Ironbridge, on the River Severn, gets its name from the first-ever in the world bridge made of iron. The bridge is still there and the picturesque town climbs up the hillside above the river. Plenty of inns and pubs on both sides of the river.

It's also a good base of operations for exploring historic abbeys and Roman ruins. It's also only a two hour drive from the beautiful walled town of Conwy, Wales, with it's pretty much intact castle.