Whitchurch, Shropshire
The Hanmer Arms is approximately 4.8 miles (10 minutes drive) from Whitchurch.
Whitchurch is a bustling market town in North Wales on the border between England
and Wales, and the oldest continually inhabited community in Shropshire. Founded
by the Romans who called it Mediolanum, meaning the place in the middle of the plain,
Whitchurch has much history to explore and discover.
Although it is old, Whitchurch is not old fashioned, and it is also an ideal base
for exploring Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales. At the Whitchurch Heritage Centre
you can see the oldest clock makers in the world, the JB Joyce tower clocks company,
unearth Roman treasure and meet a musical knight - Sir Edward German, and the Victorian
illustrator Randolph Caldecott.
There are many stunning buildings situated around Whitchurch including a fine Queen
Anne Church - St Alkmund's, built in 1712 of red sandstone on the site of the earlier
Norman church and an important Listed Grade One building, it is also where the heart
of John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, is buried under the porch (his dying request).
For those keen on the outdoors, the Jubilee Park in Whitchurch is the starting point
for five long distance walking routes around the area - a great way to explore the
local sights. Or try one of the many interesting town trails, including a Clock
and Children's Town Mouse Trail!
Wrexham, Wales
Wrexham is the largest town in North Wales, situated between the Welsh mountains
and just 12 miles from the Hanmer Arms in Shropshire. There is much to see and do
in Wrexham, including the superb shopping facilities and many tourist attractions
such as the
Bangor on Dee Racecourse,
the National Trust property and park - Erddig Hall (voted the UK's best historical
house and 8th most popular historic site in 2007) the Science discovery centre and
Wrexham County Museum, and Clywedog Valley with Minera Leadmines, Nant Mill and
Bersham Ironworks set in a peaceful valley with good walks.