Shropshire in England has been named as one of 10 destinations to watch in 2024 by ABTA – The Travel Association and is the first domestic UK destination ever to be included in their annual list.

Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire, stands on the River Severn

The new report features 10 countries and regions which are intended to inspire holidaymakers and inform their decision-making as they decide where to head off on vacation in 2024.

For the first time, ABTA has included a UK destination in its list, which has traditionally focused on destinations outside of the UK. Other destinations highlighted this year include Aruba in the Caribbean, Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and Zambia in Africa.

Magnificent Ludlow Castle

The county of Shropshire – the home county of Janet Redler Travel and where our head office is based – was described by ABTA as an idyllic English county on the Welsh borders, with some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, towns and villages. Shropshire is not only a rural gem, according to ABTA, but it was also the birthplace of the industrial revolution.

The 10 destinations were chosen following input from a range of ABTA travel experts. They offer a range of attractions including spectacular countryside and beaches, impressive towns, cities and historic sites, warm welcoming people, varied cuisines and the opportunity to view wildlife, The destinations are intended to inspire and inform customers’ holiday choices. The full report can be found here.

Stokesay Castle and Gatehouse in the Shropshire Hills

Graeme Buck, ABTA’s Director of Communications, said “We know that many people are looking for inspiration and new suggestions of where to go, so 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.”

ABTA is a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. It is the largest travel trade body, with over 4,600 travel brands in membership.

Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, said: “This is exciting for Shropshire. Our county has so much to offer and appeals to a wide audience for that reason. Whether people are looking to explore the county for its history, its beautiful countryside or characterful towns and villages, we are happy to accommodate them and are actively encouraging people to come and visit.”

Shrewsbury’s medieval abbey

As Janet Redler Travel is based in Shropshire, we know full well just how wonderful our county is. From the fascinating town of Shrewsbury, birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin and home to an impressive medieval abbey, to pretty Ludlow with its imposing castle, which dates back to the 12th century and was one of the first stone castles built in England. Ludlow has long been a top foodie destination and there are five Michelin Guide restaurants in the town.

The Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site is known through the world as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and is symbolised by the bridge at Ironbridge, which was the world’s first bridge constructed of iron.

The famous iron bridge in Ironbridge

The Shropshire Hills National Landscape has been wowing visitors for hundreds of years and its unspoilt beauty and tranquillity is hard to match - perfect for a walking tour or an activity break.

Shropshire Hills National Landscape

Wroxeter Roman City was once one of the largest in England and its incredibly well-preserved ruins are a must-see on a tour of Roman Britain.

Wroxeter Roman City at sunrise

The delightful village of Much Wenlock was where the modern Olympic Games was devised in the 19th century, and Oswestry, on the Welsh border, was the birthplace of the famous war poet Wilfred Owen. The pretty town of Bridgnorth is home to the oldest and steepest inland funicular railway in England.

Bridgnorth Cliff Railway

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “There is so much to see and do in Shropshire and it is well worth a visit on a tour of the United Kingdom. From its ancient castles to its enchanting gardens, and from its bustling market towns to its quintessential English villages, there really is a lot to enjoy in this wonderful county.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Shropshire, perhaps as part of a tailor-made tour of England or the wider United Kingdom, please do contact our friendly team today.