15 things to do in Shropshire for kids this summer FEATURE

It's one of the least crowded counties of England, yet there are plenty of fun and interesting things for the kids during their summer holidays. From historic sites, castles and forts to country parks, outdoor pursuits and family attractions, Shropshire really does have it all. BritEvents' Amanda Arnold has a look at some of the best things in Shropshire to keep the children happy during their school hols.

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Picture © Richie Dean

By Amanda Arnold from BritEvents

The School summer holidays are nearly upon us, and if my children are anything to go by, they are excited to break up at the end of this month for the long hopefully lazy days, the summer has to offer.

Of course, the excitement soon wears off, and we can count the days on one hand how long it takes until you hear the inevitable words, "I'm bored".

BritEvents.com have teamed up with Wenlock Spring who will be helping to keep you hydrated while you enjoy yourself this summer. Water from the Shropshire company, Wenlock Spring, is naturally filtered as it emerges through the geologically famous Wenlock Edge, providing refreshing water with a unique blend of minerals and a delicately sweet taste. Wenlock Spring are proud to be supporting and helping hydrate the 2011 Leisure Lakes Bikes Gravity Team.

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BritEvents have sourced some of the best things to do in Shropshire this summer. Come rain or shine your children will be entertained and parents can be assured that BritEvents.com have considered the current economic climate and have brought you some activities that are either free or reasonably priced, but all of which can be incorporated into a whole day out for you and the family.

1. Park Hall Countryside Experience

Park Hall Oswestry, SY11 4AS, Telephone 01691 671123
Admission: Family Day Pass (2 adults 2 children) £27.00

Park Hall farm is an exciting all-weather visitor attraction for all the family. Your children will love joining in with the regular hands-on animal activities, two massive indoor playbarns and outdoor play areas, whilst you sit back and relax on the many benches and tables available all around the farm.

Park Hall does have a cafe, and is reasonably priced, but if you decide to bring a picnic you will have use of the plentiful picnic benches which are available inside and out. The driving school, Landrover Experience, Quad biking, Mechanical Diggers and the Barrel Train for children are available at an extra cost. Enjoy a fantastic day out in the heart of the beautiful Countryside. Park Hall Farm was voted Most Family Friendly Business Award by The Best Of Oswestry.

2. Iron Bridge Gorge Museums

Coalbrookdale, Telford, TF8 7DQ, Telephone 01952 435999
Admission: Various prices including a years Family Passport.

A recommended BritEvents attraction.

There are no less than ten award-winning museums along the famous River Severn in Ironbridge, which is spanned by the first ever cast iron bridge built in 1779. Once described as "the most extraordinary district in the world" there is something for everyone.

The most famous of all the museums in Ironbridge is the Blists Hill Victorian Town. During your visit to the Victorian town you can change your pocket-money in the bank and visit the Victorians in their shops, cottages and workplaces. Take a ride at the Victorian Fairground before parents can grab a quick pint in the Victorian pub. The new visitor centre on arrival will show you the story of the Industrial Revolution in Ironbridge.

Picnic benches and seating areas are plentiful, but the fish and chips in the new Victorian chip shop are personally recommended.

3. RAF Cosford Air Museum

Shifnal, TF11 8VP/ WV7 3EX, Telephone 01902 377030
Admission : Free - (small parking charge)

Smack bang on the border of Shropshire and the West Midlands, stands the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, a great day out in all weather. This fantastic RAF museum houses 70 aircraft in the many hangers that are open to the public. Take a look at the war planes, missiles, transport and Research and Development collections. With a number of exhibitions and interactive areas around the museum your family can have a fun packed and knowledgeable day.

There are many activities planned during the summer, but BritEvents.com recommends the climbing wall which will be in-situ from the 1st August - 31st August 2011.

4. Carding Mill Valley

Church Stretton, SY6 6JG, Telephone 01694 723068
Admission: Free parking for National Trust Members

Carding Mill Valley covers over 2,000 hectares of heather covered hills. This area of outstanding beauty is a fantastic day out for all the family, with some of the best walking in Shropshire. Make the most of your day with more than 50 walks and talks arranged by the rangers. As you drive in to Carding Mill Valley, you will follow the stream up to the public car park passing the National Trust cafe and shop, famous for their cream teas and cakes.

After a long walk, why not make a day of it by the stream and take along a picnic, your children's wellies and settle yourself down for a lazy few hours watching your children build dams and enjoying themselves splashing around in the water.

