Ideally placed, Shropshire is near bustling centres of activity such as Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, which means that it is easily accessible and less than 2 hours away, making it ideal for a family trip, far away from the city clamour. Rich in flower-filled meadows, surrounded by rolling hills as English and as ravishing as the Victoria sponge, Shropshire boasts a wealth of natural beauty, with many scenic trails, and numberless quaint towns and villages to visit. Here’s how to make the most of your trip!
1) Shrewsbury, a charming town with a whole lot to offer!
With Shrewsbury, we think the reputation precedes this iconic town, which recently won Britain’s Favourite Market, offering artisan goods, fresh produce, and some of the most delicious and mouth watering cakes. But while we could wax lyrical all day about Shrewsbury’s culinary scene, there is an awe-inspiring castle and an abbey to show the youngsters.
For the daredevils, the Shrewsbury Prison will go down a treat, offering a couple of hours of fun with the escape rooms and prison break experiences. Once you have seen the main attractions, you simply must make your way to the Quarry Park where you will find a playground, a splash park, a mini golf course, and a river boat. You can take a well-deserved breather, have a picnic, as you watch the little ones run around!
2) Shropshire Hills, England’s natural wonderland.
After visiting Shrewsbury, your next stop before crossing the border would have to be the Shropshire Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where there are loads of things to do with the kids! At the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, you can see a full-size replica of a ginormous mammoth, which was discovered locally. While you are there, you can also go for a saunter and take in the stunning scenery of the 30 acre blooming meadow.
Needless to say, there are many ways to explore Shropshire Hills; whether by cycling, walking, or horse riding, you and your loved ones can enjoy the diverse landscapes and wildlife of this ancient upland area, which is remarkably accessible and with many dog-friendly walking routes, making it an excellent short break destination for a rural family holiday.
🏕️The best family vacation spot: if you really want to get to know first hand the beauty and magic of the Shropshire hills, look no further than Upper Shadymoor Farm, combining every-day comforts (and more!) with natural luxury – because this is what glamping is all about: introducing you to the splendour of nature, without any compromises. Perks that your kiddos will adore – an outdoor playground, close to a lush forest, near water where they can wild swim or go on kayaks and water boards. Did we mention the wild deer safari? In the meantime, the grown ups can have a princely soak in one of the luxurious hot tubs, watching the twinkling lights, up above, and taking in the view. This is opulence, reimagined.
3) Stokesay, a perfectly preserved mediaeval town.
Now, Stokesay is a chocolate-box village in Shropshire and is famous for its mediaeval fortified manor house, Stokesay Castle. Standing unchanged for more than 700 years, this jaw-dropping monument provides an unmatched avenue for exploring the history and architecture of one of the finest surviving examples of its kind in England. Not to mention the views that surround the castle!
🎶 Make sure to pick up the free audio tour which will send your little ones’ imagination racing to mediaeval Stokesay helping them learn more about the history and stories of the castle. You also won’t want to miss the family-friendly trail, perfect for exploring the grounds and having fun!
🔥Just an 8-minute drive away from Stokesay, there is Stokesay Court, where the acclaimed movie Atonement was filmed. Why not pop by and see this impressive location where the drama unfolded? Don’t forget to explore the surrounding gardens, with its scenic waterfalls and water lilies-filled ponds!
