On the banks of the River Teme in Worcestershire is the lovely, historic town of Tenbury Wells. Tenbury Wells, which dates to the Iron Age and is rumoured to have been Queen Victoria’s “little town in the orchard,” is home to a remarkable 18th-century bridge constructed by Thomas Telford, the magnificent Pump Rooms, which housed baths where local mineral water was available, and numerous other 17th-century listed structures. In addition to hosting numerous festivals throughout the year, including Applefest in October and Holly and Mistletoe around Christmas, this vibrant town features a large number of unique shops, old-fashioned pubs, cafes, and tea rooms. Weekly farmers’ and craft markets are held there, and an Art Deco movie theatre with a full calendar of activities is entirely restored. One of the most picturesque towns in Britain is Ludlow, which boasts a famous castle. It has a mediaeval street layout that is almost completely intact and provides an excellent setting for the town’s frequent markets. Ludlow, which is renowned for its shopping, also boasts superb restaurants, tea shops, and pubs. Church Stretton, also referred to as Little Switzerland, the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Leominster, Hereford, and Shrewsbury, as well as the Severn Valley Railway, Berrington Hall, and Hay-on-Wye, well-known for its annual Literary Festival in May/June, are also easily accessible. Offa’s Dyke, the Malvern Hills, and the Brecon Beacons are a little farther away. An excellent starting point for local exploration is this.
