Tenbury Wells is a charming, ancient market town situated on the banks of the River Teme in Worcestershire. Dating back to the Iron Age and said to have been called ‘my little town in the orchard’ by Queen Victoria, Tenbury Wells boasts a unique 18th century bridge built by Thomas Telford, the magnificent Pump Rooms, which housed baths where local mineral water was available, and many other listed buildings dating back to the 17th century. This bustling town has many individual shops, traditional pubs, cafes and tea rooms and plays host to many festivals throughout the year notably the Applefest in October and Holly and Mistletoe around Christmas. It is home to weekly craft and farmers’ markets and a fully restored Art Deco cinema with a full programme of events. Ludlow, with its famous castle, is one of the most beautiful towns in Britain offers a medieval street pattern, which remains almost intact and provides an amazing backdrop for the town’s regular markets. Renowned for its shopping, Ludlow also has high quality restaurants, excellent tea shops and pubs. Also within easy reach is Church Stretton, known as Little Switzerland, the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge, Leominster, Hereford and Shrewsbury, as well as the Severn Valley Railway, Berrington Hall and Hay-on-Wye, famous for its annual Literary Festival in May/June. A bit further afield are Offa’s Dyke, the Malvern hills and the Brecon Beacon’s. This is an ideal base for exploring the area.
