National Trust Estates
Attingham Park
If visiting Attingham Park main house as well as walking the grounds then we would suggest a whole day. Restaurants on site. There is a particularly lovely deer park walk that is approximately three miles long. The pathways are flat and ideal for a pushchair. Dogs on a lead are welcome all over the park. Fantastic day out whatever the weather.
Powys Castle
This is a beautiful castle set in stunning grounds. The gardens are a real treat with some of the oldest yew hedges in the UK. There is a large restaurant on site. Best to check opening times on their website as they’re not open every day.
Croft Castle
A must see property and surrounding estate. One of our most favourite National Trust properties with outstanding grounds and ancient woodland.
Berrington Hall
Another wonderful walking day out. Well maintained pathways through miles and miles of estate. Woodland, streams, orchards, restaurant on site and a magnificent hall to explore. Highly recommended.
For more information on the National Trust Properties and Opening Times Click Here
English Heritage Estates
Stokesay Castle
This is a very interesting site to visit, again with audio information to help imagine how it would have been.
The Priory (Much Wenlock)
Like other English Heritage sites the history of these ruins are brilliantly retold with handsets. There is no restaurant on site but it is in the middle of Much Wenlock so there are plenty of choices.
Wroxeter Roman Ruins
English Heritage have done brilliantly well at bringing the ruins alive with the talking handset that allows you to tour around at your own pace. Within a mile you may like to lunch at the Mytton and Mermaid which is opposite the gates of Attingham Park too.
For more information on the local English Heritage Sites Click Here
Parks and Museums
Hawkstone Park & Follies
This is an ancient landscape park with pleasure grounds and gardens. A stunning, scenic day out. Perfect for children and adults alike. There is a restaurant on site. www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk
Museums
Ironbridge – Blisthill Museum www.ironbridge.org.uk
This Victorian Museum is been a fabulous treat and a great day out for all the family. It is definitely worth getting there early, particularly in the summer holidays. If you are likely to get peckish before midday remember to take a snack because no food is available before 12.00 noon!
Acton Scott Farm – Historic Working Farm as seen on TV www.actonscottmuseum.com
A great days out for children and lots of history for the adults. It is a beautiful place to visit and plenty of animals to see.
RAF Cosford Museum – National Cold War Exhibition www.rafmuseum.org.uk
The fabulous display of planes, wealth of information and history of various wars really brings home some of the realities of those who fought. It is a haven for any aviation enthusiast. To see everything you really need a whole day. There are restaurants on site for lunch.
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk
From Roman & Medieval History to Mini-Mammoths & Darwin, this museum and gallery has something for everyone.
Towns to Visit
Church Stretton
This is our nearest town. There are some lovely shops in Church Stretton (all independent) including a wonderful four storied Antiques Market. The deli in the square is heaven for foodies. Thursday is market day between 8.30am – 4.00pm. The best coffee shops are Berry’s and Jemima’s. There are also many walks starting from Church Stretton centre.
Much Wenlock
Another beautiful market town and home to a locally famous butcher (Paddy Ryan). Lots of history in Much Wenlock and home to The Priory, England’s oldest church as mentioned above. The museum is only open between April and October. Plenty of places to eat and drink.
Ludlow
Stunning market town dominated by a truly extraordinary castle. Definitely worth a visit and if you have time I highly recommend the audio tour. Food market is on every day except Tuesday. Don’t forget to visit the Ludlow Food Hall on your way out of Ludlow, clearly visible on the main A49. The Church restaurant right in the middle of the little streets is a wonderful place for lunch or The Green Cafe by the weir comes a close second.
Ironbridge
The iron bridge a beautiful feat of engineering bridging the river from many wonderful shops on one side and walks and pubs the other. There are over 20 museums to visit in the town, if you plan on going to several of them it is worth getting a museum pass (which lasts a year) from the Tourist Information Office on the river.
Shrewsbury
This is a beautiful town for history, shopping, eating and walking. Definitely worth a visit but be aware that there is a one-way system going around the town so it is easiest to use the Park and Ride just off the A49 (turn in towards the same park as Sainsbury’s)