Guide praises Shropshire attractions

Shropshire is "excellent value for money"

Shropshire's Ironbridge Gorge Museums have been named the National Family Attraction of the Year by the Good Britain Guide 2003.

The cluster of 10 museums were described by judges as one of the "most satisfying places to visit in the entire country ".

The Hawstone Park Follies in Weston-under-Redcastle was also awarded the Adventure of the Year and Wem's Myth Stories also gets a mention.

But the guide noted a rise of about 16% in prices at hotels and attractions nationally.

It is wonderful that all the hard work and investment... in Shropshire has been recognised

Simon McCloy, Shropshire Tourism

But the Ironbridge Gorge and Shropshire are generally excellent value for money for visitors.

Richard Bifield, tourism manager from Telford and Shropshire Marketing Partnership said: "We are tremendously proud of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums and Hawkstone Historic Park and Follies for winning such prestigious national awards.

"It just underlined the quality of Shropshire's visitor attractions which are among the best in the country."

Warwick Castle scooped the award for best castle.

Birmingham's new Think Tank museum at Millennium Point came in for recognition, winning the discovery centre award.

But Alton Towers, last year's winner of best theme park lost out to Thorpe Park in Surrey.

Simon McCloy, chief executive of Shropshire Tourism said: "It is wonderful that all the hard work and investment in creating these two national award winning attractions in Shropshire has been recognised.

"Visitors now have two more very good reasons for visiting the county."