After rising up within the neighbouring county, I’ve obtained plenty of childhood recollections of a few of Shropshire’s household points of interest – however with so many issues to do in Shropshire with children, particularly outdoor, there’s nonetheless lots to discover within the county with my daughter, in addition to revisiting previous favourites.
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We’ve visited for a quick break glamping after lockdown, to get pleasure from getting away from dwelling and getting away from all of it on the identical time: our first journey away, Shropshire was good with beautiful countryside to discover and points of interest which weren’t swamped with individuals.
It’s nonetheless as tempting – and practically as crowd-free – just a few years on. And even when the Nice British summer time determined mid-July was an excellent time to rain (sigh), we nonetheless packed loads into our time within the county – listed here are just a few of our favorite issues to do in Shropshire with children.
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
The Ironbridge Gorge museums – and the gorge itself – are someplace I’ve been visiting since I used to be a baby, together with numerous visits to the great Blists Hill Victorian City.
I went again with my daughter a few years in the past, who liked it as a lot as I did, from the possibility to look at conventional crafts to purchasing Victorian sweets within the candy store, watching horses wandering via the cobbled streets and exploring the previous homes.
Take a look at our evaluation from our go to to Blists Hill Victorian City
The dwelling historical past museum has plenty of out of doors house to discover in addition to the indoor points of interest, plus there’s hands-on science at Enginuity, an opportunity to enterprise into the Tar Tunnel and beautiful ceramics and tiles in among the different Ironbridge Gorge Museums.
Take a ship on the River Severn
What higher option to see the iron bridge than from the river, with a self-hire boat journey alongside the Severn, absorbing the surroundings and recognizing wildlife as you go?
Shropshire Raft Excursions in Ironbridge have a selection of canoe, kayak, mini-raft and new coracles in the event you fancy venturing out onto the water, that are appropriate for teenagers aged 4+ (in addition to mega SUPs for youngsters aged 10 and above).
Attempt a simple hour-long paddle in a coracle or a enjoyable half-day kayak journey with time to cease and luxuriate in a picnic alongside the way in which – select the mini raft, and you may even eat as you float! In case you’re exploring Shropshire with teenagers (or are searching for extra of a problem), there are longer full-day choices as nicely.
Rent contains buoyancy aids, paddle, dry bag (and helmet if required) in addition to a security briefing, with a shuttle to take you to the river and employees that will help you get afloat. On the finish of the journey, Shropshire Raft Excursions will meet you to gather all of the gear (and it’s then only a 10-minute stroll again to the automotive park).
Costs begin from £29 for a single kayak for 4 hours, £34 for a three-person coracle, with double/triple canoes, four-person coracles and mini rafts with house for as much as 5.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
This can be a good spot to start out a go to to the county – in addition to being an excellent possibility for a wet day in Shropshire with children.
The little discovery centre traces the historical past of Shropshire from prehistoric occasions, when the land sat close to the equator and was lined by a heat shallow sea, and the Ice Age, which carved out the countryside you possibly can discover immediately.
From woolly mammoths to Romans, Iron Age Forts, Saxons and Normans, it’s an important introduction to Shropshire for teenagers, together with a bit of path (and stickers) plus a brief video to look at.
There are some interactive parts too, together with dressing up and hands-on shows, plus it begins with a duplicate mammoth skeleton – 4 actual ones had been discovered within the space – so it’s simple to seize children’ imaginations.
There’s additionally a restaurant right here and bogs, earlier than setting out on among the strolling routes which lead from the centre, sitting at a crossroads of 4 of the Shropshire Means routes.
Choose up one (or extra!) of the six Discovery Walks leaflets with particulars, together with mild strolls in addition to full-day treks via the hills.
Wroxeter Roman Metropolis
The Roman settlement of Viriconium was one of many largest within the nation, virtually as massive as Pompeii – immediately it’s an English Heritage web site and you may take an audio tour to find extra concerning the lives of the individuals who as soon as inhabited the traditional metropolis.
There’s additionally a museum with artefacts discovered on the positioning (presently closed, reopening Spring 2023), in addition to an enormous Roman bathtub home, plus the stays of partitions and the market place.
The Roman townhouse, reconstructed as a part of a mission with Channel 4 utilizing Roman instruments and supplies and based mostly on the design of a city home which as soon as stood right here, can be presently closed.
Tickets could be prebooked, though it’s not required – free to English Heritage members.
For extra concepts of Roman locations within the UK to go to with children, I’ve rounded up among the greatest throughout the nation
Ludlow Fort
One of many prettiest cities in England, with its black and white timbered buildings, vibrant little foodie outlets and cobbled streets, Ludlow was as soon as on the coronary heart of England’s historical past – as its ruined fortress attests.
The fortress dates again to the eleventh century, and was one of many first stone castles to be in-built England by the Normans. Later dwelling to the highly effective Mortimer household, who dominated this borderland with Wales, it additionally housed Prince Arthur (elder brother to Henry VIII) and Catherine of Aragon.
