Category: Family Days Out (14)

Days out for all the family in Shropshire. Children’s activities and attractions.


Go Apre Wyre Forest

 
 
For afamily day out whilst on holiday in Shropshire, why not consider an action packed adventure high up amongst the trees at Go Ape Wyre Forest.
 
Located on the Shropshire/Worcestershire border near Bewdley, Go Ape is set in an ancient woodland of Douglas Firs and Oak trees.
 
Not only will you enjoy the thrill of high rope adventure at Go Ape, but you can also keep an eye out for nature’s local resisdents, including rare butterflies and muntjac deer.
 
Go Ape Wyre Forest, Callow Hill, Bewdley DY14 9XQ
 
 

Blists Hill, Ironbridge provides a great family day out, and lets you experience what Victorian life was like in a specially recreated old Victorian town.

Why not shop for traditional Victorian produce, sample authentic fish and chips or simply spend your shillings in the ‘Old Favourites’ Sweetshop. You’ll also meet Victorian characters as they go about their daily lives and can give you insight into their way of life over 100 years ago.

There’s much for the children to enjoy, have fun in the Victorian Fairground* or meet the animals and enjoy a journey around the town on a horse and cart.

Watch traditional craftmanship at work, including candle making, decorative plasterers and of course the Blast Furnaces.

For more information, visit their website: http://www.ironbridge.org.uk/our-attractions/blists-hill-victorian-town/

*Fairground open during summer months.

Opened in April 2008 and now employing 35 people, Battlefield 1403 is a range of traditional farm buildings on the Albrighton Estate.

Here you’ll find a range of locally produced foods at the farm shop and butchery, plus there’s a cafe, battlefield exhibition and falconry centre.

The beef and lamb is reared here on the farm, and when there is a gap in supply it is sourced from local farmers who rear meat that is as similar as possible to our own. In the summer months, the cattle and sheep can be seen up close, grazing in paddocks surrounding the buildings.

In the farm shop, you’ll find a range of excellent foods which are sourced locally. They have low food miles, full traceability and great taste. Seasonality, freshness and high standards of production are important to us.

Hot food at Sparrow’s Cafe is available until 4.30pm everyday (Sundays 3.30pm) but for refreshments, the café is open a little longer. A new menu is provided at different times of the year to utilise seasonal produce but the firm favourites such as Battlefield Beef and Shropshire Ale Pie, are always available! These changes in menu are also reflected in the range of ready meals prepared for sale in the shop. Most of the seating area is easily accessible by wheelchair but we suggest you call us to book a table should you require one on the ground floor. Otherwise there is no need to book unless your party is of more than ten people.

The Battlefield Deli was launched September 2010 and has since built a strong reputation for selling both locally produced cheeses and charcuterie, and others from further afield. In fact it was listed in the Independent newspapers’ top 50 Best Delicatessens supplement (26/02/11).

A falconry centre is also on site (open 7 days a week) where children can meet Barn Owls, European Eagle Owls, a Steppe Eagle, Harris Hawks, and much much more.  Entry is £4.00 for adults and £2.00 for children. You can also buy a family ticket (2 Adults and 2 Children) for £10.00.

With events throughout the year, Battlefield 1403 provides a relaxed & popular visitor destination where everyone feels welcome.

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday: 
9:30am – 5:30pm 
Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free Of Charge

LOCATION: We’re located just off the A49 at Hall’s roundabout just north of Shrewsbury SY4 3DB

For more information, visit: www.battlefield1403.com

Little known Haughmond Hill is a popular little walk with locals and unlike many hills anywhere in the country, is wheelchair friendly and suitable for the elderly too. It’s mainly forested across it’s flat, broad summit and there is little or no gradient. There is a choice of bike, horse and walking trails of varying lengths and the shortest trail of all being finely graveled which is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

All routes eventually reward you with a most stunning view point that reaches across Shrewsbury, to the Shropshire Hills and north towards the Berwyn Mountains near Llangollen. On a clear day, it is possible to pick out a number of peaks in the Snowdonia National Park too.

Discover and learn as a number of examples of rock and their prehistoric origins which are marked along your route and a view across the operational quarry is quite an eye-opener.

A small café with picnic benches and WC are available at the start of the walk. Parking is currently £1 all day, payable at a meter.

