Hawkstone Park Follies - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The gardens at Hodnet were started in 1922 when there was only a marshy hollow in front of the house. This was excavated, dams built and a chain of seven lakes and pools was created, all planted out with rare trees and shrubs. Rhododendrons and camellias thrive in the acid soil; iris and other bog plants enjoy this fairly high rainfall area and their position around the pools.

A beautiful garden which stands in a lovely rural location in a quiet village in north-eastern Shropshire, not far from Market Drayton. The Grade II-listed timber-framed hall was built in the 16th century, and is not open to the public, but it does form a lovely backdrop for these beautiful gardens. Covering 4 acres, it consists of a series of linked garden “rooms” filled with modern plantings.

The impressive ruins of Moreton Corbet Castle are the product of over 500 years of building. The earliest surviving remains are those of a stone castle begun in about 1200, including a fine gatehouse. The ruins are from two different eras: a medieval stronghold and an Elizabethan era manor house. The buildings have been out of use since the 18th century.

Battlefield Falconry Centre has a wonderful collection of over 30 birds, and a good variety of species of owl, hawk, and falcon. There is a Hawk Walk, a Bird of Prey Experience, and a Bird Handling session to choose from, all of which give older kids a chance to get close to, and even fly some beautiful birds. Full training and equipment are provided, plus some interesting information about the birds from the experienced falconer.

Haughmond Abbey is a ruined 12th-century Augustinian abbey in a lovely rural setting. The abbey roots go back to the 11th century when a small religious community was established here. The buildings fell into disrepair and the church was largely destroyed, although the remains of some of the domestic buildings remain impressive. The site is now in the care of English Heritage and is open to the public during the summer.

Haughmond Hill is a large woodland that is very popular with dog walkers and visitors wanting easy walks with nice views. It has many rough paths, two surfaced trails and a good car park. The hill has several dubious connections with the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. Queen Eleanor's Bower is a small enclosure on the hill from which the wife of Henry IV of England supposedly watched the battle's progress.