Wem - home of the sweet pea
Lying in the heart of north Shropshire, this attractive market town offers a slice of old-world England, with its fine Georgian buildings and specialty shops. Stock up on mint humbugs at traditional sweet shop The Treacle Mine or pick up a homemade pasty from The Fruitful Deli. Wem is also the home of the humble sweet pea, first grown here in the 18th century. The annual Wem Sweet Pea Festival is a riot of colour and scent.
A woodland fantasy at Hawkstone Park Follies
Nearby is this historic grade I listed parkland, built over 200 years ago. It's an extraordinary collection of manmade caves, cliffs and grottoes centred on the Red Castle and awesome Grotto Hill. Legend has it that it was the home and final resting place of King Arthur. Explore crags, caves, intricate pathways, ravines, arches and bridges, taking in stunning views of the Shropshire countryside as you go.
Explore castle country
You're in a great spot for touring castles along the English-Welsh border. Shrewsbury Castle was built to guard the town and River Severn, while Moreton Corbet Castle is an unusually atmospheric and ornate ruin that's free to explore. In Wales, pay a visit to Chirk Castle, a magnificent 700-year-old marcher fortress with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Looking for a cheap hotel Near Wem? Travelodge Shrewsbury Battlefield Hotel is a 15-minute drive away. Alternatively, you could try Travelodge Shrewsbury Bayston Hill Hotel.