 

Following the huge success in 2013, the Apley Jousting Fair will be taking place for a second year on Saturday 3rd May 2014 at Apley Farm Shop near Bridgnorth & Telford.

Starring the Knights of the Damned Jousting, plus a special appearance from kiddies favourite, Mike the Knight. There’s also activities for both parents and children alike, stalls selling goods with a medieval theme – and of course, plenty of delicious local food and drink from Apley Farm Shop.

Phone: 01952 730345
Email: enquiries@apleyfarmshop.co.uk
Website: www.apleyjoustingfair.co.uk

Dec
13

Rays Farm

With Shropshire packed full of places of historical interest, market towns and wonderful countryside, it’s can be easy to forget that sometimes the kids need a little treat themselves. So a family attraction that will satisfy the hearts and minds of both parents and children can only be a bonus.

Rays Farm, Shropshire

Rays Farm is a family attraction set in the beautiful Shropshire countryside, just outside Bridgnorth. Here you can meet a wide variety of animals and birds whilst everyone will enjoy exploring the myriad of winding woodland pathways in ancient woodland.

There are many breeds of deer that the children can feed including reindeer which is always a treat at Christmas time. There’s a coffee shop that is open all day for freshly prepared refreshments and a children’s play area too.

Who you will meet on the farm:
•    A friendly herd of Pygmy Goats
•    Ponies and Donkeys
•    Red Squirrels
•    Ducks, Geese and Chickens
•    Peafowl
•    Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
•    Many breeds of Deer, including Reindeer
•    The largest privately owned Owl collection in Shropshire
•    Wood sculptures of Nursery rhyme characters
•    Pigs, Sheep, and Alpaca

Other activities:
•    Woodland walks (8 acres)
•    Children’s & separate toddler play areas
•    Wild bird viewing hide

Opening Dates and Times 2013
February – Open weekends and school holidays 10am-5.30pm
1st March to 3th November – Open every day 10am-5.30pm
From 4th November – Closed
December – Father Christmas pre-booked visits only
January – Closed

Prices
Admission Charges 2013
Adults – £8.50
  Concessions – £8.00  
Children (2-16 years) – £6.95
  Under 2 years old – Free
Season Tickets valid from February to October available: £34 per Adult and £27.80 per Child.
•    Paths are steep in places
•    Sorry no dogs allowed except guide dogs
•    Free coach and car parking
•    Facilities for the Disabled 
(woodland paths not suitable for wheelchairs)

Address & Contact Details

For more information and to prebook season and Christmas tickets, please call: Tel: 01299 841255

Ray’s Farm Country Matters, Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6PF

Website: www.raysfarm.com

Check back to our homepage to begin your search for cottages in Shropshire

Nestled in delightful Shropshire countryside, Wroxeter Vineyard was planted in 1991 adjacent to the Roman City of Uriconium (Wroxeter). Born from the inspiration of David Millington, the farmers son, the Vineyard is part of Glebe Farm which has been in the family for over 60 years.

The Vineyard produces award winning wines of many varieties including, Regner, Madeleine Angevine, Reichenstiener and Dornfelder. More recently, other varieties, such as Phoenix, Rondo, Regent and Solaris have been successfully introduced and further complitnent the outstanding portfolio of wines here.

The Millington family now live on site and provide fascinating tours of the Vineyard, with insight into the wines, what the Romans had to do with it and of course, a little tasting of these superb Shropshire wines.

A unique experience and one for lovers of fine wine to truly saviour.

To book your tour of for a little more information, please visit the Wroxeter Vineyard website: www.wroxetervineyard.co.uk

Check back to our homepage to begin your search for Shropshire cottages

At Maws Craft Centre you’ll find over 20 independent craft shops all residing in a beautifully refurbished Victorian factory. If looking for something for the home or simply just browsing, there’s a shop for everyone it seems. There’s much to admire with many stores producing hand crafted goods – some of which you can watch being made on site.

Located between Coalport China Museum and the Tile Museum and just 1.5miles from Ironbridge. Visitors are provided with plenty of free parking. There is no admission fee either.

Relax and refuel in the Courtyard tea Room, where a variety of traditional tea room snacks are on offer. There’s also free Wi-Fi too.

