Destination Guides 199

Although often called a “country”, Wales is in fact a “Principality” and a region of the UK which is exceptionally beautiful and historic. With its own distinctive culture and its own widely spoken language, it is quite different from England with which it has been very closely associated since the 13^th century. Because of the relative lack of industrial development in rural areas, particularly in the north, the remnants of history are particularly visible. Most famous of these remnants are the castles built by Edward I and the Welsh princes – Wales has a greater density of these than any other region in the world.

Renowned for its exceptional churches and beautiful Tudor villages, Suffolk’s stunning medieval architecture was built on the wool trade. But the secret of Suffolk does not end there; the coast is rich with beaches and tiny creeks, and big skies are a feature of delightful undulating, unspoilt countryside which inspired great artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable.

Renowned for its exceptional churches and beautiful Tudor villages, Suffolk’s stunning medieval architecture was built on the wool trade. But the secret of Suffolk does not end there; the coast is rich with beaches and tiny creeks, and big skies are a feature of delightful undulating, unspoilt countryside which inspired great artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable.

Spring has arrived late in our area. Many guests visit this part of England in order to visit the surrounding country houses and gardens. The gardens are at their best in late May and early June for spectacular floral displays. Montacute House, Stourhead, Barrington Court, Tintinhull and Lytes Carey are some of the most popular.

The wonderful thing about the county is that it is largely unspoilt and undeveloped. The countryside is beautiful, fantastic for walking and yet, particularly because of its history, there are still plenty of things to see and do. There are castles galore (e.g. Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Stokesay, Whittington and nearby Powys and Chirk) and sites such as Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage Site.