Market Drayton is a small market town which stands on the River Tern in north Shropshire. With the Shropshire Union Canal and the Regional Cycle Route 75 running through the town, it is an excellent base to enjoy long walks and cycle rides. This historic town has been the home of gingerbread for the last 200 years and it is said Draytonians enjoy dunking their famous biscuits in port. Market Drayton is well-known for hosting a lively weekly market, and the town centre itself has a variety of delightful 16th and 17th century half-timbered buildings, including many restaurants, pubs and tea rooms. Only 11 miles away is Whitchurch, a delightful town and internationally renowned for its clock production dating back to the 1650s. Whitchurch is also home to many splendid buildings, from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, all dominated by St. Alkmund’s Church. Nearby is Ellesmere, with beautiful meres (lakes) and a variety of National Trust mansions and gardens to visit, including, Trentham Gardens, Alton Towers, Dorothy Clive Gardens, Hodnet Hall, Attingham, Hawkstone Park, Wollerton Gardens and Tatton Park. The wonderful shops and zoo at Chester, Wroxeter Roman City, the World Heritage Site Ironbridge Gorge, with its famous museums, and the lovely medieval towns of Shrewsbury and Ludlow are also all close by.