As we speak, you possibly can nonetheless see the intricate carving across the entrance to the weird spherical chapel in addition to the strong Norman tower (presently restricted entry occasions and numbers) – throughout our go to, we even noticed an sudden dragon plus an enormous wood throne.
There are data boards dotted round however it’s the perfect place for teenagers to let their imaginations run free, pretending to be knights, princesses or dragons themselves.
No prebooking wanted. Because the fortress is usually ruined, you’re successfully outdoor the entire time in the event you’re searching for issues to do in Shropshire within the rain with children.
Whilst you’re in Ludlow, cease off on the Ludlow Farmshop simply exterior the city, which has some unbelievable meals – Ludlow has a well-earned foodie repute with some pretty outlets on the town too – together with loads of treats and picnic provisions.
Wyre Forest
This Forestry England web site on the sting of Shropshire and Worcestershire is unbelievable for teenagers of any age – as with different forests round England, you’ll typically discover themed trails for teenagers (we’ve hunted Gruffalos, Superworm, Stick Man, Zog and Shaun the Sheep at varied English websites prior to now) in addition to a number of round strolling routes and bike trails.
The strolling routes at Wyre Forest begin from a 30-minute stroll with loads of indicators alongside the paths – we determined to wander the Woodpecker path which was a bit longer, and at occasions, it felt like we had the woods to ourselves (other than the occasional squirrel, butterflies galore and birds calling within the bushes).
As you stroll, you possibly can ponder the truth that this historic woodland is round 10,000 years previous. The place you’re squirrel recognizing, Stone Age man was busy utilizing flint instruments to cut down bushes for his fires…
For older children, it’s additionally dwelling to a Go Ape centre with two excessive ropes programs. The bogs are open, as is the cafe – I extremely suggest the scones to gasoline you up for the stroll.
Boscobel Home
Dwelling to the unique Royal Oak – the tree the place the long run Charles II hid throughout the Civil Battle, earlier than fleeing the nation after the Battle of Worcester – Boscobel Home has an important mixture of historical past and family-friendly actions.
The unique tree has been standing in solitary splendour for a while, however after a significant replanting mission, the unique woodland which surrounded it has been recreated to return it to the state it might have been within the seventeenth century, utilizing saplings from the royal oak itself.
There at the moment are uncommon breed animals within the Victorian Farm for the primary time in over 100 years, together with Tamworth pigs and Ryeland sheep, and you may wander via interval barns and the cobbled farmyard, earlier than heading to the brand new Conceal and Search play space, made with pure supplies.
The timber-framed home itself was a hiding place for persecuted Catholics – after climbing down from the oak tree, Charles spent the evening in the home’s priest gap, and you may nonetheless see this and its different secrets and techniques, with new data on Boscobel’s historical past, plus extra family-friendly Conceal and Search actions.
Stokesay Fort
One of the best-preserved fortified medieval manor home in England, Stokesay Fort seems to be prefer it has stepped from a fairytale – there’s even a fairytale tower, with some beautiful views out to the countryside.
Constructed on the finish of the thirteenth century, the nice corridor has stayed unchanged for over 700 years, and you may see characters carved into the timbers of the seventeenth century gatehouse as you discover – look out for the Stokesay dragon.
There’s additionally the walled backyard and moat to discover in addition to among the different historic rooms as you go to, together with the photo voltaic, earlier than strolling via the walled gardens and moat.
Clun Fort
This space of England, alongside the border with Wales, was as soon as dotted with medieval castles, a legacy of the customarily turbulent interval of historical past in what was often known as the Marches – stretching proper down into Gloucestershire, the place we explored Goodrich Fort.
And you’ll nonetheless see lots immediately, together with the dramatic ruins of Clun Fort, constructed simply after the Norman Conquest. It sits excessive on a mound exterior the city – though in contrast to most different castles, the preserve isn’t on the highest however off to at least one aspect.
You may as well go to Wigmore Fort close by – as soon as dwelling to Roger Mortimer, who briefly dominated England alongside Edward II’s queen Isabella earlier than being executed for treason – in addition to the ruins of Acton Burnell fortress, a fortified medieval manor home which as soon as housed a bishop.
All three haven’t any entry cost in order that they’re nice in the event you’re searching for free issues to do in Shropshire with children.
Go for a stroll
In addition to the stunning Wyre Forest, there are numerous different choices in the event you’re trying to go strolling in Shropshire with children.
The Shropshire Means and Offa’s Dyke Path Nationwide Path are each steeped in historical past and provide the probability for some critical strolling in addition to a shorter wander with children.
For one more energetic possibility, climb to the highest of Titterstone Clee Hill, one of many highest factors within the space. Or uncover the legend of the Stiperstones, dramatic rock formations which – so the story goes – had been dropped by the satan when his apron strings broke.
You may as well discover Mortimer Forest with its Iron Age hill fort – a neater part of the Mortimer Path which has its personal legends of sprites and fairies.
Attingham Park
Dwelling to the Hill household – later the Lords Berwick – pretty Attingham Park dates again to the 18th century, on land as soon as belonging to Haughmond Abbey.
