Day Trips From Shropshire Are Perfect for Families

Shropshire epitomises England’s idyllic countryside, boasting chocolate box villages, stately homes and historic attractions that enthrall visitors.

Discover amazing woodlands where bluebells create a sea of colour in springtime, as well as Attingham Park – a National Trust property featuring a Regency mansion and acres of country park – ideal for exploring.

1. They’re Fun

Shropshire provides plenty of exciting day trips for both family adventures and educational purposes, including Ironbridge Gorge (where the Industrial Revolution first started) and Blists Hill Victorian Town Museum, an open-air Victorian town museum where you can step inside shops and cottages and experience life around 1900. In addition, Park Hall Countryside Experience features a real working farm where visitors can participate in lamb feeding, carriage rides and horse grooming!

Shropshire boasts many historical attractions, such as Clun Castle on a mound that was constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest; Wigmore Castle (once home to Roger Mortimer and then Edward II’s queen Isabella); and Acton Burnell with its fortified medieval manor house ruins. There are also plenty of family-friendly walks and trails throughout Shropshire hills as well as rock climbing or caving activities available if you really want to connect with nature!

Shropshire is well known for its delicious artisan food and drink, and there are countless wonderful farm shops, restaurants and delis where you can taste local produce. Additionally, family-friendly workshops and spa breaks can provide an opportunity to learn new skills or simply relax after an exhilarating day exploring Shropshire’s many family vineyards with tours and tasting sessions – perfect if wine tasting is on your agenda!

Shropshire is an ideal family destination, and there is accommodation to meet every budget imaginable, ranging from stately homes once owned by royalty to hostels and glamping sites. Additionally, there are luxury lodges and apartments as well as holiday parks with playgrounds, natural play areas, trails and events that make the region unforgettable.

2. They’re Active

Shropshire’s charming chocolate box towns and villages are rich with history and heritage, but there’s also plenty to keep kids active and excited during their vacation in Shropshire. From immersive experiences such as flying a simulator at Cosford Air Force Museum to family-friendly farms or vineyards – there’s plenty to discover here!

One of the many joys of visiting Shropshire is enjoying nature at your own pace. Discover medieval castle ruins at Ludlow with live history tours and bird of prey encounters; or stroll Church Stretton’s woodland trails either on your own or as part of a guided tour.

If you prefer the water, rent a narrowboat from marinas along Shropshire’s inland canals or hop aboard a passenger cruise at River Severn. Shropshire’s labyrinth of lakes, ponds and wetlands is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts as well as being the ideal place for relaxation.

For an active day trip, step into your hiking boots and hike either Shropshire Way or Offa’s Dyke Path. Or take your adventure onto the water at Ironbridge Gorge where kayaking or rafting offers routes suitable for all ages and abilities.

Shropshire’s natural beauty is unmatched. From lakes and ponds providing wildlife sanctuary, meadows, meres and wooded hills providing stunning landscape views; to its woodlands creating a sea of blue in May; Shropshire offers something spectacular for everyone to experience and its many trails making exploration easy no matter the pace you choose.

3. They’re Educational

Shropshire’s historic towns and villages boast a vast cultural legacy, with many sites of interest for education and entertainment. Shrewsbury provides a trip back in time at the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum with pictures, uniforms, medals, silverware and weapons from local regiments throughout history; nearby medieval castle Ludlow provides another fascinating look back into bygone era with its grand red-stone fortress and defensive walls.

As part of an educational and enjoyable day trip for the whole family, visit Ludlow for an experience that is both educational and entertaining. Stroll through its medieval streets lined with independent shops and artisan eateries for culinary treats; or delve into regional ceramic history at Stoke-on-Trent Pottery Museum.

Shropshire Hills provide a perfect place to discover its natural history, providing opportunities for walking and hiking for people of all abilities. Choose your walk from among several available or take an guided tour through Sallow Coppice woods during May to witness an awe-inspiring sea of bluebells dotting the forest floor!

Visit the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre near Craven Arms for an educational and engaging experience that explores its natural history through engaging exhibitions and activities. It also houses the Shropshire Hills Shuttle service from Church Stretton that opens up great walking routes across Long Mynd and Stiperstones areas.

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, NY provides families with an engaging day trip that’s full of learning and adventure. This award-winning nature and science centre boasts river otters, outdoor fort building opportunities and miles of trails with over 450 species of animals – making it the perfect spot to teach children about nature while getting them outside!

4. They’re Relaxing

Shropshire offers something for everyone when it comes to travel destinations: its bucolic countryside and picturesque villages are ideal, yet there are also numerous surprises waiting to be discovered here – Blists Hill Victorian Town provides a nostalgic journey back through England’s industrial past; Attingham Park showcases Georgian splendour. Shropshire truly is an intriguing blend of history!

Make time while in Shropshire to take a stroll on one of its picturesque walking trails and enjoy fresh air and wide horizons with your family while creating lasting memories. Or explore its natural beauty at one of its peaceful nature reserves like Brown Moss Nature Reserve or hiking through rugged landscapes in Shropshire Hills; they will immerse you fully into nature!

Shropshire offers many historic churches and abbeys for a unique cultural experience, including St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow or Cluniac Priory in Much Wenlock – just two examples that showcase how architecture has changed throughout time. You will be taken back in time when peace was the rule!

And for a true getaway experience, book yourself into one of Shropshire’s many spa hotels and indulge in a day of pure relaxation. Enjoy a luxurious massage or simply swim laps around your hotel pool – whatever it is you choose, your visit to Shropshire will leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed – nothing beats a relaxing getaway from everyday life!

5. They’re Cheap

Shropshire may not be one of the more obvious day trip destinations, but it provides an ideal starting point for all kinds of adventures that can lead you to some of the UK’s greatest attractions – including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, National Trust estates, stately homes and epic landscapes.

Explore some of the county’s renowned towns such as medieval Shrewsbury, food-centric Ludlow and artistic Bridgnorth; also uncover its industrial heritage at sites such as Blists Hill Victorian Town or Ironbridge Gorge.

These places are great because they’re cheap and convenient to visit – many can be reached within easy access of Telford town centre via M54 or on its fringes where rental cars can be obtained at competitive prices.

If you’re seeking to reconnect with nature, an engaging activity would be to take a riverboat ride down the River Severn or try your hand at canoeing and kayaking. Other outdoor pursuits include orienteering, geocaching and cycling routes through local countryside areas.

Indoor activities for families are plentiful too, including the RAF Museum Cosford that provides a fascinating look into aviation history with interactive exhibitions and experiences.

Long Mynd is an upland wilderness that’s an absolute must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts. A popular walking spot, its trails offer rich variety and boast abundant wildlife; additionally there are accommodation options that take advantage of this natural wonder, such as Longmynd House with its balcony overlooking sunrise views and heated outdoor pool; you can even find a woodland sculpture trail and long lounge that provide beautiful vistas outside!