The Hopton Court Estate covers some 1800 acres, playing host to various events – from folk festivals to fitness events (see their website for full details) – with plenty of footpaths to explore. On the edge of the Shropshire Hills, the estate also offers direct access onto Catherton Common and the Clee Hills – Titterstone Clee, in particular, is a prominent landmark round these parts and well worth a ramble to the top for views over Worcestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and as far as the Black Mountains. For family-friendly routes, the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve offers cycling trails and more accessible walking routes or, to really take it easy, ride the vintage steam train from nearby Bewdley on the Severn Valley Railway (and hike back along the Severn Valley Country Park). Mountain biking, climbing, fishing, canoeing and wild swimming are all possible too, while, for culture, Ludlow town is a treasure trove – antique stores, boutiques and a fantastic reputation for food – with Ludlow Castle (01584 873355) overlooking it all. The town is host to a number of festival events annually, including a gourmet food festival (01584 873957) in September, while the tiny market town of Cleobury Mortimer, just 2½ miles down the road, also boasts fine cuisine, with 6 different pubs and a brewery, Hobsons. It also has a bank, pharmacy, petrol station, Post Office and all the essential amenities, plus a charming, 12th-century church with a famously crooked spire.