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Feb 21
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Spring Adventures: Things To Do near Woodland Park Lodges

By Advice, Places to visit

 

As the cold grip of winter gives way to blooming flowers and warmer days, Shropshire transforms into a haven of springtime beauty and activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or family adventurer, this charming county offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Shropshire in spring 2025.

1. Explore Shropshire’s Glorious Gardens

Spring is the perfect time to visit Shropshire’s renowned gardens as they come alive with vibrant blooms and lush greenery. Highlights include:

  • The Dorothy Clive Garden: Famous for its stunning spring displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, and daffodils.
  • Attingham Park: Enjoy a peaceful walk through its walled garden and vast parkland, bursting with spring colors.
  • Hodnet Hall Gardens: A hidden gem featuring tranquil pools, woodlands, and an array of flowers in full bloom.

Tip: Pack a picnic and spend the day soaking in the serene atmosphere.

2. Take a Scenic Hike

Shropshire’s rolling hills and picturesque landscapes are a hiker’s paradise, especially in spring. Top trails to explore include:

  • The Long Mynd: A sprawling heathland perfect for spotting wildlife and enjoying panoramic views.
  • Stiperstones National Nature Reserve: Known for its unique rock formations and rare flora.
  • The Shropshire Way: Choose from sections of this long-distance trail to experience the county’s best scenery.

Pro Tip: Bring a pair of binoculars for birdwatching—spring is prime time for spotting migratory birds.

3. Visit Historic Market Towns

Shropshire’s market towns are full of charm and history. Spend a day exploring:

  • Ludlow: Known for its medieval castle, food markets, and independent shops.
  • Shrewsbury: Wander through its cobbled streets, admire the half-timbered buildings, and enjoy a boat trip on the River Severn.
  • Bridgnorth: Split into High Town and Low Town, this historic town offers scenic cliff railway rides and riverside walks.

Local Highlight: Spring is a great time to catch farmers’ markets featuring fresh, local produce.

4. Discover Shropshire’s Castles and Heritage Sites

Step back in time with a visit to Shropshire’s historic landmarks. Must-visit sites include:

  • Stokesay Castle: A beautifully preserved medieval manor house.
  • Powis Castle: Famous for its dramatic gardens and impressive architecture.
  • Ironbridge Gorge: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a spring day out with museums, walks, and river views.

Fun for Families: Look out for Easter-themed events and activities at these heritage sites during the spring holidays.

5. Enjoy Springtime Events

Spring 2025 is packed with events and festivals to celebrate the season. Keep an eye out for:

  • Shrewsbury Flower Show (Spring Edition): A spectacular showcase of horticultural displays and gardening inspiration.
  • Ludlow Spring Festival: A weekend of delicious food, craft beer, and live music.
  • Easter Egg Hunts: Many local attractions host family-friendly Easter events, perfect for kids of all ages.

Bonus: Check local calendars for pop-up farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and outdoor theater performances.

6. Experience Tranquility at Woodland Park Lodges

After a day of exploring, unwind in the comfort of Woodland Park Lodges. Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, our lodges are the perfect base for your spring adventures. Relax in your private hot tub, enjoy the surrounding woodlands, and wake up to the sound of birdsong.

Special Offer: Book your spring 2025 stay early to secure the best dates and enjoy exclusive discounts.

Plan Your Spring Adventure

With its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant events, Shropshire in spring is a destination like no other. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or family fun, there’s something here for everyone. Start planning your spring 2025 escape today!

Ready to book? Click here to check availability and secure your stay.

Jan 29
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Exploring Shropshire’s Castles with The Kids This Half-Term

By Places to visit, Things to do

A guide to Ludlow Castle, Stokesay Castle, and Whittington Castle

Half-term will soon be upon us. The children will be off school again, the house is will once again become a war zone, and you’ll be seconds away from Googling “Is it legal to sell children on eBay?”

Before you resign yourself to a week of endless snacks, Peppa Pig or The Next Step on repeat, there is a solution.

Castles.

Yes, instead of a half-term of boredom and destruction, why not book a stay at one of our holiday lodges or treehouses and from here set off in search of some proper medieval ruins? Shropshire, conveniently, is packed with castles.

So here’s where to take the kids for an adventure fit for a knight in Shropshire.

Ludlow Castle – The Big Daddy of Shropshire Castles

Ludlow Castle isn’t just a castle; it’s the castle in Shropshire. It’s big. It’s dramatic and it was once home to royalty, Ludlow Castle is a sprawling ruin where kids and even some adults can run wild, pretending they’re knights, princesses, or medieval warlords . There are towers to climb, dungeons to peer into, and enough crumbling walls to make a health and safety officer faint.

