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Aug 27
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Autumn Events Happening in Shropshire 2026

By Places to visit, Seasons, Things to do

Autumn is one of the best times to explore Shropshire. As the hills turn gold, market towns fill with seasonal produce and the evenings become ideal for live music, local beer and Halloween fun, the county’s events calendar offers plenty of reasons to plan a day out.

From Ludlow’s celebrated food festival to Shrewsbury’s Oktoberfest and the family-friendly events that arrive with half term, here are some of the standout autumn events in Shropshire for 2026.

Ludlow Food Festival

11–13 September 2026 | Ludlow Castle

Ludlow Food Festival is a major date in the county’s autumn calendar. Set within the historic surroundings of Ludlow Castle, the three-day festival brings together food producers, chefs, exhibitors, talks, trails, masterclasses and workshops.

It is a strong choice for anyone looking to discover Shropshire and Welsh Borders produce, sample independent makers’ goods or make a full weekend of it in one of the region’s most characterful market towns. Expect artisan food, local drink and plenty of inspiration for an autumn kitchen.

Shropshire Honey Show

5 September 2026 | Shropshire Wildlife Trust

A smaller but distinctive early-autumn event, the Shropshire Honey Show celebrates bees, honey and beekeeping. Running from 12pm to 4.30pm, it offers a chance to learn more about pollinators, local honey and the people who care for them.

This is an excellent option for families, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone who prefers a relaxed local event with a seasonal flavour. shropshirewildlifetrust

Michaelmas Fair in Bishop’s Castle

5 September 2026 | Bishop’s Castle

Bishop’s Castle comes alive each September for its traditional Michaelmas Fair. The event typically brings music, street performances and a friendly community atmosphere to this independent Shropshire Hills town.

It is worth pairing the fair with time spent exploring Bishop’s Castle’s independent shops, cafés, pubs and creative businesses. The town makes an especially good base for a relaxed early-autumn day in the hills.

Ginger and Spice Festival

Autumn 2026 | Market Drayton

Market Drayton’s Ginger and Spice Festival celebrates the town’s famous gingerbread heritage through food, talks, trails and market activity across town-centre venues.

For visitors looking for something a little different from a conventional food festival, it combines local history with flavours, family-friendly activities and opportunities to explore one of Shropshire’s traditional market towns. Check the organiser’s latest listing before travelling, as event details and ticket availability can change. shropshirepages.co

Shropshire Oktoberfest

2–3 October 2026 | The Quarry, Shrewsbury

Shropshire Oktoberfest is one of the county’s biggest autumn social events. Held in The Quarry in Shrewsbury, it celebrates regional brewers, cider makers, distillers and food vendors in a lively festival setting.

Alongside drinks from local producers, visitors can expect street food, live music, comedy, a silent disco and carpool karaoke. It is ideal for groups, couples planning a city break, or anyone wanting to enjoy Shrewsbury at its most energetic. Tickets are likely to be in demand, so booking in advance is sensible.

Autumn Steam Gala

Autumn 2026 | Severn Valley Railway

For a nostalgic day out, the Autumn Steam Gala offers a packed programme of steam-hauled services, with guest and home-fleet locomotives operating between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

While the line is associated with the wider Severn Valley area, it is a popular option for visitors staying in or travelling from Shropshire—particularly those combining the event with a trip to Bridgnorth and the surrounding countryside.

Halloween and Half-Term Events

October 2026 | Across Shropshire

October brings autumn colour to the Shropshire Hills, along with family-focused half-term activities. Venues such as Ludlow Castle and attractions across the county commonly host Halloween trails, spooky tours and seasonal activities for children.

These events are often announced closer to the time, so it is worth checking individual venue calendars once half-term plans are confirmed. Combine a Halloween event with a woodland walk, a visit to a market town or a cosy pub lunch for a classic Shropshire autumn day out.

Shropshire Mud Run

2 November 2026 | Boreton Estate

For people who prefer their autumn events energetic rather than leisurely, Shropshire Mud Run at Boreton Estate offers 5K and 10K routes with river crossings, climbs, crawls, tunnels and water obstacles.