5. Quarry Park

Shrewsbury, SY1 1RN Telephone 01743 239186
Admission: Free - Charge for Shrewsbury Flower Show and Quarry Concert

The Quarry Park is a 29 acre riverside park and is famous for its annual Shrewsbury Flower Show, which takes place on the 12th and 13th August 2011, with special guest appearances by chef Gino D'Acampo and gardener Chris Beardshaw. This is a fantastic day out for all the family and the best bit, kids are now free. Enjoy the stunning floral displays, show jumping, celebrity cooking and the famous firework finale.

The centrepiece of the Park is The Dingle, which was once a stone quarry but now a beautiful sunken garden which was developed by the famous TV gardener Percy Thrower. Spend your time in the garden, meander down the river or stop off for an ice cream or tasty coffee. There is plenty of space for the children to let off steam, with a well equipped playground and paddling pool.

This year The Quarry Park are pleased to announce Status Quo will be playing in the Quarry on the 15th July.

6. Wenlock Edge

Much Wenlock, Telephone 01952 727679
Admission: Free

Walk the magnificent Wenlock Edge. This is an amazing, unique and special place just on the edge of Much Wenlock, the stunning medieval town, which held the first ever Wenlock Olympian Games in 1850. Wenlock Edge stretches between Ironbridge and Craven Arms and boasts some of the most spectacular views in Shropshire with remains of ancient quarries, fossils and rare flowers.

After your walk, take a wander around the famous market town and visit some of the lovely tea rooms and a selection of traditional shops. Much Wenlock is like going back in time, a market has been held there for over 700 years, but has a history stretching back much further. A lovely tranquil day out for all the family.

7. Attingham Park

Atcham, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP, Telephone 01743 7081 23
Admission: Free for National Trust Members Non members family £22.00

Now owned by the National trust Attingham Park was built in 1785 for the 1st Lord Berwick and was owned by the same family for 160 years. This beautiful mansion-house is set in stunning parkland with walled gardens to visit and enjoy.

Watch and read about the ongoing restoration and conservation which is in action in the walled gardens and the mansion house. Join in with the family trails and activities throughout the summer holidays, including Holiday Trails, which offer different family walks around the grounds to keep your little ones entertained. On the 16th July Attingham Park welcomes the Summer Craft and Food Fair. Traders are local producers and will be selling high quality crafts, food and drink.

8. Sabrina Boat Trips On The River Severn

Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8LH, Telephone 01743 404 599
Admission: Adults £7 Children £3 under 5's free

Just a short walk from the Quarry Park, you will find Sabrina, Shrewsbury's passenger boat. This popular 40 minute daily cruise leaves Victoria Quay on the hour (11-4pm) sailing to the English Bridge and back. Sit back, relax and enjoy the picturesque views of Shrewsbury town in an entirely different light whilst the guide relates the history of the town pointing out important landmarks.

Sabrina also offers weekly and monthly events throughout the year including Ghost Cruises, Blues nights, Mexican and Curry Cruises, on-board mid summer ball, and BBQ Cruise all of which are at an extra charge.

9. Telford Town Park

Telford Centre, TF3 4AY, Telephone 01952 591633
Admission: free

The first time I went to Telford Town Park, I thought I was in heaven, as situated right next door to the 450 acre play site is the Telford indoor shopping centre with a host of high street shops including Debenhams, House Of Fraser, M&S and Primark! The warden controlled park offers fantastic play equipment for all ages of children, including the giant spiders web, slides, sandpits with diggers and picnic areas.

Within a short walk you are also able to visit the Tenpin Bowling Alley, Telford Ice skating Rink or take a ride on the boating lake on a pedalo. Whatever the weather there is always something to do...including shopping!

10. Mickey Millars Playbarn

Craven Arms, SY7 8DX, Telephone 01588 73800
Admission: £4.50 per person pay and play all day!

Aged 1 - 100 this is the place where everyone can have a go on the slides, as Mickey Millar says, "a children's playbarn where adults can play too!" This a great rainy day out, where you can be a daredevil and drop down the 21ft and 16ft Demon Drop Slides, climb ladders, spin around the poles and slide down the 3 lane Astra Slide with your granny!

Mickey Millars promotes healthy eating alongside healthy exercise as all the meals on offer come with a healthy salad and are very reasonably priced - they don't skimp on the portions either.

Adults are encouraged to join in with their children's play, but with a very large seating area which is air-conditioned, you can relax and enjoy reading the paper and enjoying a cup of coffee whilst your kids burn off a bit of energy.

11. Theatre Severn

Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, Telephone 01743 281281
Admission: Contact Theatre Box Office.