Need-to-Know Info:

Location: Castle Square, Ludlow SY8 1AY
Opening Times: Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm (check website for seasonal variations)
Entry Fee: Yes (see website)
Parking: Available nearby in Ludlow town centre
Nearby Eats: Ludlow is full of fantastic pubs, bakeries, and cafés. Go fancy with The Church Inn or grab a legendary sausage roll from The Ludlow Food Centre.

Stokesay Castle – The Fairy-Tale Fortress

If Ludlow Castle is the big, brooding warrior of the Shropshire castle scene, Stokesay Castle is its charming, polite younger cousin. Less of a fortress and more of a fortified manor house, it looks like something from a storybook.

The timber-framed gatehouse is ridiculously pretty, and inside the great hall, you half expect a medieval banquet to start (sadly, it doesn’t). The best part? It’s small enough that kids can explore without you losing them.

Need-to-Know Info:

Location: Nr Craven Arms, SY7 9AH
Opening Times: Open daily during half-term, 10 am – 4 pm
Entry Fee: Yes (see website)
Parking: On-site (small charge applies)
Nearby Eats: The Stokesay Inn in Craven Arms does excellent pub grub, and there’s a Costa if you need an emergency caffeine fix.

Whittington Castle – A Part- Restored Castle with a Proper Moat

Whittington Castle has one crucial feature that makes it an instant winner with children: a moat. Moats are brilliant. They make everything better. Just imagine if your house had a moat – you’d never have to worry about unwanted visitors again and your own pair of swans to gaze at.

The castle itself is smaller and more ruined than Ludlow or Stokesay, but what it lacks in intact walls, it makes up for in vibes. There’s a proper bridge to over the moat to walk across, towers to explore, and even local legends of ghosts and secret tunnels.

Need-to-Know Info:

Location: Castle Street, Whittington, Oswestry SY11 4DF
Opening Times: Open daily, 9 am – 4 pm
Entry Fee: Free! (Donations welcome)
Parking: On-site car park that charges but there are places to park free in the village.
Nearby Eats: The adjacent tea room serves cakes, snacks, and a proper pot of tea. Alternatively, The White Lion pub or the Boote inn are just a few minutes walk away.

So if you want a proper medieval adventure, Ludlow Castle is the one. If you prefer something a bit more refined (but still grand), go for Stokesay Castle. And if you’re after a fun, budget-friendly option with a moat, Whittington Castle is perfect.

So, pack up the kids, grab some snacks, and head out on a half-term adventure. Because, let’s be honest, anything is better than being stuck indoors listening to “Mummy, I’m boooored” on repeat.

Nov 28
Love0

The Best Places to Capture Instagram-Worthy Photos in Shropshire

By Places to visit, Things to do

Ah, Shropshire, a county so picturesque it’s like Mother Nature decided to show off after watching Countryfile. It’s the kind of place where even the most mediocre camera phone can produce shots worthy of an influencer’s giddy squeal. So, for those of you lugging around DSLRs the size of a small cow, or just armed with a smartphone and a dream of going viral, let’s dive into the most Instagram-worthy spots in this postcard-perfect slice of England.

1. The Wrekin: Nature’s Own Instagram Filter

If Shropshire were a rock band, the Wrekin would be its lead guitarist. This massive hill dominates the landscape and offers panoramic views that are so breathtaking, even your mum’s dodgy photography skills couldn’t ruin them.

Perfect for: “Hey, look at me, I climbed something!” posts. Bonus points if you time your visit for sunrise, when the sky turns a shade of pink.

2. Ludlow Castle: For Medieval Vibes (and Excellent Coffee)

Castles are basically the ancient equivalent of a selfie stick—built to grab attention and dominate the skyline. Ludlow Castle is no exception. Snap a photo of its towering ruins against a dramatic cloud-filled sky, and your followers will think you’ve wandered onto the set of Game of Thrones.

Tip: Head to the café inside the castle grounds. A flat white with a side of crumbling medieval architecture? Absolute gold for your story highlights.

3. Ironbridge Gorge: Where Engineering Meets Aesthetic Goals

Ironbridge isn’t just a bridge—it’s the bridge. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s basically Shropshire’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, only with fewer tourists and more charm. Take a wide shot from the riverside to get the full effect of its industrial grandeur. For an artsy twist, grab a close-up of the iron details and pretend you know about “composition.”

Hashtag it with: #HistoricVibes #IronAgeGoals.

