Wellington

Wellington has a wealth of local attractions for visitors and locals alike and is easy to get to. From Walking Festivals and Summer Fayres to our Charter Day and Arts Festival; a National Trust property and community-run nature reserves, Wellington has it all and, of course, Wellington is home to the mighty Wrekin – ‘the spiritual heart’ of Shropshire.

The Wrekin plays an important role in Shropshire folklore and is part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and within walking distance of the town centre. Visitors, pilgrims, residents and honoured guests – we give you the Shropshire toast: ‘All friends round the Wrekin’.

5 top sees and dos

1. The Wrekin

The views from this ancient hilltop are amongst some of the most breath taking in the region on a clear day, you can see 17 counties from the summit as well as the Malvern Hills and the Welsh Mountains. The Wrekin boasts one of the world’s oldest land surface – you can tread on volcanic rock millions of years older than Mount Everest.

Download a map of The Wrekin.

2. Sunnycroft

This unusual National Trust property offers a chance to immerse yourself in an Edwardian era.

3. Dothill Nature Reserve

This haven for wildlife is a large area of green open space.

4. The Orbit Cinema

The Wellington Orbit is a brand new cinema and arts centre in the heart of Wellington showing a wide variety of films.

5. Wellington Market

Granted its Charter in 1244 is a cornucopia of goods and street food eateries found in the brand new food quarter.

A weekend in Wellington

No visit to Wellington is complete without a hike up The Wrekin. The views from this ancient hilltop are amongst some of the most breath taking in the region and well worth the climb up the well maintained and clearly waymarked track to the top. Capping the summit of one of Shropshire’s iconic hills is a 20-acre Iron Age hillfort once home to the Cornovii tribe. This ancient stronghold, built around 400BC, crowns the summit of The Wrekin.

On a clear day, you can see 17 counties from The Wrekin’s 407m (1,335ft) summit as well as the Malvern Hills some 40 miles away and to the west, the Welsh Mountains. The Wrekin boasts one of the world’s oldest land surface – you can tread on volcanic rock millions of years older than Mount Everest.

The Wrekin climb will take about 2 hours and in addition there are over 50 walking and cycling routes – which all start at the Railway Station. Wellington is a ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town and there are downloadable maps to guide you.

After these exertions, refreshments will be the order of the day – and a great place to head to is The Pheasant pub on Market Street, complete with its own brewery in the backyard. The new food court at the market is also a great place to sample food from all corners of the globe and if your stay is timed right the market stays open late with live music and comedy on offer. Alternatively, take in a classic film or an unusual arthouse offering at the community run Orbit cinema.

On Sunday a visit to the National Trust property of Sunnycroft is the order of the day; or if you visit in the first weekend of July there is a Wellington Open Garden trail, with 17 beautiful gardens open to the public.  Sunnycroft is tucked away on the edge of Wellington and is a rare suburban villa and mini-estate, flanked by a large avenue of Wellingtonia trees and a time capsule, which is furnished with original wallpapers, Maw’s tiles and gold medal winning fireplaces, transporting you back to the pre-First World War ‘country house’ lifestyle. The 5 acres of garden is complete with glass houses, conservatory, kennels, pigsties and stables and is perfect for a wander or a game of croquet.

Sunday lunch is a real treat at The Walnut in the Market Square; wander down Crown Street with its hanging wellies and brightly coloured shopfronts – part of the ancient lanes in the town’s conservation area.

For a Sunday afternoon in nature, Dothill Nature Reserve is the tranquil home to a diverse range of habitats and species over a fairly gentle terrain. There are lakes, streams, woods and open meadows. It is small enough to explore within a few hours, yet large enough to be a peaceful retreat from everyday life.

See the Love Wellington website for more information during your stay.