Don’t hold your breath but it feels like summer might finally be here to stay for a little while! When the temperatures rise, finding ways to cool off becomes a priority especially when on holiday whether you have children or not. Fortunately, Shropshire has plenty of options for all, from wild swimming spots and water sports to shady gardens and ice-cold treats. Here are some of the best ways to stay cool in Shropshire this summer.
Wild Swimming
One of the best ways to cool off in hot weather is by going wild swimming. Wild swimming is basically just swimming in any natural pool of water, whether that be in a river, lake or pond. One of the most popular spots is an old reservoir, a short walk from the top car park in the Carding Mill Valley. As the reservoir is owned by the National Trust, there is a cafe plus toilets available nearby. Parking is £8 per day (free to National Trust members). The area is incredibly peaceful, surrounded by the Long Mynd but the reservoir is deep and the water can be very cold so before your visit make sure you have the skills to stay safe in the water and always follow safety advice.
If you don’t fancy anything quite as wild and paddling is more your thing, an attractive spot is the River Teme, in Ludlow, next to the Millennium Green. It is an ideal place to go for a paddle in the shallows, or even a swim if the water is deep enough. It’s very popular with families in the summer and at weekends. Handily, there’s a café we highly recommend nearby, CSons, so you can refuel with delicious food and cakes after your swim. They also do takeaway picnic boxes and drinks so if the weather is gorgeous, you can settle down on the green for some al fresco dining.
Outdoor Lido
If wild swimming isn’t your thing, another recommendation is the outdoor lido at Droitwich Spa, situated about 1 hours’ drive from Ludlow. The lido is one of the UKs last remaining in-land, saltwater swimming pools. As well as the pool there is a wet play area, sun terrace and café. All lido sessions must be pre-booked in advance and prices start from a very reasonable £6.80 per person. You can also go to Highley outdoor pool which is located about 25 mins from the Chapel – https://www.haloleisure.org.uk/highleyoutdoorpool/
Closer to St Milburga Chapel, Ludlow also has an indoor swimming pool. Teme Ludlow’s facilities include a 6-lane swimming pool with water slide, 2 leisure pools and a plunge pool plus café and creche onsite. Further indoor swimming pools can be found at Leominster, Bridgnorth, Kidderminster, Hereford and Shrewsbury.
Shady Walks
Finding somewhere shady to go for a walk is another option. The Shropshire hills offer a range of footpaths through woodland, some taking in lakes and ponds for a spot of paddling. Mortimer Forest, on the outskirts of Ludlow, is a popular destination for families. Rich in wildlife, it is criss-crossed by a serious of trails and suitable for a range of abilities including a 1-mile easy access trail. Bring your own food and drink and take advantage of one of the peaceful picnic areas. You can park in Ludlow and easily walk to it or take advantage of several car parking spots in the forest itself.
National Trust Properties
Shropshire is also full of historic parks and houses with large gardens and woodland areas. Attingham Park, Dudmaston Manor, Croft Castle and Berrington Hall are all within a short drive from Stoke St Milborough. As they are National Trust properties, they all have activities for children during the holidays, so be sure to check what’s on before you visit.
Water Sports
Water sports in the summer months are another excellent way to keep cool. If you are looking to canoe or kayak, we would recommend River Severn Canoes. They have a range of trips available suitable from age 5 upwards so are great if you want to organise an activity day with older children or teenagers. Telford Ice Rink is open all year round and is another option if you want to burn off some energy whilst keeping cool.
Ice Cream
And to finish, an ice cream is a must for cooling off in the summer. Ludlow Farm Shop has an Ice Cream Cabin during the spring and summer months, a great place to visit for a cooling treat. They also offer handmake milkshakes and dog-friendly ice-cream too. Laura’s Delicious Dairy in Cleedownton is another excellent option, selling homemade ice creams using milk from their own herd as well as non-dairy sorbets.
More Information
Visit our Things to Do pages on our website to find links to most of the activities suggested in this article. https://stmilburgachapel.co.uk/things-to-do-ludlow/ Also, check out our previous article on Things to do with children in the summer https://stmilburgachapel.co.uk/things-to-do-with-children-in-shropshire-in-the-summer/ for more ideas. Stay cool!