It is a memorable challenge for groups of friends, workplace teams and fitness-minded visitors. Bring spare clothes, expect mud, and make a weekend of it with a restorative meal afterwards in nearby Shrewsbury or the Shropshire Hills.

Plan Your Autumn Visit

Shropshire’s appeal in autumn is not just the events themselves. A festival visit can easily become a wider day out:

  • Visit Ludlow for food, independent shops and historic streets.
  • Explore Shrewsbury before or after Oktoberfest, with its riverside setting, cafés and independent businesses.
  • Head to the Shropshire Hills for autumn walking around Church Stretton, Carding Mill Valley, The Stiperstones or Long Mynd.
  • Build in time for market towns such as Bishop’s Castle, Market Drayton and Much Wenlock.

Event details can change, particularly for tickets, timings and weather-dependent activities, so always confirm plans directly with the organiser before setting off. For a broader and regularly updated programme, Visit Shropshire’s “What’s On” guide lists festivals, fairs, exhibitions and days out across the county.

Looking for somewhere peaceful to stay? Discover our lodges

Mar 31
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Things to Do in Spring in Shropshire 2026

By Places to visit, Seasons, Things to do

Spring is when Shropshire really comes into its own. The countryside surrounding Woodland Park Lodges begins to shift, trees soften into green, wildlife returns, and the longer days make it easier to slow down and enjoy the outdoors.

Staying in a lodge at this time of year means you’re perfectly placed to experience both the peaceful side of Shropshire and the lively events happening throughout April and May 2026.

Explore the Shropshire Hills on Your Doorstep

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Woodland Park Lodges is just how close you are to some of Shropshire’s best landscapes.

Spring is ideal for getting out into the hills. The Wrekin offers one of the most rewarding walks in the county, while Wenlock Edge provides quieter woodland routes that are perfect for a slower pace. At this time of year, you’ll start to see wildflowers appear and hear the countryside come back to life.

If you’re visiting in April, the Shropshire Way 80K Festival (18th April 2026) is a great way to experience these landscapes in a more organised setting, with routes suited to different abilities. Even if you’re not taking part, the atmosphere across the county is noticeable.

Enjoy Relaxed Days in Parks, Gardens and Around Your Lodge

Spring stays at Woodland Park Lodges are as much about slowing down as they are about exploring.

Nearby places like Attingham Park are in full bloom during April and May, offering that classic English countryside feel. Around Easter, many attractions host seasonal trails and family-friendly activities, making it a great time for a relaxed day out before heading back to your lodge.

But often, the best moments are closer to home, sitting outside your lodge in the evening light, enjoying the quiet surroundings, or taking a short walk through nearby woodland without needing to travel far.

Make the Most of Longer, Brighter Days

With milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, spring is perfect for spending time outdoors from morning through to evening.

From Woodland Park Lodges, you can easily plan a day that mixes activity and relaxation. A morning walk, an afternoon exploring local towns, and an evening back at your lodge to unwind.

In early May, the Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival (2nd–10th May 2026) is a standout event nearby, offering guided walks that combine history with scenic routes, ideal if you want to explore without needing to plan every detail yourself.

Discover Shropshire’s Towns in Spring

Spring also brings a different energy to Shropshire’s towns.

Shrewsbury is just a short journey away and is always worth exploring, especially as cafés, markets and independent shops spill out into the streets in warmer weather. In early May, the town hosts LOOPFEST (1st–3rd May 2026), turning multiple venues into a live music experience that adds a real buzz to the area.

Ludlow is another must-visit during your stay, particularly in May when the Ludlow Spring Festival (8th–10th May 2026) brings together food, drink and live entertainment in a unique historic setting.

Add a Festival or Event to Your Stay

One of the best ways to make your spring break feel a little more memorable is to tie it in with a local event.

Early May is packed with options. The Green Man Festival in Clun (3rd–4th May 2026) offers something more traditional and community-focused, while later in the month the Shropshire County Show (23rd May 2026) delivers a full countryside experience with food, agriculture and entertainment.

The beauty of staying at Woodland Park Lodges is that you can dip into these events during the day, then return to a calm, private space in the evening.

Slow Down and Take in the Season

What really makes spring special here isn’t just the big days out, it’s the quieter in-between moments.

