedy or performance poetry.
Theatre productions, live music and thriving clubs will keep you going well into the night in this region. However, there’s nothing like getting to know the locals over a beer at the local pub – and around here you’ll find one on almost every corner! ■
Y Delyn wine bar in Mold is a chilled-out meeting place for anyone who enjoys great tapas, good conversation, and quality music
Although
these counties have more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
Shropshire and Denbighshire’s central locations make them perfect for exploring this glorious part of the UK and beyond. Look to the north, south, east or west and you’ll find a wonderfully diverse range of day trips.
If you’ve fallen in love with Shrewsbury, then head to Chester – a city with that same blend of black-and-white timbered buildings and picturesque views. Founded as a Roman fortress, there are 2,000 years of history to discover. Yet the city is also renowned for its spectacular shopping and vibrant social scene. The Rows is a labyrinth of beautiful Tudor-style two-storey covered arcades, where you can while away the hours and marvel at the traditional walkways.
If shopping’s not for you, there are more than 37,000 animals spread across 128 acres of zoological gardens at Chester Zoo. It’s the UK’s most visited zoo, and you can learn about the conservation projects it supports all over the world.
If you’d prefer a day at the seaside, make a beeline for the county of Conwy. This part of the world is known for its gorgeous beaches. From walking along wild, windswept bays, to living it up in lively seaside towns, you’ll find a beach day to suit you in Conwy. Llandudno provides so much family-friendly fun that you’ll find it hard to tear the kids away. Famously known as the Queen of Welsh seaside resorts, any trip here should start with a day at the beach. The main strip along the promenade, leading towards the Great Orme is simply known as Llandudno Beach. It’s here you’ll find all the traditional seaside fun, including ice cream parlours, donkey rides, the pier and plenty of
golden sand for building castles.
If you’re after big-city living, head to the cosmopolitan city of Birmingham. Get your shopping fix in Bullring & Grand Central – packed with outlets, this is a fantastic retail experience. With so much going on, both day and night, it’s clear to see why Birmingham is attracting a huge amount of investment and diverting interest away from other major cities like London and Manchester.
Chaster was founded as a Roman fortress and has over 2,000 years of history to discover
With more museums and galleries than anywhere in the country outside London, and one of the largest collections of Grade 1-listed buildings in the UK, you’ll never be short of something to do in Liverpool. Highlights include the Beatles Story museum, Tate Liverpool, a trip to the Cavern Club and a tour of Anfield, home to Liverpool FC.
Sometimes though, it’s a moment’s peace that we’re all looking for, and the National Memorial Arboretum, on the edge of the National Forest in Staffordshire, is the perfect place. It’s an evolving, maturing landscape featuring 25,000 trees with more than 400 memorials paying tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country. ■
Love Shrewsbury? Chester has the same blend of blackand-white timbered buildings and picturesque views
MARCHNADOEDD YR WYDDGRUG
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marchnadoedd
Marchnadoedd Stryd
Bob dydd Mercher a dydd Sadwrn rhwng 9am a 3.30pm trwy gydol y flwyddyn gan ddenu mwy na 70 o fasnachwyr.
Marchnad Dan Do
Yng nghanol Canolfan Daniel Owen mae yna farchnad dan do sy’n ffynnu sydd ar agor rhwng 9am a 5pm o ddydd Llun i ddydd Sadwrn.
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Caiff bwydydd a diodydd ffres a chrefftau sy’n cael eu cynhyrchu’n lleol eu gwerthu gan ffermwyr lleol a gweithwyr crefft medrus. Yn Neuadd Eglwys y Santes Fair (Heol y Brenin) rhwng 9am a 2pm ar ddydd Sadwrn cyntaf a thrydydd dydd Sadwrn y mis.
Mae ystod wych o siopau annibynnol yn cyd-fynd â siopau’r stryd fawr y dref, ynghyd â sector lletygarwch sy’n tyfu’n gyflym sydd â rhywbeth at ddant pawb. Cartref i’r enwog Theatr Clwyd gyda rhaglen lawn o sioeau a pherfformiadau theatraidd www.theatrclwyd.com
Calendr gwych o wyliau a digwyddiadau – Gŵyl Blws a Soul gwych ym mis Awst, Gŵyl Fwyd a Diod ym mis Medi, dathliad llenyddol gwych sef Gŵyl Daniel Owen ym mis Hydref. www.totallymold.org.uk
Street Markets
Every Wednesday & Saturday from 9am to 3.30pm throughout the year attracting more than 70 traders.
Indoor Markets
Thriving Indoor Market at the heart of Daniel Owen Precinct. Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.
Farmers Market
Freshly produced food, drink & crafts all locally sourced. Held at St Mary’s Church Hall (King Street) from 9am to 2pm on the first and third Saturday of the month.
The town’s retail offer is complimented with a great range of independent shops and a growing hospitality sector that boasts something for every taste. Home to the acclaimed Theatr Clwyd with a full programme of shows and theatrical performances www.theatrclwyd.com
Great calendar of festivals and events - fabulous Blues and Soul Festival in August, acclaimed Food & Drink Festival in September, wonderful literary celebration Daniel Owen Festival in October. www.totallymold.org.uk
