Old Upper Gwestydd

Clun Castle is a ruined Welsh border castle on a rocky mound beside the River Clun, on the edge of the small, picturesque town of Clun. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, it still has its tall 13th century keep, which unusually sits on the side of the mound, along with extensive earthworks to wander around.

Tip: Wear sturdy footwear as the grounds have steep slopes and uneven ground; there is a free car park next to the castle, with toilets, reached by a footbridge with steps.

Stokesay is a moated, walled manor house near Craven Arms. Though it looks like a castle, it was really a lightly defended mansion, with work completed by 1291. The stone hall and solar block sit behind two stone towers, and the hall keeps its 13th-century wooden-beamed ceiling. The timber and plaster gatehouse at the entrance dates from the 17th century.

Tip: Book advance tickets online through English Heritage, and finish with a break in the tearoom, which is open to all and welcomes dogs.

Ludlow Castle is a partly ruined medieval fortress in the Shropshire market town of Ludlow, standing on a high promontory above the River Teme. Probably founded around 1075, it was one of the first stone castles built in England and later became the seat of the Council of Wales and the Marches.

Tip: There is no parking at the castle itself, so plan to park in the town and walk in.

Whittington Castle stands in the village of Whittington in northern Shropshire, close to the Welsh border and the old fort of Old Oswestry. It began as a motte-and-bailey castle and was rebuilt in the 13th century, with buildings along a curtain wall, five towers on a raised platform, a moat and an outer gatehouse or barbican.

Tip: Look for the viewing mound in the centre of the site, which may be the oldest of its kind found in England.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee in the Vale of Llangollen. Designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, it is a cast iron trough held 127 ft (39 m) above the river on eighteen hollow masonry piers, with 19 arched spans. It is 336 yards (307 m) long and about 12 feet wide.

Shrewsbury Castle is a Grade I listed red sandstone castle standing on a hill in the neck of the River Severn's meander. Ordered by William I around 1067, it was extended as a base for operations into Wales. Parts of the original medieval structure remain, including the inner bailey.

Tip: Access to the castle grounds is free, so you can look around them even if you don't go into the museum.

Attingham Park is a National Trust country house near Atcham, on the Shrewsbury to Wellington road. The mansion was built in the 1780s for the first Baron Berwick and is Grade I listed. Inside, you can see the main reception rooms, which were split into a male and a female set on either side of the house, and John Nash's picture gallery, added in 1805.