Early mornings with birdsong, blossom appearing along walking routes, and those longer evenings where you don’t feel rushed to go inside. It’s the kind of environment that naturally helps you switch off.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, family, or just looking for a break from routine, the setting around Woodland Park Lodges makes it easy to enjoy Shropshire at your own pace.

Why Stay at Woodland Park Lodges in Spring 2026?

Spring offers the perfect balance. The countryside is at its freshest, the events calendar is full, and it’s still quieter than the peak summer months.

Staying at Woodland Park Lodges puts you in the middle of it all — close enough to explore, but far enough away to properly relax.

Final Thoughts

A spring break in Shropshire isn’t about rushing from place to place. It’s about enjoying where you are — whether that’s out in the hills, wandering through a market town, or back at your lodge with nothing planned at all.

With so much happening across April and May 2026, and the natural beauty of the season all around, there’s no better time to experience it from Woodland Park Lodges.

Nov 29
Love0

Christmas in Shropshire 2025: A Magical Winter Escape

By Places to visit, Seasons, Things to do

If you’re dreaming of a festive break filled with twinkling lights, historic market towns, cosy pubs and scenic winter walks, Shropshire is one of the UK’s best Christmas destinations. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family adventure or a peaceful lodge break at Woodland Park Lodges, Christmas 2025 in Shropshire will be magical.

Here’s your guide to the very best festive experiences across the county.

Festive Markets & Christmas Shopping

Shrewsbury Christmas Market (Early–Mid December 2025)

Set within medieval streets lined with Tudor buildings, Shrewsbury’s Christmas market is a must-visit. Expect:

  • Artisan gifts
  • Local food & drink
  • Handmade decorations
  • Live performers & carols

The town’s independent shops also make it perfect for unique Christmas presents.

Ludlow Christmas Craft Market

Held in the stunning grounds of Berwick House this event includes:

  • Woodland Craft Trail
  • Traditional craft stalls
  • Festive food and drink
  • Meet Santa in his grotto

A magical, atmospheric evening out.

Spectacular Christmas Lights & Festive Trails

Attingham Park Winter Wonderland

The National Trust’s Attingham Park transforms each year with:

  • Illuminated gardens
  • Festive installations
  • Light tunnels
  • Seasonal storytelling

Perfect for a festive evening stroll wrapped in scarves and hot chocolate in hand.

Weston Park Enchanted Christmas Lights

Expect magical woodland lighting, glowing sculptures and family-friendly festive scenes. Great for children and even better for Instagram.

Victorian Christmas at Blists Hill

A seasonal, family-friendly festive event at Blists Hill Victorian Town (Shropshire), where the site transforms into a Victorian-era Christmas wonderland from 3rd December through Tuesday 23rd December 2025.

  • Stroll through cobbled streets and historical buildings decorated Victorian-style.
  • Two themed Christmas trails for children (under 7s and 7+), each ending with a gift.
  • A pop-up toy shop and gift emporium, ideal for unique presents.
  • Live festive music (choirs & brass bands), seasonal food & treats on site.
  • Dramatic performances of A Christmas Carol and other Christmas stories in the venue’s theatre.

Family-Friendly Festive Days Out

Santa at Park Hall Countryside Experience

A big local favourite, offering:

  • Meet Santa sessions
  • Elf village
  • Festive tractor rides
  • Christmas craft barns

Brilliant for young families staying at the lodges.

Severn Valley Railway Santa Trains

Take a nostalgic steam train through frosty Shropshire landscapes, meet Santa on board, and enjoy seasonal treats. A special Christmas memory for all ages.

Winter Walks Through Stunning Shropshire Countryside

Shropshire is famous for its peaceful landscapes — and they’re even more breathtaking in winter.

Wyre Forest

Frost-covered trails, towering pines and occasional deer sightings create a picture-perfect Christmas walk.

Carding Mill Valley & The Long Mynd

If you’re up for a winter hike, this dramatic landscape offers sweeping views and crisp, refreshing air.

Llynclys Common & The Shropshire Hills

Just a short drive from Woodland Park Lodges — ideal for a Boxing Day stroll.