Wayne Sleep, Reginald D Hunter and Russell Kane are among some of the performers who have been impressed by the facilities at Theatre Severn, with Jason Manford saying "Easily one of the top 5 theatres in the country". Shrewsbury can be proud of their new theatre which was opened in March 2009. Some of the top shows, comedians and bands have already appeared at Theatre Severn, with many more listed throughout the rest of the year.

During the summer, The Viv Kelly School Of Dance will be holding a week long Summer School called "On Stage", which is open to all children from the age of 8 - 13 at the theatre. For just £85.00 for the week your children can use their skills, ideas and talents to work towards a show that will be staged at Theatre Severn at the end of the week. "Show Your Talent - Live Your Dream". The dates for the summer school are 8th - 12th August, contact Theatre Severn Box Office for more details.

12. The Follies, Hawkstone Park

Weston-under-Redcastle, Shrewsbury, Telephone 01948 841700
Admission: Family (2 adults 3 Children) £25.00 ( 2 adults 2 children)£22.00

The Follies at Hawkstone park is a breathtaking area of natural beauty, with cliffs, crags, caves, woods and monuments that date back over 200 years. The walk around this beautiful parkland is truly magical, with a surprise around each corner and Children especially love to explore this 100 acre site. The walk can take a least 3 hours, but with its hilly terrain the follies are unfortunately not suitable for the elderly, disabled or pushchairs.

There are many picnic tables along the way, but remember you will have to carry your picnic boxes around with you! A tearoom is situated at the exit/entrance, but for a substantial meal Hawkstone Park Hotel offers two restaurants. This is a great family day out!

13. Acton Scott - Historic Working Farm

Church Stretton Telephone 01694 781307
Admission: Family ticket (2 adults 3 children) £22.50

Acton Scott, is an historic working farm in the heart of beautiful Shropshire. It is situated in the estate's 18th Century Farm buildings and is a fun day out for all the family to enjoy.

The farm gives you an insight into life of farming during the 19th Century. The daily demonstrations using Victorian skills and farming techniques give you an idea of how the day to day running of a 19th century farm differs from the modern day farming we know now. This lovingly preserved farm was chosen for the BBC's Victorian Farm and Victorian Farm Christmas, and has also been included in Country File, Escape to the Country, Country Tracks and Ben Fogle's Escape in Time.

For a lovely day out either take a picnic or visit the charming cafe, the Old School, which sells home cooked food snacks and drinks. Look out for the special events during the open season.

14. The Venue

Park Hall, Oswestry Telephone 01691 684840
Admission: Contact The Venue

Home to the Welsh Premier League Football team The New Saints, The Venue offers a wide range of facilities throughout the year. The Venue is a well equipped play area and a bowling alley for those wet days during the holiday. One of the great things about The Venue are the prices, even through the summer holidays the Bowling offers are still available.

Tenpin Tuesday is £2 per game and the Mega Offer on Thursday, Friday Saturday and Sunday is 6 people can bowl for £12 for 1 game or £18 for 2 games. The meals at The Venue are extremely reasonable and delicious, the new menu features locally sourced food, freshly prepared by their chefs. For all you Hannah Montana fans, check out the Hannah Montana Tribute evening on the 6th August at 7.30pm - just £10.00 per person.

15. Ludlow Castle

Ludlow, SY8 1AY Telephone 01584 873355
Admission £13.50 (2 adults + children)

Ludlow Castle is a fine example of a medieval castle, set in the beautiful Market town of Ludlow. As you walk through the castle grounds,take a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Kings, Queens and nobility that stayed in the ancient houses.

Ludlow Castle is now famous for its major annual events throughout the year. During the summer, Ludlow Castle hold Summer Wednesdays and Thursdays, which are interesting days out, jam packed full with activities for all the family, which include a Guided Tour, Archery, A Living History Tent, Birds Of Prey, Story Telling and Medieval Games, prices for these days are from £3 per child.

The famous Ludlow Food Festival on the 9th - 11th September is held in the castle every year and is the foremost food and drink festival in Britain, with three days of great food, drink and entertainment for all the family. Contact Ludlow Castle for Food Festival tickets and ticket prices.

Message from sponsor Wenlock Spring

"Wenlock Spring is a bottled spring water that is dedicated to supplying the restaurant, hospitality, leisure and specialist retail sectors. We wanted to offer our support to BritEvents, to help promote our fantastic county. Wenlock Spring is a local brand and the provenance of our water is always emphasised."
Matthew Orme, Director.

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