Out & About

Shropshire has a wealth of places to visit and explore. Here's a snapshot of what the country has to offer:

Castles and Ruins

Whittington Castle
Beautiful remains of a 12th century moated castle located in the heart of the village of the same name.
Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4DF. 01691 662397. www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

Acton Burnell Castle
English Heritage. The remains of a fortified manor house built in the 13th century by Robert Burnell, Chancellor of England and close friend of King Edward the First. The King was a regular visitor and it is said that he convened one of the first English Parliaments here in 1263.
Acton Burnell, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY5 7PF. www.englishheritage.org.uk

Bridgnorth Castle and Gardens
Perched high on a sandstone cliff overlooking the Severn Valley the remains of this Norman castle keep now lean at a precarious fifteen degrees - more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Castle Hill, Bridgnorth. www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/

Shrewsbury Castle
The Great Hall houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum. In the grounds you will find the motte of the original Norman Castle.
Shrewsbury. 01743 361196 www.shrewsburymuseums.com

Stokesay Castle
English Heritage. Beautiful perfectly preserved 13th-century fortified manor house - the best example of its type in England.
Craven Arms SY7 9AH. 01588 672544 www.english-heritage.org.uk

Family Attractions

Park Hall Countryside Experience
Premier all weather attraction on a 130 acre Victorian farm. Animals large and small, milking, lamb feeding, pony grooming, and cart rides. Huge indoor play arena with toy tractor circuit and bouncy castles. Vintage Garage and Welsh Guards Museum. Exciting extras: Junior Driving School and quad bikes. Excellent tearooms and picnic areas.
Park Hall, Oswestry, SY11 4AS. 01691 671123 www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

Acton Scott historic working farm
Living History in the Shropshire Hills. Experience daily life on an upland farm the end of the 19th century.
Church Stretton. SY6 6QN. www.actonscott.com

Blists Hill Victorian town
Part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust group and one of the most popular attractions in Shropshire - a living outdoor museum where all the staff dress in period costume. Visit a host of restored Victorian buildings, shops, factories, schools to name just a few.
Madely, Ironbridge. TF7 5DU. 01952 884391 www.ironbridge.org.uk

Hoo Farm
Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom is a real child's paradise where there is always something exciting happening!
Telford, TF6 6DJ. 01952 677917 www.hoofarm.com

West Midlands Safari Park
If the kids are getting a bit weary of all the history and beautiful views in Shropshire, why not treat them to a drive on the wild side! Just across the border near Kidderminster is the home of the West Midland Safari Park.
Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF. 01299 852100 www.wmsp.co.uk

Hawkstone Park and Follies
Woodland fantasy of caves and cliffs where paths twist and turn, rise and fall, and almost without fail reveal something unexpected around every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers monuments, tunnels and passageways. Associations with King Arthur.
Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury. SY4 5UY. www.hawkstone.co.uk

Ellesmere Mere
Tourist Information & Visitor Centre with beautiful woodland and garden walk right by the mereside.
Visitor Centre, Mereside, 01691 622981

Weston Park
Striking 17th century house, gardens and parkland with a range of features for all age groups.
Weston-under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal. TF11 8LE, 01952 852100

Wonderland, Telford
Where nursery rhymes and fairy tales come to life. Discover favourite characters and their houses. Visit the dinosaurs in Dinosaur valley, the Dragon's crazy castle or indoor soft play area. Also features the magical Winter Wonderland during the run-up to Christmas.
Telford Town Park Telford TF3 4AY, 01952 591 633 www.wonderlandtelford.com

Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is the UK's number one zoo, with over 7000 animals and 400 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet.
Chester CH2 1LH, 01244 380 280

Gardens and Farms

Shrewsbury Flower Show
Held every August, it is recognised as one of the top competitive horticultural displays for both professionals and amateurs. 'Beautiful blooms', Home and Craft' and food and drink producers.
The Quarry, Shrewsbury SY1 1RN. Tel: 01743 234050 www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk

Hall Farm Nursery
An extensive range of interesting and unusual herbaceous plants. R.H.S.Gold Medallists at Chelsea 2005. Talks and events held at the nursery.
Kinnerley, Nr Oswestry, SY10 8DH. Tel: 01691 682135 www.hallfarmnursery.co.uk

Hodnet Hall Gardens
Renowned as amongst the finest gardens in the country.
Hodnet, Market Drayton TF9 3NN Tel: 01630 685786 www.hodnethallgardens.org

Wollerton Old Hall Garden
Three acre formal gardens located near Market Drayton.
Wollerton, Market Drayton TF9 3NA Tel: 01630 685760 www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com

Dorothy Clive Garden
Woodland plantings in old gravel quarry.
Willoughbridge, Market Drayton TF9 4EU. Tel: 01630 647 237 www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

Stapeley Water Gardens
Over 350 varieties are in bloom all summer, plus display gardens and fountains
Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7LH. Tel: 01270 623868 www.stapeleywg.com

Home Farm Attingham
A working farm that's open to the public. Look around the historic farm and see its animals, visit the tearooms and purchase organic dairy ice cream.
Atcham, Shrewsbury SY4 4TN. Tel: 01743 709243 www.homefarmattingham.co.uk

Fordhall Farm
Fordhall Farm is the first community owned farm in England. Demonstrating small-scale farming connected to the local community.
Tern Hill Road, Market Drayton TF9 3PS. Tel: 01630 638255 www.fordhallfarm.com