Festive Food & Cosy Christmas Dining

Shropshire’s food scene shines at Christmas. Top places to enjoy seasonal menus in 2025 include:

The Pheasant Inn, Trefonen

A warm country pub offering hearty festive classics.

Ludlow’s Gourmet Scene

Ludlow’s award-winning eateries will offer Christmas tasting menus, local game dishes, artisan cheeses and Shropshire’s famous puddings.

Local Farm Shops

Perfect for stocking your lodge with festive essentials:

  • Ludlow Food Centre
  • Battlefield Farm Shop (near Shrewsbury)

Look for mulled wine kits, local cider, chutneys, handmade biscuits and festive treats.

Christmas at Woodland Park Lodges

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning surrounded by tranquil woodland, crisp winter air and birdsong. Guests can enjoy:

  • Cosy lodge interiors with festive touches
  • Hot tubs under star-filled December skies
  • Woodland walks straight from the doorstep
  • Space to unwind, cook, play board games and switch off
  • Access to the best Christmas attractions across Shropshire

It’s the perfect blend of peaceful escape and festive adventure.

Apr 29
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How we are eco-friendly

Woodland Park Lodges – The Perfect May Bank Holiday Getaway

By Things to do

Let’s get one thing straight: May is the best month of the year. Two bank holidays. Daylight after 6pm. The countryside bursting into life. If you’ve been counting down the days to escape the daily grind and recharge somewhere that doesn’t involve traffic lights, you’ll want to aim yourself directly at Woodland Park Lodges in Ellesmere, Shropshire.

This is not your average country break. This is the kind of break where birds sing, lakes shimmer, and you get to soak in a hot tub under a canopy of trees. It’s peaceful, it’s pretty, and it packs a lot of fresh-air brilliance.

1. The Mere: Like Windermere, But With Fewer Tour Buses

Ellesmere’s crown jewel is The Mere, a stunning natural lake so serene you’ll think you’ve stepped into a watercolour painting. Walk the circular trail, hire a rowing boat, or grab an ice cream and watch the ducks live their best lives.

It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone who fancies a break from screens and tower blocks. The views are spectacular, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot herons, swans, or even a kingfisher if you sit quietly enough.

2. Country Walks That Actually Make You Want to Walk

You don’t need to be Bear Grylls to enjoy a good walk through the countryside. In May, the bluebells are out, the air smells like spring, and the local trails around Ellesmere are a dream. Some are short and sweet, some are long and winding, but all of them come with that unbeatable smug feeling of “I’ve earned this pub lunch.”

Tip: Bring walking boots, or at least something better than fashion trainers. This is Shropshire and there are a lot of muddy fields at this time of year.

3. Woodland Park Lodges: The Country Retreat That Gets It Right

Set among towering trees and chirping birds, Woodland Park Lodges delivers peace and comfort by the bucketload. Each lodge is kitted out with proper beds (none of that camping nonsense), log burners, and-you guessed it – private hot tubs.

Whether you’re here with your other half, your kids, your mates, or just your dog and a bottle of wine, this is the kind of place that makes you instantly forget what your email password is. Bliss.

4. Pub Gardens, Pint Perfection & Plates of Joy

There is something utterly British about enjoying a pint in a pub garden in May. It’s warm enough to sit outside, the beer tastes better than it does at home, and the food? Proper. Local sausages, homemade pies, Sunday roasts that would make your nan proud.

Luckily, Ellesmere and the surrounding villages are full of cosy, welcoming pubs with great food and even better views. And no one judges if you order sticky toffee pudding and crumble.

5. May Events: Craft Fairs, Farmers’ Markets & Rural Charm

May brings out the best in Shropshire life. Local towns spring to life with events, markets, and a general buzz of “isn’t it great to be outside again?” Pick up fresh produce, handmade gifts, and maybe even witness some Morris dancing which, frankly, is worth the visit alone.

Shropshire has the kind of countryside charm that city breaks just can’t fake.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your May bank holiday, Ellesmere is it. You’ve got nature. You’ve got luxury lodges. You’ve got the kind of peace and quiet that makes you forget how fast life usually moves.

Woodland Park Lodges isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a reset button in the woods, and May is when it all comes to life.

So go on, pack the walking boots, book your stay, and make this May one to remember.

