Unexpected UK location named in world’s top ten holiday destinations – with pretty medieval towns and 32 castles

AN unexpected destination in the UK has been named one of the best places in the world to visit this year.

Ahead of Sunshine Saturday tomorrow – known as one of the busiest days of the year for holiday bookings – travel association ABTA has revealed with its Destinations to Watch for 2024.

Graeme Buck, ABTA’s Director of Communications, explained: “Our team of experts at ABTA has put together a list of 10 ‘Destinations to Watch’ which offer varied and memorable experiences around the globe.

“Some are a little unexpected, and all are well worth a visit.

“The destinations showcase the amazing range of experiences that our world offers to holidaymakers.”

While the list includes destinations such as Crete, Mauritius and Albania, the UK county of Shropshire also made the list.

Mark Hooper, head of Visit Shropshire, praised the “fabulous news“.

He added: “Travellers are increasingly looking for space, authenticity, history, nature and great food – and we have it all in our little county.”

This English county, found on the Welsh borders, attracts tourists wanting to visit rural countryside as well as some of the country’s prettiest towns.

An iconic landmark is the Ironbridge Gorge in Coalbrookdale,

Writer PG Wodehouse once said Shropshire was even “the nearest earthly place to paradise”.

Surprisingly, the region was even home to the world’ first skyscraper.

Ditherington Flax Mill, built by Charles Bage who was dubbed the “grandfather of skyscrapers,” built the 5-storey tower in 1911.

The medieval town Shrewsbury was the birthplace of Charles Darwin and Ludlow, a market town in Shropshire, was named one of the prettiest in the UK last year.

Foodies will be spoilt for choice with a whopping six restaurants on the Michelin Guide list.

Ludlow Castle is just around the corner too – one of 32 in Shropshire – dating back to the 11th-century and is one of the best-preserved ruins from Medieval times.

And the rest of Shropshire is pretty enough to have featured in a number of Hollywood films and TV shows.

Parts of the BBC adaptation at Narnia was filmed near Hawkstone Park, as well as the following Prince Caspion.

The 2007 film Atonement was filmed across Shropshire, as well as the 2023 BBC adaptation of Bleak House.

Sun Travel recently visited Shropshire – here’s how to do a staycation in the region.