Shrewsbury / Samluke777

Shropshire has much to offer when it comes to family holidays, from the beautiful scenery to the fantastic activities such as walking in the Shropshire hills or biking along some of the UK’s most beautiful bike tracks.

Shropshire is situated quietly alongside the Welsh border, with many local attractions such as “Iron Bridge Gorge” (the birthplace of the industrial revolution). The town of Shrewsbury, one of the best preserved medieval towns in the UK, which includes Shrewsbury Abbey, Shrewsbury Castle and the ancient St Mary’s church.

Shropshire is the home to “Snailbeach Mines”, the biggest lead mine in Shropshire, rumoured to yield the greatest volume of lead per acre in Europe. Originally developed by the Romans, Shropshire county council now run the mine as a tourist attraction. Guided tours are available for those people interested in history.

If you are into walking & rambling Shropshire has some of the best countryside walks available, take advantage of the Shropshire hills or take a stroll down the Shropshire Union and Llangollen canals. Shropshire boasts over 3500 miles of walkways and nature trails, it truly is a ramblers paradise.

Shropshire Union Canal / Tim Regan

If mountain biking is more your thing Shropshire also has some of the best bike tracks in the UK. Shropshire has hundreds of miles of National Cycle Network routes along quiet lanes, old railways and waterways, and for the more extreme mountain biker there are plenty of off road bike tracks which will test your mountain biking skills to the limit.

The nearby Eastridge woodlands offers a picturesque location for picnics and family days out, with stunning views across the surrounding countryside.

Also situated in Shropshie is RAF Cosford, once a year Cosford put on an Air Show, which attracts thousands of people of all ages each year. They provide aerobatic displays along with hundreds of aircraft which are grounded for people to look round and enjoy.

There are many traditional English pubs in the local area, offering a traditional pub food and local ales. If you are a real ale drinker there are plenty of beers to try.

So Why Shropshire?

Shropshire is a beautiful destination for people looking for self catering holidays that don’t cost the earth. There are many self catering cottages available to choose from, ranging in size with some as small as single bedroom accommodation to others as large as 5 or 6 bedrooms sleeping up to 10 people. Shropshire offers a wide range of activities for people of all ages, plan your trip to see some of the best this county can offer.

Andy Morley is a freelance writer currently working on behalf of Fernside Cottage, a beautiful self catering cottage in Shropshire.

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Crete Senesi means clay of Siena. And right this very unusual composition of the local soil is responsible for the enchanting harmony of colors, which is so typical for this area. It’s a real paradise for every photographer. The medieval towns are spread over the hilltops.

The largest town in Crete Senesi, Asciano, has retained its medieval atmosphere. It is felt everywhere, even in the narrow streets, or in ancient churches. Of all these churches you should visit at least Basilica Sant’Agata, which construction began in the 11th century, then churches San Francesco and San Bernardino. The best time for your visit to Asciano, is september, when the town hold a historic celebration – Palio dei Ciuchi. Palio dei Ciuchi includes a donkey race and parade, in which the local residents perform in medieval costumes.

On the outskirts of town lies the most important monastery in the province of Siena – Monte Oliveto Maggiore.

At the south of monastery there is the favorite fortified village – Buonconvento.

Another interesting point is Monteroni d’Arbia, the town at whose center lies an impressive mill dates from 1322. The building of mill has been preserved almost complete, including the brick tower and a mill-race.

The best place for relax is Rapolano – wonderful town with spa that served already to Old Etruscans. There are several swimming pools with thermal water in different temperatures.

Crete Senesi is ideal for growing corn and vine. E.g. Brunello di Montalcino comes from this area.

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