After rising up within the neighbouring county, I’ve bought plenty of childhood recollections of a few of Shropshire’s household points of interest – however with so many issues to do in Shropshire with youngsters, particularly outdoor, there’s nonetheless loads to discover within the county with my daughter, in addition to revisiting outdated favourites.
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We’ve visited for a brief 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 – a number of years on. And even when the Nice British summer time determined mid-July was a great time to rain (sigh), we nonetheless packed rather a lot into our time within the county – listed below are a number of of our favorite issues to do in Shropshire with youngsters.
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 fantastic 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Victorian sweets within the candy store, watching horses wandering by means of the cobbled streets and exploring the outdated homes.
Try our overview from our go to to Blists Hill Victorian City
The dwelling historical past museum has plenty of out of doors area 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 strategy 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 for those who fancy venturing out onto the water, that are appropriate for teenagers aged 4+ (in addition to mega SUPs for youngsters aged 10 and above).
Strive a simple hour-long paddle in a coracle or a enjoyable half-day kayak journey with time to cease and revel in a picnic alongside the way in which – select the mini raft, and you may even eat as you float! If you happen to’re exploring Shropshire with teenagers (or are on the lookout for extra of a problem), there are longer full-day choices as nicely.
Rent consists of 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 workers that can assist you get afloat. On the finish of the journey, Shropshire Raft Excursions will meet you to gather all of the tools (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 area for as much as 5.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
This can be a great spot to start out a go to to the county – in addition to being a great possibility for a wet day in Shropshire with youngsters.
The little discovery centre traces the historical past of Shropshire from prehistoric instances, 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’ll be able to discover as we speak.
From woolly mammoths to Romans, Iron Age Forts, Saxons and Normans, it’s a terrific introduction to Shropshire for teenagers, together with somewhat path (and stickers) plus a brief video to look at.
There are some interactive components too, together with dressing up and hands-on shows, plus it begins with a reproduction mammoth skeleton – 4 actual ones had been discovered within the space – so it’s straightforward to seize youngsters’ imaginations.
There’s additionally a restaurant right here and bathrooms, earlier than setting out on among the strolling routes which lead from the centre, sitting at a crossroads of 4 of the Shropshire Manner routes.
Choose up one (or extra!) of the six Discovery Walks leaflets with particulars, together with light strolls in addition to full-day treks by means of the hills.
Wroxeter Roman Metropolis
The Roman settlement of Viriconium was one of many largest within the nation, virtually as massive as Pompeii – as we speak 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 location (at the moment 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 venture 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 at the moment closed.
Tickets might 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 youngsters, I’ve rounded up among the greatest throughout the nation
Ludlow Citadel
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 fort 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.
At this time, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the intricate carving across the entrance to the bizarre spherical chapel in addition to the strong Norman tower (at the moment restricted entry instances 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 best place for teenagers to let their imaginations run free, pretending to be knights, princesses or dragons themselves.
No prebooking wanted. Because the fort is usually ruined, you’re successfully outdoor the entire time for those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Shropshire within the rain with youngsters.
When you’re in Ludlow, cease off on the Ludlow Farmshop simply outdoors the city, which has some implausible meals – Ludlow has a well-earned foodie fame 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 implausible 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 instances, it felt like we had the woods to ourselves (other than the occasional squirrel, butterflies galore and birds calling within the timber).
As you stroll, you’ll be able to ponder the truth that this historical woodland is round 10,000 years outdated. The place you’re squirrel recognizing, Stone Age man was busy utilizing flint instruments to cut down timber for his fires…
For older youngsters, it’s additionally dwelling to a Go Ape centre with two excessive ropes programs. The bathrooms are open, as is the cafe – I extremely advocate the scones to gasoline you up for the stroll.
Boscobel Home
House to the unique Royal Oak – the tree the place the longer term Charles II hid throughout the Civil Warfare, earlier than fleeing the nation after the Battle of Worcester – Boscobel Home has a terrific 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 venture, 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 are actually 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 by means of interval barns and the cobbled farmyard, earlier than heading to the brand new Disguise 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 night time 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 Disguise and Search actions.
