Things To Do In Shropshire

Shrewsbury

The historic market town of Shrewsbury offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature. With over 800 listed buildings, including the infamous Tudor timber framed houses, the medieval town centre remains remarkably well preserved. Visit Shrewsbury Castle for views of the town, the Museum and Art Gallery to explore Roman and social history exhibits or enjoy a tour of Shrewsbury Prison. The River Severn, which loops around the town centre, provides a perfect playground for canoeing, kayaking and boat trips or simply walking by the water’s edge. The 29 acre Quarry Park, nestled within a loop of the River Severn, is a great place for picnics or ball games and is also home to Darwin’s Islands of Adventure Splash Park, a themed water play area inspired by the scientific discoveries of Charles Darwin, who was born in Shrewsbury.

Ludlow

The medieval town of Ludlow is a unique blend of impressive historical landmarks and a vibrant foodie market town. Explore the narrow lanes, lined with black and white timber buildings, until you reach the market square where you will find the impressive Ludlow Castle. Climb the towers of the ancient spiral staircases for panoramic views of the Shropshire countryside or admire the Great Hall and Royal Apartments. Other historic highlights include the 12th Century St Laurence's Church and Ludlow Museum. When you have finished exploring rest your weary feet and treat your taste buds to some of the local produce. The award-winning outdoor market is open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, or visit one of the many delis and restaurants in town. Ludlow is also famous for its annual Ludlow Food and Drink festival held in September.

Shropshire Hills

The Shropshire Hills, a designated National landscape, is a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year. The network of footpaths, cycle routes and bridleways make is easy to explore whatever your preferred mode of transport. The Long Mynd, a vast moorland plateau, is popular for walking with trails ranging from gentle valley strolls to challenging hill climbs. The 10 mile circular Long Mynd and Ratlinghope Walk is a great choice for keen hikers or the shorter Lightspout Waterfall walk is perfect for spotting local wildlife such as red kites and the famous Long Mynd ponies. Keen mountain bikers will love the Long Mynd Classic route, starting and ending at the Carding Mill Valley. Be prepared for tough climbs and high speed descents! Or for a scenic but less challenging ride follow the Portway ridgeway along the top of the plateau. The spectacular 360-degree views are definitely worth the pedal power to get there.

Bishop’s Castle

Bishop’s Castle, a pretty market town sitting just a mile or two from the Welsh border, is a lovely mix of quirky independent shops, unique architecture and a vibrant arts scene. The steep narrow streets are peppered with listed buildings and colourful painted houses. The House on Crutches Museum is a 16th-century timber-framed building famous for being propped up by its distinctive ‘crutches’, whilst The Poetry Pharmacy is a quirky literary haven housed in a restored Victorian emporium where poetry is prescribed instead of pills. There is not much left to see of the 11th century castle but there are a few remains of the wall on Castle Street. Alternatively browse the independent galleries on the High Street or visit the Three Tuns Inn to sample some of the infamous ales and enjoy a heart Sunday lunch

Ironbridge

Ironbridge, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, offers a vast range of historical and family-friendly activities at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Walk across the world’s first cast Iron Bridge and visit the Tollhouse museum to learn about its construction back in 1779. You can also re live history at the Blists Hill Victorian Town, an immersive open-air living museum that recreates a working-class town from 1900. Explore authentic 19th-century buildings where you can interact with costumed characters playing the roles of Victorian residents, exchange your money for Victorian tokens and visit traditional shops. You can also watch live demonstrations of traditional skills including candle-making and iron-casting. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the traditional fish and chips fried in beef dripping! The Coalport China Museum and the Jackfield Tile Museum are worth a visit, whilst budding engineers can enjoy a hands on experience at Enginuity.

Stokesay Castle

Stokesay Castle, a moated manor house located less than a mile from the market town of Craven Arms, is widely considered to be one of the best preserved medieval manor houses in England. It was built between 1285 and 1294 by Laurence of Ludlow, a rich wool merchant. Whilst there are two towers and a moat, it was built more as a prestigious home rather than a castle with a military agenda. The Great Hall, largely unchanged in the past 700 years, features an impressive timber cruck roof and original staircase whilst the yellow and brown timber framed Gatehouse is famous for its intricate carvings of Adam and Eve and the Stokesay Dragon. Immerse yourself into the history of the castle with an audio tour or let the kids loose on the family trail and intriguing puzzle quest. The dog friendly tearoom serves a variety of snacks and meals, or on a nice day enjoy a picnic whilst soaking up the views of the Shropshire Hills.

Royal Air Force Museum

The Royal Air Force Museum Midlands, otherwise known as RAF Cosford, is one of the top sites for aviation history in the UK. It is a fantastic day out for both big and small budding pilots alike! There is a wide variety of exhibitions and displays including the world’s oldest Supermarine Spitfire I as well as other WWII aircraft such as the Hurricane and Mosquito. You will also find V-Bombers and a section of the Berlin Wall in the National Cold War Exhibition. Entry to the museum is free but you can pay for additional experiences such as a 4D Theatre, a family guided tour, flight simulators and the Spitfire Cockpit Experience.

Acton Scott Heritage Farm

It’s not all about castles and industrial revolutions in Shropshire. You can also learn more about Shropshire’s farming heritage at Acton Scott Heritage Farm. The 22 acre farm brings 19th century rural living to life through various demonstrations, workshops and events. Learn more about blacksmithing, wheelwrighting, butter-making and horse-drawn ploughing. Meet the rare breed Shire horses, sheep, cattle and pigs, or enjoy a willow sculpture workshop. Wonder wander through the stables and dairy, be wowed by the collection of horse drawn machinery and take your chances of getting lost in the willow maze. Find a peaceful picnic spot or head to the onsite café for a light bite or tea and cake.

