Wellington, Madeira and the Falklands... take a trip around the world without leaving Shropshire

Here Mark Andrews takes you on a ‘world’ tour around Shropshire comparing some of the locations in the county that share a name with famous destinations around the globe.

Falklands

Don’t mention the war! At least not if you’re a controversial television presenter driving round Argentina in an old Porsche with a dubious number plate.

It is 35 years since Britain went to war to reclaim the South American islands, and in recent years this tiny bit of Britain in the South Atlantic has seen a major boost in tourism, particularly from cruise ships. The unspoilt islands are particularly renowned for their wildlife, with people able to watch including seals, penguins and albatross in their natural habitat.

The clear blue skies, seamless horizons, vast open spaces and white sandy beaches are also a big draw, along with the rocky rivers.

Falkland Road, leading to Falkland Park in Dorrington, near Shrewsbury, is 71 miles from the coast. On the other hand, it is itself situated in glorious countryside, with some pretty impressive wildlife just waiting to be explored.

Madeira

This sun-kissed collection of islands 250 miles north of the Canaries have been ruled by Portugal since the 15th century, and are famous for the fortified wines which are produced in the area.

The islands are also known for their rich heritage of gastronomy, history and cultural value, as well as the stunning landscapes of the Laurel forest, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Nestling at the foot of the Shropshire Hills Madeira Walk in Church Stretton, also offers some fantastic scenery, with stunning views over the Carding Mill Valley. While not recognised by Unesco, the hills are designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty by Natural England, which is pretty much the next best thing.

Shropshire's answer to Madeira might not be able to enjoy the year-round sunshine of its Portuguese namesake, but it is a pretty wonderful place to go for a brisk winter walk when the hills are covered in snow. And if you do pay a visit, don't forget to take a look around the idyllic town of Church Stretton itself, which even has its own door knocker shop.

New England

Known as "the birthplace of America" due to its role in the Boston Tea Party, and the subsequent war of independence, New England in the north-east of the United States is renowned for its rich history, scenery and culture.

Its sandy beaches, panoramic mountain views and huge lakes are big drawers for visitors, during the autumn months the changing colours of its vast expanses of woodland truly is a sight to behold. New England's hot, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters means it is able to attract a broad variety of visitors throughout the year.

Those looking for somewhere to eat will want to try the quaint country inns and and dockside restaurants offering seafood, chowder, lobster, and blueberry pie.

New England Lane in Highley is a narrow lane, off Netherton Lane, which is deemed unsuitable for heavy vehicles. Highley Golf Centre dominates the one side of the road, with three barn conversions and a farm on the other. There are also a few homes tucked away in an enclave at the bottom. Netherton Foundry, famous for its high quality kitchenware, is nearby.

St Helier

St Helier is the capital of Jersey, the sunniest part of the British Isles, a playground for the wealthy with its harbour packed with luxury yachts. ]

Visitors can take in a spot of dolphin and whale watching on one of the sea safaris that are on offer, while motor racing fans might want to drop into the Mansell Collection.

The pretty little port of St Aubin, the stunning rocky coastline of St Brelade and St Saviour, where the government buildings are based, are all within easy distance.

St Helier Drive in Dawley Bank is an attractive modern housing development, largely made up of fairly substantial, newish detached homes.

On the one side of the road is a tree-lined open space, with a cycle lane running through the footpath. St Aubin Drive, St Brelade Close and St Saviour Close are nearby.

Wellington

Well we all know Wellington in Shropshire, the historic market town in the shadow of The Wrekin, birthplace to botanist William Withering and novelist Hesba Stratton, one-time workplace of Philip Larkin, and home to AFC Telford United and the Sunnycroft estate.

There is another Wellington on the other side of the world, though, the capital of New Zealand, although it would struggle to compete with what its Shropshire namesake has to offer.

Wellington NZ is popular for its zoo, and its interesting range of architecture, ranging from the 1858 Colonial Cottage in Mount Cook to the Majestic Centre skyscraper in Willis Street, and its cable car offering spectacular views.

The harbour is growing in popularity with cruise passengers, and is marketed as "The coolest little capital in the world" – by somebody who has clearly never been to Telford.

It's actually quite nice, and worth a visit if you're over that way. But not as good as our Wellington.

Rhodes

Famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World before it was destroyed by an earthquake, the Greek holiday island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

The medieval old town in the city of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site, and in July the island enjoys 14 hours of sunshine, as well as temperatures touching 100F (39C). In high season, thousands of visitors flock to Rhodes for its crystal blue waters and the Acropolis of Lindos.

Visitors to Rhodes Avenue in Dawley will have to settle for a few hours of sun on a deckchair in the garden, or maybe a bit of warmth tending tomatoes in some of the greenhouses backing onto the cul-de-sac.

A narrow road made up mainly of semi detached houses, some of the front gardens enclosed by wooden fencing, others having been turned into car parking.

The back gardens and garages of the neighbouring road dominate the other side of the street. I it is within easy walking distance of Telford town centre and has a bus stop nearby.

Aspen

Nestling high up in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen Colorado is a billionaire's playground, one of the wealthiest towns in the world, famed for its skiing in the winter, and its food-and-drink festivals during the summer.

On a clear day summer's day the views can be breathtaking, and while it is not a large town, there are some superb shops selling antiques and hand-crafted items for those with big pockets.

It is still possible to buy a one-bedroom flat for $1 million, but a ranch set in 875 acres of land will set you back $60 million.

Aspen Court in Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, on the other hand, is a quiet cul-de-sac of neat, modern homes with well-kept lawns, where it is possible to buy a tidy detached bungalow for £135,000. It is ideally suited for the popular Oswestry LitFest, which also brings in its fair share of big-name celebrities – and the winters are nowhere near as cold as in Colorado. Skiing's really not all it's cracked up to be.