Meadowtown Farm

Walks and hikes abound in this western part of Shropshire: you're within easy reach of top-rated spots like the Stiperstones (15 minutes' drive), Offa's Dyke Path (15 minutes) or Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd (40 minutes). For more wild days out, explore nature reserves like The Bog Visitor Centre (10 minutes), hire a canoe to paddle on the River Severn at Ironbridge (45 minutes) or make tracks to Rhayader's Red Kite Feeding Station (an hour and 10 minutes). Turn to Shrewsbury (35 minutes) when you'd like something a little less rural – Shropshire's county town is full of attractions and activities, from sampling the wares at Britain's oldest working brewery to laidback River Severn cruises aboard the much-loved boat Sabrina. It's also got cinemas, a bowling alley and terrific tours of 18th-century Shrewsbury Prison. For historic days out, look to Mitchell's Fold Stone Circle (10 minutes) or Wroxeter Roman City (35 minutes) for a slice of the ancient past, or learn more about Shropshire's rich industrial heritage at modern history spots like Ironbridge Gorge (45 minutes), Blists Hill Victorian Town (50 minutes) or Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron (50 minutes).