Welsh Marches

[Saracen]

We're planning a family holiday in the last half of March and were thinking of the Welsh Marches. My sister and BIL are coming from the US to join us. They are very keen on castles and all things medieval, as well as Roman sites. Not a walking holiday, as our fitness levels vary.

We'd slightly prefer to stay in a town or city, as there would be things to do without having to drive everywhere, so we can split up if people want to do different things. We are also not sure whether we may be having to get by with a car which seats 5, though there may be six of us depending whether university-age DC comes along.

Where would be a good base, and what should we see? I think DH might rule Hereford out because he's from there, so it wouldn't be so interesting for him.

I've been googling away, and Chester looks like it could be a good choice. It seems like there is plenty to do. Has anyone stayed there?

Ludlow is more in the Marches and has an amazing castle.

Chester's not really The Marches, but is a nice town to visit.

I would try Shrewsbury and Ludlow as bases (easily connected by train if you don't want to drive). Ludlow is a bit like a smaller Chester - huge numbers of listed buildings, castle well worth a visit, and some nice restaurants (even if it no longer has the Michelin stars it did). If budget allows, Dinham Weir House is a great house on the river with the option of a private chef (Harry is excellent - he catered my 50th).

Shrewsbury is much bigger, but still has a really nice historic centre. Tanners Wine Merchant is well worth a visit - they do cellar tours, IIRC.

Though to see some of the best sites, you will probably need a car. Stokesay Castle is a must see (the best preserved medieval fortified manor house in the country). I'd also take in Bishops Castle (has one of the oldest working breweries in the country - The Three Tuns - which does tours) and a nice high street. Maybe Clun and its ruined castle...

Montgomery is also a nice little town on the other side of the border - with a good restaurant with rooms in The Checkers (aspires to a star - a very good tasting menu). Bunners, the ironmonger there is quite an experience - a shop the like of which you no longer see.

Happy to answer any questions - as a local to this area.

I live in Chester and think it is great! Very happy to advise. But it is not the Marches

PS Wicked Car & Van hire in Ludlow used to have a small minibus for hire. Looking at their website that may have gone, but they do have a 7-seater for hire.

Some of the larger car hire firms have bases in Shrewsbury, although most are a bit out of the centre of town.

Hereford is not very nice (sorry, Herefordians). Ledbury is pleasant but Ludlow is really lovely.

Ludlow is also only 45 mins drive from Ironbridge Gorge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. The museums there would be an excellent place to take American visitors, Blists Hill Victorian town especially.

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions! I didn't realise Ludlow was so nice - I've only been through it once - so that is a brilliant idea. I love the Ironbridge Gorge too: not quite at the top of the list since the relatives are more interested in Roman and medieval history, but they'd like it well enough and we could do a day out. I've taken the kids there several times and would love to go again.

I forgot to say, we are probably going for about 10-12 days in total, coming from Oxfordshire. Perhaps we could stop off in Ludlow or Shrewsbury for a few days and then have a week in Chester, which looks like it offers a bit more to occupy us.

If Roman is important, do go to Wroxeter- which has one of the best preserved Roman towns in this part of the country. Also has a small vineyard!

You could definitely se a reasonable amount doing Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Chester in 10-12 days.

If you like walking - Church Stretton - (again on the railway line) is excellent. I used to live near Ludlow and miss it greatly - the Clee Hills are something else you might enjoy - depends if you want the walking and views!.

There is also Bridgnorth and smaller places like Clun (which has a small ruined castle).

Herefordshire is nice (except for the city) and is also in the Marches.

Shrewsbury should tick all of your boxes.

Mediaeval history galore and as previously mentioned, Uriconium Roman city at Wroxeter is on the outskirts.

There’s loads to see and do in Shrewsbury alone but it’s also close to Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Ironbridge and Chester

Ludlow is beautiful.

Chester is Roman and every period since then.
All the Welsh ring of Iron castles and a few more.
NT properties close by ( I'd give Plas Newydd a miss at the moment unless you are interested in the Whistler mural)

Terrific. Thanks, everybody! You've all given me the confidence that we will find a lot to see! I think we'll sort the accommodation and then add some sites to our list! Really looking forward to it.