Stokesay Citadel
The very best-preserved fortified medieval manor home in England, Stokesay Citadel 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 good 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 by means of the walled gardens and moat.
Clun Citadel
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 Citadel.
And you may nonetheless see loads as we speak, together with the dramatic ruins of Clun Citadel, constructed simply after the Norman Conquest. It sits excessive on a mound outdoors the city – though not like most different castles, the preserve isn’t on the highest however off to 1 aspect.
You may as well go to Wigmore Citadel 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 fort, 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 for those who’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Shropshire with youngsters.
Go for a stroll
In addition to the beautiful Wyre Forest, there are numerous different choices for those who’re seeking to go strolling in Shropshire with youngsters.
The Shropshire Manner and Offa’s Dyke Path Nationwide Path are each steeped in historical past and provide the likelihood for some severe strolling in addition to a shorter wander with youngsters.
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 better part of the Mortimer Path which has its personal legends of sprites and fairies.
Attingham Park
House 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, embody the walled backyard, some play areas and deer park, with loads of area to roam with youngsters. There’s pure play tools 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 faculty holidays – the Mile Stroll has beforehand been adorned with the animals of Attingham Wooden, a sequence of panels which youngsters will love – otters taking part in Pooh sticks, foxes doing yoga.
And inside the home, head under stairs to see how servants would have lived and labored, in addition to heading upstairs to study the tales of lots of those that helped make Attingham Park into the mansion you’ll be able to discover too.
Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World (previously Hoo Farm)
Shropshire’s solely zoo is a stunning cease with youthful youngsters, 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 believed up to now again as a lot as 200 years, and there’s pig, deer and lamb feeding, as nicely the choice to satisfy 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 measurement shifting dinosaurs (and different historical beasts) by means of the woodland stroll, in addition to prehistoric household actions.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for different animal points of interest in Shropshire for teenagers, Acton Scott historic working farm is at the moment closed
Wonderland
Fairytales come to life at Wonderland, a woodland attraction in Telford City Park that’s good for youthful youngsters.
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 instances, when its title would have been the moderately unpronounceable Scrobbesbyrig.
As soon as dwelling to an necessary abbey, solely the church stays as we speak, however Shrewsbury remains to be a stunning city to discover. Certainly one of my favorite methods is by happening a treasure hunt – take a look at the Treasure Map Trails assortment for Shropshire, together with two for Shrewsbury.
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Or you may as well 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 Guide, 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 lots extra to find.
Designed by Functionality Brown, the 1,000 acres of parkland and grounds consists of the Woodland Journey playground, in addition to Temple Wooden, the Walled backyard and formal gardens, plus you’ll be able to decide up a map with extra strolling routes to discover off the crushed monitor.
Assuming you’ll be able to drag your youngsters 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 checklist of out of doors actions and it’s a terrific day trip in Shropshire with youngsters.
Battlefield Falconry Centre
The Battlefield Falconry Centre is unbeatable for older youngsters who love animals, with the possibility to do greater than get shut up and fingers on too.
In addition to entry to the centre to see the birds, plus mini dealing with classes, there are additionally a sequence of different experiences to attempt – whereas they’re not the most cost effective day trip, it’s simply some of the 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 Fowl Dealing with session (ranging from £35) in addition to costlier experiences.
As its title suggests, the fowl dealing with permits you to safely deal with among the fantastic birds of prey together with varied owls, whereas the Hawk Stroll (for age 14+ solely) is an hour-long wander by means of the woods with the hawks being known 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 reveals, there are often household occasions throughout the holidays.
Or you’ll be able to discover the interactive gallery to assist youngsters learn the way plane fly in addition to making an attempt a VR spitfire expertise. Plus the brand new Bomber Command exhibition is about 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 youngsters.
For extra concepts of days out within the UK with youngsters, take a look at my decide of the perfect throughout the nation
*First revealed 2020, final up to date 2023*
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Predominant picture, Stokesay Citadel, Shropshire Hills, Shrewsbury, eagle owl courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
