Shropshire: 10 reasons to visit the rural gem

Abta said its destination list aimed to inspire travellers and Shropshire had beautiful landscapes, towns and villages - and a world-famous Iron Bridge situated in a UNESCO World Heritage site

If you're looking for somewhere in the world to visit in 2024, travel trade organisation Abta has named 10 destinations to consider - and the list includes Shropshire.

The "rural gem" is the only UK region to be featured on the list alongside the Spanish region of Extremadura, Saxony in Germany, Vietnam and Zambia.

Towns including Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Church Stretton and Ludlow attract thousands of tourists every year to Shropshire.

Figures for 2022 revealed almost 1.5 million people spent a night or more in the county, Visit Shropshire said.

As a lifelong Salopian, here are 10 of the county's most beautiful visitor spots that I've captured on camera.

1. The Severn Valley Railway runs from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster. Head to Eardington Nature Reserve on the B4555 heading out of Bridgnorth for a perfect view of the steam trains running through a cutting

2. The River Severn, which runs from Shrewsbury to Bridgnorth, has many beautiful views like this one. Head from Buildwas towards Leighton for a wonderful view of the river snaking through the countryside

3. The Dingle in Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, is a riot of colour in summer. A beautiful, tranquil spot 10 minutes from the county town's centre

4. The walk is steep and the views are special. Head into Shropshire along the M54 motorway and in the distance you'll see the Wrekin hill, standing 407 metres (1,335ft) above sea level. One of Shropshire's best-known landmarks is accessible from Wellington

5. If you're lucky, you may encounter wild ponies living on the Long Mynd, near Church Stretton. Carding Mill Valley and Long Mynd cover 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of heather-covered hills with stunning views that attract thousands of walkers every year

6. There are many beautiful villages in Shropshire, like Badger, six miles from Bridgnorth. Five minutes from the village pond is a woodland area where a beautiful waterfall is a magnet for local photographers

7. Clun Castle, on the Shropshire/Welsh border, is a dramatic riverside ruin. The original castle was built in the late 11th century

8. Shropshire is a county of hills. And the landscape is certainly dramatic at Clee Hill, near Ludlow

9. A short walk from the heart of Ludlow, you'll find Dinham Bridge and the River Teme, with Ludlow Castle above. You can follow the Teme downstream to Ludford Bridge

10. And finally Bridgnorth which the River Severn splits into Low Town and High Town. Connecting the two is the famous Cliff Railway, which is currently out of action but a sight to behold nevertheless