Industrial Heritage

Coleham Pumping Station
Pumping Station, built in 1900 to house two massive steam-driven beam engines to pump sewage..... fun fun fun!
Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury SY3 7DN www.shrewsburymuseums.com/coleham

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
In the event of nuclear war Hack Green would have been a Wartime HQ.
Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL. Tel: 01270 629219 www.hackgreen.co.uk

Performing Arts

Theatre Severn
Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn on Frankwell Quay - a stunning riverside location and one of the main gateways into the town.
Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT. Tel: 01743 281281 www.theatresevern.co.uk

Mythstories Museum of Myth & Fable
The museum houses changing displays of legends and folklore. It is open to the general public and to pre-booked groups. Every visitor experiences a live storytelling
The Morgan Library, Aston Street, Wem SY4 5AU. Tel: 01939 235500 www.mythstories.com

Transport Attractions

Severn Valley Railway
Premier Heritage Railway operating on the beautiful Severn Valley line from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster.
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster, 01299 403816 www.svr.co.uk

The Cambrian Transport Museum
Oswestry was once the headquarters of The Cambrian Railways Ltd. The old Oswestry Station is now the headquarters of The Cambrian Railways Society Ltd, and a museum showing many photographs, railway memorabilia, and artefacts. Visitors can also see Steam Engines working in the summer months.
Oswestry, SY11 1RE. 01691 671749 www.cambrianrailwayssociety.co.uk

Sabrina River Boat Cruises
Daily 40 minute river trips on the River Severn at Shrewsbury from March to October. Departures on the hour from 11:00am until 4:00pm. 10% discount for guests of The Old Rectory Hotel.
Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury. 01743 369741 www.sabrinaboat.co.uk

Telford Steam Railway
Telford Steam Railway is a preserved railway operated by a small and friendly team of volunteers on Sundays and bank holidays.
Horsehay Telford TF4 2NF 07765 858348 www.telfordsteamrailway.co.uk

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Visit Shropshire's only grass-roofed public building and discover how to read the clues to the mysteries of our landscape. Plus activities, walks and trails.
Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9RS. 01588 676060

Sporting Attractions

Fishing

Dearnford Lake Fishery
Just south of Whitchurch, Shropshire, Dearnford Lake is set in 47 acres of stunning grounds.
Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 3JQ. 01948 662934. www.dearnford.com

Shatterford Lakes
Shatterford Lakes is now predominantly a Fishery, rather than a Country Park, although many animals such as deer and natural wildlife can be seen on site.
Shatterford, Nr Bridgnorth, DY12 1TW 01299 861597

Golf

Hawkstone Park Golf Club
Golf at Hawkstone Park is truly a unique experience. The tremendous landscape is ideal for its two championship courses and 6 hole par 3 course, offering a wonderful contrast, suitable for golfers of varying standards. A golfing experience at Hawkstone Park will be a memorable occasion and a must for any golfing enthusiast.
Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury. SY4 5UY. 01939 200611

Horse riding

Prescott Equestrian Centre
Prescott Equestrian Centre is situated in the village of Baschurch, 8 miles north of Shrewsbury. It offers attractive surroundings and superb facilities with 60 horses and ponies.
Baschurch, Nr Shrewsbury SY4 2DR 01939 26071 www.prescottequestrian.co.uk

Mill Farm Riding Centre
Lessons for every ability in our large outdoor all-weather school, individual and group lessons. DIY and full livery are available, as well as horses for loan. For those wishing to bring their horse on holiday we offer B&B for you, stabling and pasture for your horse. With Mill Farm as your base, enjoy varied and safe rides in this spectacular corner of Shropshire. Special rides including Beach Rides, children's activities, hacks, and pub rides.
Hughley, Shrewsbury SY4 2DR www.millfarmridingcentre.co.uk

Outdoor Activities

PGL Adventure, Boreatton Park
There is a massive choice of outdoor activities as well as an indoor pool and fantastic sports hall. If you want non-stop action and to make loads of new friends, then this is the place to come.
10 miles outside of Shrewsbury. 08700 551551

The Edge Mountain Boarding and Quad Bike Centre
Mountain boarding is an exciting cross between snowboarding and skateboarding - big in America and growing fast in Europe. Now you have the opportunity to try it for yourself in Shropshire and once you have, you'll be hooked! Quad Biking and a range of other activities now also available - see website for latest information.
Much Wenlock. 01902 727491 www.ridetheedge.co.uk

Commando Paintball and Border Trekking
Family run outdoor pursuits centre based at the beautiful Bulthy Hill Farm. We can cater for paintballing, quad biking, mountain biking, laser clays and much more.
Middletown. SY21 8ER 07970 884694 www.commandopaintball.com

Cycling

Shropshire Hills Cycling
Half day and day bike hire, guided rides and courses. Fully maintained new bikes, route advice and bike support. Drop off and collection service.
Stottesdon, Shropshire DY14 8UH. 01746 718436

Shopping

The Parade Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury
30 unique shops in a Grade II listed, Greek renaissance style building in the heart of Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury

Darwin and Pride Hill Shopping Centres
The two main shopping centers in the heart of Shrewsbury. Over 100 shops offering the best high street names, as well as independently owned shops.
Shrewsbury

Telford Shopping Centre
Telford Shopping Centre is one of the major shopping centers in the region, home to one of the country's largest animated clocks and 160 stores.
Telford

The Market Hall
Fun, fresh and friendly, The Shrewsbury Market Hall provides shoppers with a fantastic range of fresh local produce and specialist foods, as well as contemporary arts and crafts, antiques and collectables.
Shrewsbury