Shropshire

The county town Shrewsbury is steeped in history and remains thriving – you will find an abundance of places to eat ranging from tea rooms, quick bites (The Bird’s Nest in the Market and CSONS are lovely and personal favourites), casual dining and more upmarket affairs. There is something for everyone: https://originalshrewsbury.co.uk/eat-drink  

  

There are plenty of shops within Shrewsbury, both chains and independent stores: https://originalshrewsbury.co.uk/shop. You will find lots of cobbled streets and narrow passages, as well as the castle, art museums and library in the centre. The Quarry Park sits alongside the banks of the River Severn in Shrewsbury centre and has great parks including a splash park for children; it is a very popular spot on sunny days and numerous pubs have outdoor seating next to the river. The park frequently hosts festivals; the flower show (https://shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk/), food festival (https://www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk/) and Kidsfests (https://www.shropshirekidsfest.co.uk/) – held both in Shrewsbury and Telford are annual events which are worth adding to the calendar.  

  

Telford is a “new town” and was purpose built in the 1960’s. It has recently undergone a transformation and has larger department stores and more chains compared to Shrewsbury. (https://www.discovertelford.co.uk/Visit/telford-town-centre). Southwater and Telford Town Park are popular destinations for families and couples – again there is a splash park, a really wonderful play park and lots of open space as well as a number of restaurants and Wonderland (https://wonderlandmidlands.co.uk/) – which is good for small children.  There are also multiple swimming pools, theatres, trampoline parks, cinemas, an ice skating rink and even a snowboard and ski centre in telford. 

 

Telford and Shrewsbury are the largest towns in the county, but other towns/villages with a significant number of shops/dining options and that are definitely worth a visit include Bridgnorth (http://www.visitbridgnorth.co.uk/), Ironbridge (https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/) and Ludlow (https://www.ludlow.org.uk/). There are lots of other towns in the county and too many to list here but we always happen to answer any questions or signpost to places/recommendations. 

 

The website http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/ is a great resource for local walks and park destinations, some of our favourite places include The Wrekin, Haughmond Hill (https://www.forestryengland.uk/haughmond-hill), Severn Valley Country Park (http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/site/severn-valley-country-park/) which joins up with the steam railway and there are beautiful waterside walks in Ellesmere (http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/site/the-mere-at-ellesmere/). 

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Highlights: Places to Visit

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There is no shortage of places to visit within Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin. We’ve listed below some of the most popular and our personal favourites. Please let us know if you can think of more to add: 

 

• Attingham Park: (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park) A popular national trust destination on the outskirts of Shrewsbury 

• Carding Mill Valley & The Long Mynd: (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carding-mill-valley-and-the-long-mynd) Another national trust located south of Shrewsbury. There are lots of streams for young children to splash about it and beautiful walks of varying difficulties which are suitable for all ages. 

• Hawkstone Park & Follies: (https://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/) 

• Ludlow Castle: (https://www.ludlowcastle.com/) Situated within Ludlow Town Ironbridge Gorge & Blists Hill Victorian Museums : https://www.ironbridge.org.uk/ You can buy an annual pass for entry into these musuems which include a science museum for young children and Blists Hill which is a recreated Victorian Town with actors and Victorian shops. The ‘Ironbridge’ itself which was built in 1779 is also a popular tourist destination. 

• Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery: (https://www.shropshiremuseums.org.uk/smag/) based in Shrewsbury Town Centre 

• British Ironworks Centre: (https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/show-areas/things-to-do-whilst-here) Not far from Oswestry, free entry with outdoor play parks. 

• Severn Valley Railway: (https://www.svr.co.uk/) Steam Engine that travels from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster (through Kidderminster Safari Park) and does themed events including at Christmas. 

• Hoo Farm: (https://www.hoofarm.com/) Based near Telford  

• Park Hall Farm: https://www.parkhallfarm.co.uk/ Located in Oswestry, a lovely day out for young children with animals, educational events, soft play, sand/water play and outdoor play areas. 

• Scotty’s Donkeys: (https://scottysdonkeys.com/) A small animal park in Apley Estate between Telford and Bridgnorth, has always been a favourite of mine as toddlers. 

• The Exotic Zoo: https://exoticzoo.co.uk/ a small zoo based in Telford which is great for a half day visit with children and does lots of education and conservation work. 

• The Edge Adventure: (https://theedgeadventure.co.uk/) Outdoor adventure destination in Much Wenlock with quad bikes, zip lining, segways, archery etc.