4. Stiperstones: Rocks, Legends, and Drama

The Stiperstones ridge is wild, rugged, and unapologetically photogenic. The jagged quartz rocks have names like “Devil’s Chair,” which makes it even more Instagrammable because nothing screams engagement like a bit of folklore. Head up there during a moody overcast day for some dramatic photos.

5. Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park: Blooms and Bragging Rights

If your followers are the type who lose their minds over flowers and fountains, then Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park is your Mecca. The Dingle garden is an explosion of colour, designed by Percy Thrower, who was basically a gardening legend. It’s a haven for symmetry lovers and anyone who wants their feed to scream, “Look how cultured I am!”

6. Carding Mill Valley: All the Clichés, But in a Good Way

Mountains? Check. Waterfalls? Check. A stream where you can pose dramatically while pretending you’re pondering life? Oh, absolutely. Carding Mill Valley ticks every “nature retreat” cliché in the book, and that’s exactly why it works. The golden hour lighting here is so flattering you’ll wonder why you ever paid for studio shots.

7. Blists Hill Victorian Town: Steampunk Chic

This open-air museum isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an Instagram playground. Everything looks like it’s been dunked in sepia tone, so your photos will have that “olde worlde” vibe without needing a single filter. Pose in front of the vintage shops, or better yet, grab a top hat and a pint of ale for the full Victorian influencer experience.

8. Hawkstone Park Follies: For Fans of Hidden Wonders

This place is a labyrinth of quirky caves, bridges, and cliffs that look like they’ve been plucked from a fantasy novel. It’s so whimsical you half expect to bump into a wizard. Keep your camera ready for shots of the Swiss Bridge—a structure so precarious-looking it’ll have your followers questioning your life choices. It’s closed in the winter months but reopens again in the New Year.

9. Clun: Quaintness Overload

Clun is the kind of village that makes you want to quit your job, buy a cottage, and start selling homemade jam. Its stone bridge, riverside views, and ancient ruins are as charming as a Hugh Grant rom-com. A sunset shot here will have your feed drowning in heart emojis faster than you can say “countryside goals.”

10. Long Mynd: The ‘OMG, Are We in the Alps?’ Moment

Shropshire’s Long Mynd is so stunning it could make Switzerland jealous. Drive up to the top (yes, it’s cheating, but who cares?) for sweeping views that will make even the grumpiest of your followers pause their scrolling. Add a snap of your thermos perched on the bonnet of your car for maximum outdoorsy clout.

A Final Bit of Advice

Now, while all these spots are undeniably beautiful, remember this: your followers probably don’t care about the location. They care about you pretending to be deep and adventurous. So, slap on a hat, fake a wistful stare into the distance, and let Shropshire’s stunning scenery do all the heavy lifting.

Jul 11
Love0

Shropshire Summer Events For All

By Advice, Places to visit, Things to do

Summer in Shropshire is a magical time, filled with vibrant events that showcase the best of the county’s natural beauty, rich history, and lively culture. As guests at Woodland Park Lodges, you are located in the perfect place to take it all in. Here is our guide to some must-visit events and activities to make your summer stay with us unforgettable.

1. Much Wenlock Olympian Games (July 12-14, 2024)

Step back in time and witness the origins of the modern Olympic movement at the Much Wenlock Olympian Games. This unique event, founded in 1850, features a variety of athletic competitions, including running, cycling, and archery. The games are a wonderful celebration of sporting history and community spirit, held in the charming town of Much Wenlock.

2. Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (July 19-21, 2024)

Laughter is guaranteed at the Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival. This event attracts top comedians from around the world to perform in various venues across the town. Whether you prefer stand-up, improv, or comedic theatre, there’s a show to tickle everyone’s funny bone. Book your tickets early, as this popular festival often sells out quickly!

3. Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival (August 3-11, 2024)

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Shropshire’s stunning landscapes. With guided walks ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes, there’s something for every level of fitness. The festival highlights the region’s rich industrial heritage, beautiful countryside, and charming villages.

4. Oswestry Show (August 3, 2024)

Experience the best of rural life at the Oswestry Show, a traditional agricultural event that’s fun for the whole family. Held at the Oswestry Showground, this event features livestock displays, horse competitions, craft stalls, and delicious local food. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Shropshire’s agricultural heritage and enjoy a day of country fun.

5. Shrewsbury Flower Show (August 9-10, 2024)

One of the oldest and most prestigious flower shows in the country, the Shrewsbury Flower Show is a feast for the senses. Held in the picturesque Quarry Park, this event features stunning floral displays, horticultural competitions, and garden designs that will inspire and delight. Beyond the blooms, there are also food stalls, live music, and spectacular fireworks to enjoy.

