Between Liverpool And Birmingham Is An Old Roman Town With Shops, Michelin-Rated Local Eats, And Scenic Beauty

While many visiting England may focus on London's urban sightseeing, there are plenty of traditional towns and villages beyond the capital that provide a more authentic taste of small-town Britain. Shropshire –- the hilly region encased between Wales and Birmingham's bustling metropolitan area -– is one of those representative places. Visitors can find medieval Norman ruins, old Roman towns, and scenic countryside beauty all within the county boundaries. A Shropshire gem bearing both historical relevance and natural beauty is Whitchurch, a small market town boasting the title of oldest in the region, dating to Roman times.

Enriching this small enclave is a series of fine dining eateries led by high-caliber, experienced chefs. Foodies, in particular, will find much to love, as the town is home to several Michelin-rated restaurants that cater to a wide range of tastes. You can also explore unique destinations that let you get out into the nature around Whitchurch, such as Hawkstone Park, where you'll find trails, caves, and "follies", or the panoramic Sandstone Trail that meanders by the historic Llangollen Canal (a gorgeous structure crossing the border between England and Wales). Beyond all these destinations, the town itself is overflowing with rural countryside and charming homes — turning a simple walk (or drive) into a memorable, relaxing experience.

Whitchurch's location makes it a great day trip from either Liverpool, about an hour's drive away (45 miles), or Birmingham, a slightly longer drive under an hour and a half (54 miles). Visitors can pick either large hub to visit from, or even use the old town as their base to explore the neighboring highlights, which include the spectacular Conwy Falls in Wales and the historic city of Chester. Undoubtedly, staying in and around Whitchurch offers travelers plenty to do and experience.

Walking around Whitchurch, visitors can see traces of its storied past in the buildings on its main thoroughfare: High Street. Though the town may not visually boast many remnants from its Roman days, when it was first established, it held an important place within Roman Britain. Built in 70 A.D., it was given the name of "Mediolanum," which, beyond its literal Latin meaning of "middle plain," is also the ancestral name of the illustrious Italian city known for fashion, food, and walkable artsy neighborhoods.

Whitchurch has other significant historic sites worth checking out, including the elegant Whitchurch Grammar School and St. Alkmund's Church — the "White Church" from which the town likely derived its current name. The original church with its white stone is no longer standing, but visitors today will instead see a reddish-brown sandstone building, along with a historic sundial dating back to the early 18th century. St. Alkmund's hosts events and services throughout the year, so be sure to check its calendar ahead of your trip.

After using the morning to explore town, visitors who want to make the most of Whitchurch's proximity to the countryside need only drive about 10 minutes to Combermere Abbey. This sweeping, renovated manor dating back to the 12th century is perched on a scenic small lake (also known as a mere), and visitors can amble across its thousand acres of green, as well as visit the main house, which includes an abbey and library belonging to the current titled owners. If looking for a wilder patch of green with plenty of scenic vistas, Whitchurch also provides easy access to Hawkstone Park –- home to sandstone cliffs and picturesque, rocky caves galore. This unique park is defined by its "follies", a mix of man-made art (including walls, tunnels, and sculptures) coexisting with trees and plants from around the world.

Whitchurch has plenty of unique, independent shops for visitors to peruse. Located inside a historic church is the Whitchurch Antiques Emporium, selling second-hand and vintage ware spanning everything from clothes and glass knickknacks to comics. With over 100 Google reviews, it's holding down an impressive 4.4 stars. For boutique clothes and footwear, visitors can head to Wagstaffes on the main thoroughfare. Visitors on Google compliment the impeccable service, as well as its wide range of styles.

Work up an appetite after all your adventures? You don't have to head to London to sample quality British cuisine (long considered the "worst" in Europe but making a comeback), or even to Birmingham, the underrated U.K. city and vibrant foodie gem just next door. Despite its tiny size, Whitchurch has attracted several fine dining chefs into its midst, resulting in Michelin-rated restaurants opening in town. Wild Shropshire is one of those eateries, serving a tasting menu inspired by seasonal produce in North Shropshire. Featured in the Michelin Guide and awarded a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to farm-to-table practices, Wild Shropshire offers its "micro-seasonal" menu to guests for $148 to $200 for nine courses.

Whitchurch is also home to Docket, another fine dining establishment with an option to experience eating at the chef's counter. It's similarly focused on Shropshire flavors, but with a European twist. Docket is priced about the same as Wild Shopshire (around $135 for a ten-course tasting menu) and has been part of the Michelin Guide since 2020. Alternatively, for a more laid-back option, visitors can opt for classic Italian Etzio on the High Street. Etzio offers a few options ideal for a quick meal on a budget, including a lunch offer for around $15 for a main and a glass of Italian wine.