The grounds, embrace the walled backyard, some play areas and deer park, with loads of house to roam with children. There’s pure play gear within the Area of Play, together with some conventional playground favourites from slides to swings.
There are common household trails, together with particular extra actions throughout college holidays – the Mile Stroll has beforehand been embellished with the animals of Attingham Wooden, a collection of panels which children will love – otters taking part in Pooh sticks, foxes doing yoga.
And inside the home, head beneath stairs to see how servants would have lived and labored, in addition to heading upstairs to be taught the tales of lots of those that helped make Attingham Park into the mansion you possibly can discover too.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World (previously Hoo Farm)
Shropshire’s solely zoo is a stunning cease with youthful children, particularly – with smaller unique animals, together with meerkats, lemurs, ostrich, crocodiles and wolves, alongside extra conventional farmyard creatures.
Set in 32 acres of woodland and paddocks, the farm itself is assumed up to now again as a lot as 200 years, and there’s pig, deer and lamb feeding, as nicely the choice to fulfill the owls and experiences to spend time with different animals.
And together with household enjoyable just like the galloping goat race and pony rides (in addition to go carts), the opposite temptation for teenagers at Hoo Zoo is 15 full dimension shifting dinosaurs (and different historic beasts) via the woodland stroll, in addition to prehistoric household actions.
In case you’re searching for different animal points of interest in Shropshire for teenagers, Acton Scott historic working farm is presently closed
Wonderland
Fairytales come to life at Wonderland, a woodland attraction in Telford City Park that’s good for youthful children.
The rides are appropriate for youngsters as much as 4ft tall, plus different entertainments together with loopy golf, whereas there’s additionally the Wonderland Maze, Dinosaur Valley to discover and particular themed occasions for Halloween plus the Winter Wonderland Christmas village.
You may as well meet the varied fairytale characters, in addition to discovering their homes alongside the way in which.
Discover Shrewsbury
The county city of Shropshire dates again to Saxon occasions, when its identify would have been the fairly unpronounceable Scrobbesbyrig.
As soon as dwelling to an essential abbey, solely the church stays immediately, however Shrewsbury continues to be a stunning city to discover. Considered one of my favorite methods is by happening a treasure hunt – try the Treasure Map Trails assortment for Shropshire, together with two for Shrewsbury.
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Or you can even comply with a Treasure Path (one thing we’ve tried in Topsham, Aldeburgh, Greenwich and Salisbury amongst others).
There are two to select from – a treasure hunt-themed path, which takes round 90 minutes, in addition to the two-hour Darwin’s Shrewsbury homicide thriller path.
You may as well go to the Shrewsbury Museum and Artwork Gallery, together with the Roman assortment and household actions throughout holidays.
Weston Park
The historical past of Weston Park dates again to the Domesday E-book, though the present home is a comparative newcomer, constructed within the seventeenth century – the stately dwelling, with its spectacular artwork assortment, is open on restricted dates throughout the summer time months however there’s plenty extra to find.
Designed by Functionality Brown, the 1,000 acres of parkland and grounds contains the Woodland Journey playground, in addition to Temple Wooden, the Walled backyard and formal gardens, plus you possibly can choose up a map with extra strolling routes to discover off the overwhelmed observe.
Assuming you possibly can drag your children out of the journey playground after all, with its swings, slides, climbing wall, trampolines, sandpit with diggers, and one of many longest double zip wires within the nation at practically 40 metres lengthy.
Add in a maze and miniature railway to the record of out of doors actions and it’s an important day trip in Shropshire with children.
Battlefield Falconry Centre
The Battlefield Falconry Centre is unbeatable for older children who love animals, with the possibility to do greater than get shut up and palms on too.
In addition to entry to the centre to see the birds, plus mini dealing with periods, there are additionally a collection of different experiences to strive – whereas they’re not the most affordable day trip, it’s simply probably the most memorable in Shropshire for teenagers.
For these, you purchase a voucher for entry, which then have to be booked for a selected time and date, together with the Hawk Stroll and Chook Dealing with session (ranging from £35) in addition to costlier experiences.
As its identify suggests, the chicken dealing with helps you to safely deal with among the great birds of prey together with varied owls, whereas the Hawk Stroll (for age 14+ solely) is an hour-long wander via the woods with the hawks being referred to as to your fist.
Royal Airforce Museum Cosford
Small followers of planes (and enormous followers, for that matter), will love the RAF Cosford Museum in Shifnal – in addition to air exhibits, there are often household occasions throughout the holidays.
Or you possibly can discover the interactive gallery to assist children find out how plane fly in addition to attempting a VR spitfire expertise. Plus the brand new Bomber Command exhibition is ready to open in Might 2023.
There’s no entry cost (though you do need to pay for parking) so it’s nice for an inexpensive day trip in Shropshire with children.
For extra concepts of days out within the UK with children, try my choose of one of the best throughout the nation
*First printed 2020, final up to date 2023*
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Important picture, Stokesay Fort, Shropshire Hills, Shrewsbury, eagle owl courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