Mar 05
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easter

A Grand Easter Escape in Shropshire: Nature, Chocolate, and Architectural Wonder

By Things to do

Shropshire. A place of rolling hills, hidden valleys, and a landscape so untouched it feels as though time has politely stepped aside. Easter here is not just about chocolate eggs and bunny trails – it’s about something far greater. It’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of nature, discovering the rich tapestry of history, and indulging in simple, joyful pleasures.

At Woodland Park Lodges, nestled within the idyllic heart of Shropshire, Easter is a season of transformation. The woods begin their great unfurling, the birds return with a symphony of optimism, and—if you pause long enough—you’ll hear the delicate crunch of twigs underfoot as deer weave through the trees at dusk.

If you’re planning an Easter getaway, this is the place. And these are the experiences that will make it truly unforgettable.

The Easter Adventure at Dudmaston Hall

April 13th – 27th (excluding Fridays & Saturdays)
Dudmaston Hall, Bridgnorth

Dudmaston Hall is what all great country houses should be—imposing, elegant, and yet somehow deeply personal. The National Trust has curated an Easter trail that will take you through ancient orchards and carefully manicured gardens, with playful stops for egg-and-spoon races, hill rolling, and the kind of simple fun that makes childhood memories so vivid.

£3.50 per trail (includes bunny ears, trail sheet, pencil & chocolate egg)
More details

Lambing Season at Frankly Farm

April 11th – 26th
Broseley, Shropshire

If Dudmaston is about refinement, Frankly Farm is about raw, unfiltered life. This is the kind of place where you’ll feel the warmth of a newborn lamb in your hands, where children’s laughter echoes as they get up close to the spring’s newest arrivals.

Frankly Farm is no polished petting zoo—it’s an authentic working farm. It’s a place that smells of damp earth and fresh hay, where boots get muddy, and you leave with a renewed appreciation for the cycle of life.

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Easter Bunny Grotto at the British Ironwork Centre

Easter Weekend 2025
British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry

Now, if you like your Easter with a side of spectacle, the British Ironwork Centre is where you’ll find it. Imagine a landscape punctuated with towering iron sculptures, where the Easter Bunny isn’t just a fluffy creature in a suit, but a character who exists in this world of creativity and craftsmanship.

This isn’t just a meet-and-greet—it’s an immersive experience. An Easter egg hunt set against a backdrop of giant metal stags, steam-breathing dragons, and beautifully bizarre artistic creations.

More details

The Easter Egg Hunt at Attingham Park

April 12th – April 20th
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury

There’s something deeply poetic about Attingham Park – a palatial estate built in the 18th century, its grounds whispering stories of scandal, grandeur, and reinvention. But at Easter, it’s all about childlike wonder and chocolate-fuelled adventure.

The Easter egg hunt leads you through sweeping lawns, ancient trees, and walled gardens that could easily be the setting for a Brontë novel. If Easter is about indulgence, then surely this is the most refined way to partake.


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Explore Historic Benthall Hall

Throughout April
Benthall Hall, Broseley

And finally, for those who want to step back in time, there’s Benthall Hall. A 16th-century masterpiece, a house that feels as though it’s been plucked straight from a historical drama. This isn’t a grand stately home built to impress—it’s a lived-in, intimate kind of beauty.

With oak panelled interiors, soft golden stonework, and views that stretch over the Severn Valley, it’s a place where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony. And that, in many ways, is what Easter in Shropshire is all about.

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Easter at Woodland Park Lodges: Your Perfect Escape

Of course, the real magic of Easter in Shropshire is not just about what you do, but where you retreat to afterward. At Woodland Park Lodges, you’ll find peace, space, and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature.

Imagine this: Mornings spent exploring historic estates, afternoons filled with Easter egg hunts and farm visits, and evenings curled up in a luxury lodge, watching the sun set over the trees.

This is Easter done properly.

Book your Easter escape now

A Time to Pause and Reconnect

In a world that moves too fast, Easter is a chance to pause, reconnect, and appreciate the small wonders – a perfectly preserved Tudor house, the first buds of spring, the taste of chocolate on a crisp April morning.

And really, what could be be better than that?