The historic town of Ludlow is known for throwing prestigious food festivals, with its medieval fair and castle also helping to up charm levels. The town’s 18-hole golf course is a good way to wind down and there's a racecourse and dedicated fishing stretches on the River Teme too. More fishing can be found in lakes and pools in the surrounding area. The Forestry Commission-owned Mortimer Forest, within walking distance of Ludlow, has a network of walking trails and cycle paths; hikers can also look for fossils and walk on woodland trails at the National Trust site Wenlock Edge, a 30-minute drive away. Church Stretton (half an hour) makes a good starting point for walks to the Iron Age fort at Caer Caradoc. The Brecon Beacons National Park and the Malvern Hills, both within an hour's drive, also have plenty of routes for walking or mountain biking. The city of Hereford (45 minutes) is home to the Mappa Mundi centre, which houses a medieval map of the known world dating back to around 1300 (there's a cider museum in town too, just so you know...). Historic attractions in Shrewsbury (an hour) include the Old Market Hall and Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, and there are splendid walks to be had along the River Severn.