6. Shrewsbury Folk Festival (August 23-26, 2024)

End your summer on a high note with the Shrewsbury Folk Festival. This lively event features an impressive lineup of folk musicians from around the world, performing on multiple stages at the West Mid Showground. In addition to the music, there are dance workshops, craft fairs, and a dedicated children’s area, making it a family-friendly festival that everyone can enjoy.

7. Ludlow Food Festival (September 13-15, 2024)

A gastronomic paradise, the Ludlow Food Festival is a must for food lovers. Set within the historic Ludlow Castle, the festival brings together over 180 local food and drink producers. Guests can indulge in delicious samples, attend cooking demonstrations by top chefs, and participate in hands-on workshops. It’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Make the most of your summer stay with us by immersing yourself in these fantastic local events. Whether you’re a fan of flowers, food, outdoor activities, or live entertainment, Shropshire has something special waiting for you. Enjoy your summer adventure!

Jun 29
Love0
The local area

Top Activities for Kids In Shropshire During The Long Summer Holidays

By Advice, Places to visit, Things to do

Summer holidays can be a challenge for parents looking to keep their children entertained and engaged. How do you keep them away from those phone screens, playing Roblox or Fortnite? Fortunately, Shropshire, with its rich history, scenic landscapes, and a variety of family-friendly attractions, offers plenty of options to save your sanity and banish their boredom.

Explore the Ironbridge Gorge Museums

This has been a childhood favourite for many years. Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to several fascinating museums. The Blists Hill Victorian Town is a particular favorite, where kids can go back in time and experience what life was like in a Victorian town. They can visit the sweet shop, ride the horse-drawn bus, visit a Victorian pub and have a singalong or even try their hand at traditional crafts.

Take a Ride on the Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway offers a nostalgic steam train journey through the beautiful Shropshire countryside. What kid wouldn’t like that? They will love the experience of riding a vintage train and the various themed events that run throughout the summer, including special character days and family fun days.

Visit Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

Located in Craven Arms, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is perfect for kids who love nature and the outdoors. The centre has interactive exhibits, a replica of a woolly mammoth, and a riverside walk. The outdoor play area and the Meadow Maze are also big hits with children.

Go Wild at Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom

Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom in Telford is an ideal spot for animal lovers. Kids can meet a variety of animals, from farmyard favorites to more exotic species. The farm offers hands-on experiences, such as feeding sessions and animal encounters, making it a memorable day out.

Adventure at Hawkstone Park Follies

Hawkstone Park Follies is an 18th-century park with a series of dramatic and whimsical landscapes, including cliffs, caves, and grottos. The park’s adventure trails are great for older kids who enjoy a bit of exploration and physical activity. The views from the top of the hills are spectacular and well worth the climb.

Step Back in Time at Ludlow Castle

Ludlow Castle is a medieval fortress that offers a mix of history and adventure. Children can explore the castle ruins, participate in medieval-themed events, and enjoy the expansive grounds. The castle often hosts reenactments and activities during the summer, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Cool Off at Telford Town Park

…or should that be warm up? Telford Town Park is a vast green space with something for everyone. The park features numerous play areas, a water park, adventure golf, and high ropes courses. It’s an excellent place for a family picnic, a leisurely walk, or an active day out.

Get Creative at Jackfield Tile Museum

Part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, the Jackfield Tile Museum offers a unique and creative experience. Kids can learn about the history of tile making and even decorate their own tile to take home. It’s a fun way to combine creativity with a bit of history.

Walk with Dinosaurs at The Edge Adventure Centre

The Edge Adventure Centre in Much Wenlock offers a variety of outdoor activities, including high ropes, quad biking, and archery. During the summer, they also feature a dinosaur-themed adventure trail that’s sure to captivate younger children and provide a bit of prehistoric excitement.

Relax and Play at Severn Valley Country Park

Severn Valley Country Park is a great spot for families looking to enjoy nature. With walking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor centre with information about local wildlife, it’s a peaceful place to spend a sunny day. The park also has a play area and frequently hosts family-friendly events and activities.

Tips for a Fun-Filled Summer in Shropshire

  • Plan Ahead: Check the websites of attractions for opening hours, ticket prices, and any special events or activities happening during your visit.
  • Pack a Picnic: Many of Shropshire’s attractions are in beautiful outdoor settings, perfect for a family picnic.
  • Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe: Summer days can be warm, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and hats for the kids.
  • Get Involved: Many places offer interactive and hands-on activities that enhance the experience for children.

Shropshire is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that cater to all interests and ages. From historical adventures to outdoor fun and creative experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do to keep kids entertained and make this summer holiday one to remember.