The large courtyard also hosts events throughout the year and a variety of craft sessions, from card making to children’s ballet are also provided throughout the week. Check their website for more details.

The Centre is open 7 days a week (individual shops may vary).

Website: www.mawscraftcentre.co.uk

Address:
Ferry Road, Jackfield, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7LS

Aug
19

Ludlow Castle

A majestic example of a medieval castle set in the picturesque Shropshire countryside sitting high above the River Teme.

Nearly a 1000 years old, it was originally a Norman fortress built to hold back the unconquered Welsh. Over the next 200 years the castle was extended to provide a Royal Palace – and heavily guarded one at that. The centuries passed and the castles ownership switched between the de Lacy and Mortimer families. In 1461 it fell under Crown ownership and remained a royal castle for the next 350 years. The castle was abandoned in 1689.

During the next few hundred years the castle had fallen into ruin, but in 1811, Ludlow Castle was bought by the 2nd Earl of Powis and has remained in their ownership ever since. Through their careful conservation the castle decline has been prevented and is now a wonderful visitor attraction which provides many events throughout the year.

A visit to Ludlow Castle is a step back in time. Here you can watch a jousting spectacular or watch knights battle it out in armed combat. For something a little more serene, perhaps try your hand at a little archery, watch the birds of prey or partake in crafts and dressing up sessions. Check their website, www.ludlowcastle.com, for the Events Calendar and prices.

Of course, you can also take a tour of the castle at your leisure or follow one of the guided tours. With seasonal festivals and fayres held throughout the year, there’s always plenty going on at Ludlow Castle. During September, the Ludlow Food Festival is held and is renowned for it’s quality offerings. Wonderful food and drink and fun for all the family.

“Everything a British food event should be….unbeatable location. It’s also huge fun – I wouldn’t miss it” BBC Good Food Magazine

All in all, whilst enjoying your holiday in Shropshire, a visit to Ludlow Castle is highly recommended.

 

For cottages in Ludlow and the surrounding area, browse our Ludlow Holiday Cottages

or check back to our homepage to begin your search for cottages in Shropshire

Simply Shropshire on Google+

 

Aug
19

Weston Park

Weston Park is a country house in Weston-under-Lizard on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border. Set in more than 1,000 acres of park landscaped by Capability Brown, it is the former ancestral home of the Earl’s of Bradford.

There are the delightful formal gardens and a variety of woodland walks. Children will also love the miniature railway and Woodland Adventure Playground.

In the house itself, there are guided tours and free flowing tours. An internationally acclaimed art collection is on display. For the children, the indoor activity room has a wide range of activities from dressing up, board games and a traverse climbing wall for kids to practice their mountaineering skills.

Food lovers are spoiled with local produce and home cooked meals, from light bites in the Deli to lunch or dinner in the Granary Grill.

DID YOU KNOW?

For those looking for something a little bit special, The Temple of Diana at Weston Park can be booked for an exclusive holiday or short break.

MORE INFORMATION

For information on forthcoming events and opening times, please visit the Weston Park website.

 

 

The Severn Valley Railway provides a wonderful throw back to a bygone era. This heritage steam train and diesel service operates scenic journeys through delightful Shropshire and Worcester countryside.

There are services running from Bridgnorth in Shropshire and Kidderminster and Bewdley in Worcestershire. Predominantly a steam-hauled passenger train service, the journey takes you along a 16 mile journey through the charming Severn Valley and alongside the River Severn.

Trains run most weekends throughout the year and daily from May to September. The Railway also operates during all local school holidays including Christmas time, where children can take a step back in time on a magical journey to visit Santa’s grotto. The SVR also arranges a variety of special events throughout the year.

.One of the most popular is the 1940s themed weekends. Plus the rail enthusiasts are catered for with a number of speicla events.

Visit The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley. Here you can view an exhibition of steam locomotives, browse the gift shop or relax and dine in the restaurant and gaze at the lovely views across the valley.

Tickets can be booked in advance online or by phone – often with discounts available. You can purchase tickets on the day of your visit also, although it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. It starting your journey at Bridgnorth, we suggest booking the ‘Freedom of the Line’ Bridgnorth to Kidderminster ticket – as they offer free admission to the Visitor Centre at Highley in Shropshire.

Visit The Severn Valley Railway website for more information on dates and timetables.

