Things to Do in Shropshire
Discover a county filled with heritage and history, where cosy cottages sit alongside five-star dining experiences. Sample gingerbread and Shropshire Blue cheese while sipping local beer or cider!
Time travel at Stokesay Castle in Craven Arms or visit a medieval manor house; for something different, climb the lookout tower for breathtaking views over Ludlow!
Shrewsbury Town Centre
Shrewsbury is a treasure chest of winding streets packed with old-world charm. Beam-framed Tudor buildings stand alongside ancient marketplaces and picturesque churches, providing an opportunity for leisurely exploration of its historic shops and cafes.
Visit the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre near Craven Arms to gain an appreciation of Shropshire’s natural history. Here, you’ll find an exhibit showcasing geology in Shropshire; as well as an award-winning cafe offering homemade cakes, local produce and cream teas.
Theater Severn offers another option; this modern theatre with traditional aesthetics hosts drama, dance, music and comedy performances of all sorts in its 650-seat main auditorium – renowned touring productions from all around the country regularly perform here!
Albert’s Shed, which opened its doors just a year ago in Shrewsbury, has quickly established itself as the place to catch gigs in Shropshire. A welcoming space focused on supporting local musicians while hosting regular wine tasting events – Albert’s Shed offers something special.
Blists Hill Victorian Town is an open-air museum that recreates a typical industrial town from late 19th century England, complete with actors acting out their parts to help you understand more about this period in English history.
Outside Shrewsbury, central Shropshire is an absolute pleasure to discover, featuring splendid Georgian halls that once served as headquarters for notorious highwaymen as well as impressive Roman relics in Wroxeter/Uriconium; not forgetting Long Mynd which offers wild hills where natural bitumen seeped down into pools that could later be turned into pitch, lamp black or even antirheumatic remedies!
Ironbridge Gorge
Ironbridge Gorge offers more than just its iconic bridge – as a UNESCO World Heritage Site it houses 10 museums that showcase its role in starting the industrial revolution, which began here in 1700. Step back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town or explore Enginuity (an interactive science and engineering museum). Annual passes start from PS33 for adults and PS20 for children (check here for discounts).
Abraham Darby I’s discovery revolutionized metal production. Learn about his process while exploring his original Old Furnace at Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron. In addition, you’ll see daily and prized items made of cast iron here, from letterboxes to tables with deerhound dog legs!
At Buildwas Village nearby is an abandoned abbey with impressive ruins that include chapel ruins and church remains, along with an impressive tower from whence part of its original castle structure once stood. Once home to Sir Matthew Webb who campaigned tirelessly on worker rights.
As you explore the Gorge, don’t miss the opportunity to stop off at one of the villages and soak in the scenery. Buildwas and Ironbridge offer charming High Streets lined with independent shops such as an historic bookstore or charming teashop; be sure to grab yourself a locally-made Merrythought Teddy bear, souvenirs from your trip, or pop into our bakery for some delicious goodies!
Colemere Mere
Shropshire boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, areas of outstanding natural beauty and the country’s best preserved steam train network – making it an ideal location for adventure activities, local food and specialized places to stay. Explore ancient towns and villages or simply take in its landscapes – from Stiperstones crags to expansive Long Mynd vistas!
Colemere Mere is an idyllic lake where visitors can take a relaxing circular walk and admire meadow flowers like southern marsh orchid and meadow cranesbill, as well as various waterfowl, such as snipe, goldeneye and pochard. As this area is used for grazing purposes and dogs must remain on leads when crossing Yell Field to protect wildlife and preserve its delicate grassland environment.
Shropshire’s uplands north of Ludlow offer scenic walker’s paradise with magnificent vistas across its valleys and hills. The Stiperstones make excellent viewing points, while summer brings vibrant colours with heather blooming across their slopes and purple heather covering them; also, hilltop castles stand proudly among them and there are charming old cottages and ruins waiting to be explored throughout Corvedale river valley.
History buffs can visit Wroxeter Roman City to experience life 2000 years ago and walk around its reconstructed townhouse. Additionally, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre near Craven Arms provides another great opportunity to gain knowledge on natural and geological history of Shropshire County; here you’ll find an Ice Age mammoth replica and 30 acres of meadow that can be explored either on foot or bike.
Colemere Country Park
Shropshire offers everything from epic hiking trails to locally sourced food and luxurious hotel stays – everything needed for an unforgettable vacation experience! Nestled at the center of England and known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, its bucolic countryside vistas rival any in the country. And with many activities and accommodations waiting to welcome visitors, Plum Guide Home Critics are your gateway to exploring Shropshire!
Starting your journey through Craven Arms should start at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre near Craven Arms, which showcases its natural history through a number of interactive displays. See a fossilised Shropshire Mammoth preserved in glass case; learn about local wildlife in an aquarium; or test out your skills orienteering or geocaching – it all awaits you at this incredible centre!
The Clee Hills are breathtakingly gorgeous hilly uplands north of Ludlow that offer incredible scenic beauty. Once home to coal quarries, today this area boasts rare plants and animals such as rare flora and fauna species. Take peaceful walks through Titterstone or Brown Clee Hills or challenge yourself by climbing Long Mynd for stunning panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.
Colemere Mere, located just below Church Stretton’s fortified market town, is one of Shropshire’s most attractive meres. Surrounded almost completely by mature woodland and featuring two attractive hay meadows that attract wildfowl and waders as well as hosting an abundance of flowers including southern marsh orchids and meadow cranesbill.
Colemere is easily accessible from Shrewsbury with several shuttle bus services operating. You could also set up your tent or caravan at Colemere Caravan Park five minutes away to experience an adult only lakeside retreat complete with grass pitches, camping pods and even a shepherd’s hut for glamping getaways – up to two well behaved pets are welcome per pitch and also in the glamping accommodation!
Telford Canal
The area’s stunning landscape of hill forts, scenic valleys and iconic Long Mynd is a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its towns boast culture and history such as Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site – birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Meanwhile its picturesque canals provide leisurely retreats perfect for water sports or sightseeing opportunities.
Explore Roman urban life at Wroxeter Roman City, an audio tour will transport you into everyday life of this important Roman city. At Chirk, discover an extraordinary feat of engineering designed and constructed by Thomas Telford that spans 70 feet above River Ceiriog across 10 circular masonry arches – truly incredible!
The Shropshire Way, an idyllic long distance footpath stretching from North Shropshire to Wales’ border, offers hikers and horse riders alike an incredible journey through ancient hill forts, castles, and Church Stretton–known affectionately as Little Switzerland–on its route.
Time travel back to medieval Craven Arms with Stokesay Castle, an impressive 13th-century fortified manor house where you can explore its great hall and climb its steps to reach its lookout tower for stunning vistas of market town below. Furthermore, explore its grounds, gardens and grounds as well as events and activities held there throughout the year on their website – be sure to do your research first before planning a visit!