Unspoilt natural beauty, a laid back attitude, and tradition are all on offer in Shropshire, which still manages to be one of England’s more affordable counties. Farm houses and elegant Georgian homes, with lots of land and magnificent views, are excellent value — and the schools are generally excellent. Residents of Shropshire’s pretty villages and towns are well situated for outdoor activities like cycling and horse riding that make the most of the beautiful scenery of the Shropshire Hills, but this doesn’t come at the cost of poor communications. Trains from Shrewsbury to Manchester take about an hour and a quarter, and trains to Birmingham take just under an hour.
Bishops Castle, tucked away in southwest Shropshire, is a small market town renowned for its historical charm and unique identity. Set amidst the rolling hills near the Welsh border, the area combines centuries-old traditions with a distinctive, creative spirit. The town's backdrop is dominated by stunning countryside, the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a high street lined with independent shops, colourful houses, and historic inns.
Bridgnorth is a historic market town set on the banks of the River Severn in Shropshire, renowned for its unique character, divided between the High Town and Low Town. With roots dating back to the early medieval period, the town is famed for its picturesque streets, ancient buildings, and the dramatic Bridgnorth Castle ruins that overlook the Severn Valley. The famous Bridgnorth Cliff Railway connects the two vibrant halves, giving the area a charming, almost continental feel unlike anywhere else in Shropshire.
Broseley is a historic market town situated in the heart of Shropshire, just south of the River Severn and close to the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge. The area is famed for its connection to the Industrial Revolution, with iron works and brickmaking forming Booseley's unique heritage. The town retains much of its traditional character thanks to red-brick Georgian architecture and many listed buildings. A sense of history permeates the winding streets, which are lined with independent shops, heritage pubs, and local services.
Bucknell is a picturesque village nestled in south Shropshire, close to the borders with Herefordshire and Powys, Wales. This rural community is set amidst the rolling hills of the Teme Valley and within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, drawing residents who value peace, outdoor living, and scenic surroundings. Bucknell is known for its distinctive half-timbered cottages, historic stone buildings, and tranquil lane network, creating a timeless countryside atmosphere.
Church Stretton is a picturesque market town nestled within the heart of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sometimes called “Little Switzerland” for its dramatic landscape, the town lies halfway between Shrewsbury and Ludlow, surrounded by rolling hills, steep valleys, and open moorland. The historic character of Church Stretton is reflected in its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops, and thriving local markets.
Craven Arms is a small but distinctive market town nestled in the heart of south Shropshire. Situated amidst rolling hills and valleys, the town is often described as a gateway to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, drawing visitors and residents alike who appreciate unspoiled rural landscapes. Despite its modest size, Craven Arms has a strong sense of local identity and a practical charm that appeals to a wide demographic – from young couples seeking tranquility to retirees drawn to its quality of life.
Ellesmere is a picturesque market town located in North Shropshire, renowned for its scenic beauty and strong sense of local heritage. Best known for the famous Ellesmere Mere, one of the largest natural meres in England, the town has a rich balance of nature, history, and modern-day amenities. Often referred to as the ‘Shropshire Lake District’ thanks to its network of meres and canals, this area attracts those who value outdoor pursuits, as well as those seeking a peaceful but vibrant community life.
Ludlow is a historic market town located in the south of Shropshire, known for its striking medieval streets, an impressive Norman castle, and a celebrated food culture. Overlooking the River Teme and nestled on the edge of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Ludlow combines centuries-old architecture with a distinct rural charm and vibrant community life. The town’s medieval walls are rich with heritage, while independent shops and award-winning eateries line the main streets, reflecting a thriving local economy.
Lydbury North is a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in south-west Shropshire. Its location, close to the Welsh border and a short drive from the historic market towns of Bishops Castle and Clun, gives Lydbury North a tranquil, rural character with easy access to the region's stunning scenery. The village is defined by its traditional stone cottages, charming parish church, and a close-knit atmosphere that appeals to nature lovers, retirees, young families, and those seeking a quieter pace of life.
Market Drayton is a historic market town nestled in north Shropshire, close to the borders of Staffordshire and Cheshire. Renowned as the 'Home of Gingerbread,' Market Drayton has a rich heritage dating back to medieval times. The town is set along the River Tern and offers a blend of traditional architecture, scenic countryside, and a busy calendar of local events that reflect its agricultural roots. The compact town centre features a mix of independent shops, markets, and charming Georgian and Victorian streets.
Much Wenlock is a historic market town situated in the heart of Shropshire, renowned for its charming medieval streets, half-timbered buildings, and significant place in sporting history. Nestled below the dramatic Wenlock Edge, this small town offers residents idyllic countryside living combined with a sense of heritage, having inspired the modern Olympic Games through the Wenlock Olympian Games that began in 1850. The town centre is a picturesque blend of local shops, traditional pubs, and independent boutiques lining the High Street.
Newport is a charming market town in Shropshire, located near the Staffordshire border and known for its strong sense of community, historic High Street, and attractive mix of traditional and modern amenities. The town has a distinct blend of Georgian and Victorian architecture, with leafy residential streets and a selection of well-kept parks. With its inviting rural setting and convenient travel links to Telford and Stafford, Newport has long attracted families, professionals, and retirees seeking a quieter pace of life without sacrificing connectivity or convenience.
Oswestry is a historic market town in north Shropshire, close to the Welsh border and surrounded by rolling countryside. With roots stretching back to the Iron Age and a townscape shaped by medieval and Georgian architecture, Oswestry is characterised by its sense of heritage and rural charm. Residents enjoy the proximity to both the English and Welsh landscapes, giving Oswestry a unique identity and a blend of cultural influences.
Shifnal is a market town set in the eastern part of Shropshire, offering a blend of rural charm and modern convenience. With its roots stretching back to the Domesday Book, Shifnal’s historic character is reflected in its variety of period buildings, independent shops along the High Street, and annual community events. The town has expanded in recent decades, appealing to both long-standing residents and newcomers seeking a quieter lifestyle while remaining well connected to larger towns and cities.
Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire, is a historic market town nestled in the heart of the West Midlands. Encircled by a scenic loop of the River Severn, the town is renowned for its striking medieval architecture, more than 600 listed buildings, and distinctive timber-framed properties. Its winding, enclosed streets—known as "shuts"—create an intriguing character that blends past and present.
Telford is a large, modern town in the county of Shropshire, located in the West Midlands region of England. Established as a new town in the 1960s, Telford was named after the renowned civil engineer Thomas Telford. Its well-planned design features distinct residential neighbourhoods interwoven with green spaces, resulting in a unique blend of urban and rural character.
Whitchurch, located in the north of Shropshire, is a historic market town renowned for its distinctive black-and-white timbered buildings and picturesque surroundings. With a history dating back to Roman times, the town is known for its role as an important stop on the former Roman road from Chester to London. Today, Whitchurch is a blend of rural charm and market town facilities, surrounded by the rolling Shropshire countryside and the tranquil Shropshire Union Canal.