With the sun promising to shine over this bank holiday weekend, there are some fascinating towns and villages in our region worthy of exploring this bank holiday weekend.
Get a bespoke headline round-up from Shropshire, as well as breaking news updates, when you sign up to the Shropshire Star’s free emails
West Midlands and Shropshire are home to a number of quaint places so no matter if you’re looking for quaint rural settings, postcard perfect villages, quirky artistic hubs, fascinating historical spots or extraordinary attractions, there is something to satisfy everyone across the counties.
These are some of the quaintest towns and villages to visit across West Midlands and Shropshire this bank holiday – will you be making plans to explore any of them over the weekend?
9. Shrewsbury, Shropshire
As the county town of Shropshire, Shrewsbury has a unique mix of modern shopping, restaurants and rich medieval heritage. It is famously the birthplace of Charles Darwin and has the River Severn looping through some of the town’s medieval streets. While the famous Flower Show has been halted for the time being, the town boasts the “Britain’s Favourite Market”. Shrewsbury Castle and the 11th century Abbey are a great draw for visitors, as is Shrewsbury Prison, which is open to the public. | x
10. Walsall, West Midlands
While known for its industrial heritage, Walsall was once the “leather capital of the world”, a history that’s celebrated at the Walsall Leather Museum. The Aldridge Transport Museum also brings in the crowds, but Walsall also has a large number of green spaces, including the expansive Walsall Arboretum - a stunning Victorian park offering ornamental gardens, two large lakes and walking paths. | x
11. Church Stretton. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Situated at the foot of the Shropshire Hills, it has earned the nickname “Little Switzerland” due to its breath-taking scenery. It is the perfect place for walkers, nature lovers, and tourists seeking a peaceful getaway. The town itself is a quirky market town with buildings dating back to the 15th century, with local, independent shops | Wikimedia Commons
12. Albrighton and Cosford
Situated on the border of Shropshire and Wolverhampton, the two neighbouring villages of Albrighton and Cosford offer a unique mix of rich history and quirky attractions. Albrighton is a traditional village with a historic centre. One of its most popular attractions is actually a garden centre; David Austen Roses is famed the world over for its roses and is the perfect stop over for flower lovers. Cosford meanwhile is known for its RAF museum, which is free to enter and draws thousands of visitors each year. | x