Getting Oriented
Stratford-upon-Avon is northwest of London in the Midlands county of Warwickshire, known as Shakespeare Country. Tiny villages surround it; to the north are two magnificent castles, Warwick and Kenilworth. A little farther northwest is the region's main city, Birmingham. To the southwest, along the Malvern Hills, lie the peaceful spa town of Great Malvern and the prosperous agricultural city of Hereford. The western part of the region, bordering Wales, is hugged by the River Severn. The town of Shrewsbury is here, close to Ironbridge, home to the first major cast-iron bridge in the world. To the south of Ironbridge lies Ludlow, an architectural and culinary hotspot; at the northwestern edge of the region is the ancient city of Chester.
- Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare’s famous hometown.
- Henley-in-Arden. A sleepy village with stately homes.
- Warwick. Home to a historic castle.
- Kenilworth Castle. Warwickshire’s most romantic ruined castle.
- Birmingham. The cultural hub of the region.
- Great Malvern. A genteel suburb and a good base for the Malvern Hills.
- Ledbury. A bucolic town filled with charming half-timber buildings.
- Ross-on-Wye. A small market town trapped in time.
- Hereford. A famous cathedral city.
- Shrewsbury. An important medieval town.
- Ironbridge Gorge. A World Heritage Site considered the cradle of the Industrial Revolution.
- Ludlow. An old market town with an impressive food scene.
- Chester. The thriving historical center of Cheshire.