This little part of Shropshire ranks alongside The Great Wall of China, The Taj Mahal, The Acropolis and Stonehenge.

For Ironbridge, tucked away in a pretty wooded gorge, is a World Heritage Site and thus recognised globally as a site of huge historic interest.

Three hundred years ago, one Abraham Darby perfected the use of coke to produce iron on a mass scale and with it the birth of the industrial revolution. Ironmasters populated the area and with the ever increasing need to cross the river Severn, a bridge was devised. However, this was no normal bridge…

Thomas Farnolls Pritchard wrote to a Broseley ironmaster, John Wilkinson, and suggested a feat never once thought possible, a bridge built entirely of iron, spanning the river Severn. After just one month into the ground breaking project, Pritchard sadly died. The work passed to Abraham Darby III, grandson of the original iron producing pioneer. The bridge, the world’s first iron bridge, was cast at his foundry in neighboring Coalbrookdale and history was made.

Ironbridge today is quite the opposite experience from that of our predecessors. Gone are the chimneys, gone are the foundries and gone are the soot filled skies. Today, Ironbridge is a delightful collection of pretty woodland trails, hillside cottages, cafes, inns, museums and gift shops. The gorge itself has been taken back under mother nature’s wing, providing the most picturesque of settings on the banks of the river Severn – all framed by the original, Iron Bridge.

For events, museum prices and further information, visit www.visitironbridge.co.uk

For cottages in Ironbridge and surrounding areas, see our Ironbridge Holiday Cottages.

 

Simply Shropshire on Google+

 

Take a magical journey through a fantasy land of enchanted woodland, cliff edges, ravines and bridges. Discover tunnels and explore the caves high on Grotto Hill where you can enjoy distant views to the mountains of Wales.

This magical landscape, an 18th century Romantic Movement garden, was lovingly restored and reopened in 1993 and provides visitors with a unique outdoor experience.

The parkland is set in 100 acres and was voted ‘2003 Adventure of the Year’ by the Good Britain Guide. Exploring the Follies takes between 2-3 hours, making it the Get iPhone Out of Recovery Mode perfect visitor attraction should the weather restrict you to just a morning or afternoon outdoors. Combined with family events at the weekends, a full, fun packed day is guaranteed.

 

Visitor Information

  • Free car parking for visitors
  • Caspian’s tea rooms open for refreshments and light snacks
  • Picnic tables are available throughout the park
  • Torches are required and are available for purchase in the visitor centre
  • Due to the hilly terrain, wheelchair and pushchair access is limited to the Visitor centre and Grand Valley
  • Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead
  • Silver Safari trips are available for the less mobile – by pre-arrangement
  • Visitor Centre direct line 01948 841777

Location

Hawkstone Park Follies, Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 5JY
Visit their website for more information

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Attingham Park

Attingham Park is an elegant 18th century mansion set in an extensive deer park. It’s just a few miles east of Shrewsbury near the village of Atcham.

Now managed by the National Trust, it offers miles of beautiful walks, through the grounds, woodland and walled gardens. Overlooked by The Wrekin, the deer park provides a safe environment for the 180 semi-wild deer and thus plenty of photo opportunities.

Built for Lord Berwick in 1785, it remained in ownership by the family for more than 160 years. Whilst some of the wealthy family owners heaped opulence on their majestic home, others struggled to maintain the grandeur and neglection set in. It all provides a fascinating story.

The mansion, which is at the heart of the 640 acre estate, includes the impressive gallery and Dining Room, already set for an evening banquet of the highest order. Take a tour of the Boom Beach Apk download mansion and see the delicate decorative scheme in the Boudoir, which has recently been revealed. Renovation of the mansion continues to this day, and restoration of the precious Nash Roof can now be seen, also on the tour.

Visit the walled garden and see the fruit and vegetables growing that can be sampled in the restaurant and tea rooms or simply buy some to take home.

There’s a large outdoor play park area for children, with plenty of space to play, even on the busiest of days.

There’s the cafe and shop and plenty of picnic spots across the estate. Attingham Park is also wheelchair and family friendly, with facilities provided for both.
For more information, see the Attingham Park page on the National Trust website.

For cottages in Shrewsbury and the surrounding villages, browse our Shrewsbury Holiday Cottages.