Hawkstone Park Follies

The dramatic cliffs, hidden caves and winding trails at Hawkstone Park Follies makes for a fantastic day out for the whole family. Whether you are after a gentle family stroll or a more adventurous hike there is plenty to keep everyone on their toes! Head to the top of the monument, a 100-foot-high obelisk, where you can be wowed by the panoramic views, or discover the complex man-made tunnels and caverns. Brave souls can venture across the Swiss Bridge, a narrow and rustic wooden bridge spanning a deep, rocky chasm or find The Hermitage, a small thatched rustic hut where a live hermit once lived to greet visitors. Dogs on leads are very welcome and you can either enjoy your sarnies enroute or visit the onsite café.

Severn Valley Country Park

p>The award winning Severn Valley Country Park, located in the heart of the Severn Valley, is a popular day out for both two and four legged family members. Lace up your walking boots and explore the extensive network of footpaths in the126-acre park. The Highley Trail is a popular circular 3.5 mile route where you can explore the historical mining village of Highley, or the short Easy Access Nature Trail is perfect for wheelchairs and pushchairs. If you want to let the train take the strain take a ride on the Severn Valley Railway which runs directly through the park or let the kids run off steam at one of the children’s play areas. There is also a wetland area where you can spot kingfishers and the club-tailed dragonflies from the bird hides. If you like to start your Saturday mornings with a spring in your step you can also pop along to the 5km park run which takes places in the park every Saturday morning at 9am.

Shropshire Raft Tours

For a family day out on the water head to Shropshire Raft Tours, located just outside Ironbridge on the River Severn. The Mini-Raft hire, a 10ft raft that holds two to five people, is the most popular choice for family groups. After meeting in Bridgnorth you will be shuttled down river so you can paddle back to your vehicle. You can also hire 2/3 seater Canadian canoes, or single and double sit on top kayaks – both perfect for a scenic paddle along the river. Adventurous groups will love the mega SUP hire. The giant stand up paddle boards hold from five to eight people. How many times will you all make a splash?! If you prefer to keep your feet dry you can also hire electric and manual bikes to explore Ironbridge Gorge and the surrounding areas.

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World

From exotic animal species to prehistoric trails and fantastic play zones Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World is fantastic day out for the whole family. Embark on a woodland trial with a difference at Hoo-Rassic World. This immersive dinosaur attraction includes dozens of life sized moving prehistoric creatures including T-Rez and Triceratops. Listen to them roar and discover how they lived, hunted and evolved many many years ago. The Land of the Beasts brings the Ice Age to life with prehistoric mammals like Woolly Mammoths and Cave Bears whilst Prehistoric Park HQ gives visitors the chance to view a variety of authentic fossils. Meet lemurs, wolves, capybaras and meerkats in the animal enclosures or let the kids run wild in one of the play zones where they can go climbing, zip lining and bouncing.

Attingham Park

The National Trust parkland and Regency Mansion at Attingham Park, located a few miles east of Shrewsbury, is a lovely spot to enjoy a lazy day whilst on holiday in Shropshire. With over 200 acres of green spaces, a historic deer park and the River Tern gently meandering through the park it is easy to simply recharge and take life in the slow lane. Take a gentle stroll and have a leisurely picnic in the Walled Garden and Orchard, or follow the River Tern and find a peaceful spot near the Mansion bridge to sit by the water and watch the deer. Head inside the house where you can explore the library, learn more about the Georgian Mansion through a studio tour or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Carriage House Café.

Shrewsbury River Cruise

Enjoy a lazy day on the River Severn on a relaxing Sabrina Boat tour. Watch the world go by as you sail between the Welsh and English bridges enjoying the scenic views of Shrewsbury. If you are looking to treat yourself book a Sunday lunch or afternoon tea cruise, whilst the picnic boat cruises, ideal for small groups or family gatherings, are popular during the summer months. The boats have three decks, with the middle and lower decks fully enclosed and heated, keeping you warm and comfortable whatever the weather. Your four legged friends are also very welcome onboard. Why not combine a river cruise with a walking tour of Shrewsbury where you can find out more about the town’s intriguing past.

Glacial Mere at Ellesmere

p>The glacial Mere at Ellesmere, often described as Shropshire’s Lake District, is the perfect location for a gentle potter, peaceful picnic and lakeside lunch. Formed roughly 12,000 years ago by retreating glaciers, the 46-hectare park is today recognized for its tranquil riverside settings, gentle hill views, and relaxed vibe. Enjoy the views as you meander along the promenade and sculpture trail or hunker down for a lazy picnic day in the Cremorne Gardens. If you fancy getting on the water you can hire a rowing boat where you can explore the water at your own pace, or hop on board the Lady Katherine Steam boat for a tour of the Mere. If you haven’t had time to pack a picnic the recently refurbished restaurant at The Boathouse is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy lunch or afternoon tea as you enjoy the panoramic views of the water and the surrounding woodland.

Alderford Lake

If you are looking for a mix of gentle activities and a relaxing day out head to Alderford Lake near Whitchurch. If you like to start your day with a gentle swim the lake is a safe and scenic spot for open water swimming. There is even a dedicated swimmers hut with new shower facilities and you can warm up afterwards in the Cosy Cask Sauna, a traditional wood-fired barrel sauna. If you would prefer to be ‘on’ the water rather than ‘in’ the water you can hire paddleboards and canoes or try something new and have a go at aqua biking, a hands-free way to explore the water whilst staying completely dry. Back on dry land you can take a gentle lakeside stroll whilst admiring the scenic woodland views. Pick up some goodies for a picnic at the onsite farm shop or The Lakeside Kitchen is a contemporary café with a casual and relaxed atmosphere.