This location made the top 10 (Picture: Getty)
It’s only natural to dream of the palm tree-lined beaches of the Caribbean, or the medieval alleys of South of France as your next getaway spot.
But it seems we needn’t look so far for holiday inspiration, as travel experts have hailed a location right on our doorstep for offering just as much charm and beauty as destinations further afield.
Shropshire has just been named as one of the top ten global ‘destinations to watch’ this year, in a new report released by Abta.
The UK ‘rural gem’ on the Welsh border has received high praise for its beautiful landscapes, towns and villages.
Whether you want to soak up one of the area’s historic landmarks, cycle amongst the hedgerows, visit a National Trust site, or get stuck into canoeing or kayaking in the numerous rivers, there’s an abundance of activities to tick off in the landlocked country.
It’s also a great spot for the whole family, with kid-friendly activities such as Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World as well as the deer-filled British Ironwork Centre topping TripAdvisor’s ‘Top Things To Do’ in Shropshire.
Castle Street in Shrewsbury, Shropshire (Credits: Getty Images)
But Shropshire offers so much more than just rolling hills and quaint surroundings. It’s also an ideal spot for history lovers – what with it being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Plus, the nearby town of Much Wenlock was the site of the first attempt in 1850 to revive the Olympic games.
It’s all on our doorstep (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
It’s no surprise then that every year, the idyllic towns of Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Church Stretton and Ludlow attract thousands of tourists to Shropshire.
In fact, last year 1.5 million people spent a night or more in the county.
Mark Hooper, head of Visit Shropshire, said the area was becoming increasingly popular among tourists, adding: ‘This is fabulous news and we are, of course, delighted to be named.
‘Travellers are increasingly looking for space, authenticity, history, nature and great food – and we have it all in our little county.’
Other spots on the list include the tropical islands of Aruba in the Caribbean and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, alongside Vietnam, Zambia, the Spanish region of Extremadura and Saxony in Germany.
Albania was another destination in the top 10 – and with beaches often described as the ‘Maldives of Europe’, it’s not hard to see why.
The 10 destinations to watch, according to Abta:
Albania
More and more savvy holidaymakers are discovering this stunning, friendly and good value destination, which is increasingly well served by UK tour operators and good quality accommodation.
Aruba
The beautiful Caribbean Island of Aruba is increasingly featured by British tour operators, making it much more accessible for holidaymakers looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
Crete
Greece’s largest island, Crete, is home to spectacular scenery and is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. A must see is the palace of Knossos, an unforgettable reminder of the island’s rich history.
Extremadura
The Spanish region of Extremadura is a largely undiscovered gem, home to three UNESCO world heritage sites and some of the country’s most attractive, historic cities.
Mauritius
This island in the Indian ocean is a dream destination with a combination of perfect beaches and stunning landscapes and extremely welcoming, friendly and hospitable people.
Saxony
The east German region of Saxony is one of the most memorable parts of this amazing country with historic, stunning cities including the baroque beauty Dresden and hip and happening Leipzig.
Shropshire
This idyllic English county on the Welsh borders has some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, towns and villages. Shropshire is not only a rural gem, it was also the birthplace of the industrial revolution.
The Tyrol
The Austrian Tyrol and its Italian neighbour the Sud Tyrol are rightly famous for their outstanding ski resorts and facilities, but travellers outside of the winter months already know that this area of outstanding beauty has an equally bewitching side.
Vietnam
Visitors to Vietnam can now visit visa free for up to 45 days giving even more time to explore the country’s lively historic cities, stunning landscapes and idyllic beaches.
Zambia
Zambia offers nature at its finest with a wealth of national parks teeming with wildlife, mighty waterfalls, and friendly vibrant cities. For animal lovers, very few countries compare – with almost a third of the country set aside for wildlife.
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