Tough competition

The Countryfile Magazine Awards celebrate the best of the countryside, from Britain’s greatest nature reserve to the landmark of the year.

This year three places connected with English Heritage have been nominated for the Heritage Site of the Year Award; Stokesay Castle in Shropshire, Hadrian’s Wall and Whitby, home to the magnificent gothic Whitby Abbey. Dunlace Castle in County Antrim and Shropshire’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct are also shortlisted in this category.
Stokesay: ‘My favourite little gem’

The shortlist was chosen by Countryfile presenter John Craven, and now the winner will be chosen by a public vote.

Craven said “Stokesay is my favourite little gem from the Middle Ages ... On seeing it, I promptly fell for its charms, which have changed little since it was built in the late 13th-century.”
Vote now

See the full shortlist and vote for your favourite place on the Countryfile website. Voting closes on 31st January 2016, and winners will be announced in March 2016.

As well as Heritage Site of the Year, there are also awards for the best beach, pub, garden and landmark, all decided by the public.

Stokesay Castle

Stokesay Castle has remained largely unchanged since it was constructed at the end of the 13th century by Laurence of Ludlow, one of the richest men in England. Set in peaceful countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church provide a unique glimpse into the English Middle Ages.

To find out more about Stokesay please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/stokesay or follow @EnglishHeritage on Twitter.