The Shropshire Hills are not only beautiful at any time of the year, they also offer exciting & interesting holidays for families, particularly in the summer. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, with an average temperature in July and August of 21°C. There are an average of 9 days of rain per month from July to September, so it stays dry as well.
St Milburga Chapel is set up for a family of 4, with a double bedroom at the front of the property for the parents, and a twin bedroom at the rear for the children. You can also bring a third child in a cot (there is a travel cot, stairgate and high chair at the chapel as well).
Once you are here, what activities can you do? This is our suggested itinerary for an adventure-filled summer holiday.
Day 1
Arrive Friday night, perhaps have a drive into Ludlow for an evening stroll.
Day 2 – Saturday
Visit Blists Hill Victorian Town. There always seem to be additional activities on at the weekends, so Saturday a good day to go. Blists Hill will keep you occupied for a full day – it is packed with things to do – convert your money to Victorian pennies, visit the various shops and workshops, go the fair, take a trip down the mine, get a family portrait at the photographic studio, catch a horsebus ride or go to the Madeley Wood Outdoor Adventure park. Thoroughly recommended for a fun day out for all the family.
Day 3 – Sunday
Take a drive to Clun. Clun is a beautiful village, about 35 minutes from St Milburga Chapel. There is a ruined castle to take a walk around and up, with spectacular views from the top. The village is worth a stroll round too, with a number of quality cafes to pop into. On the way back to the chapel, call into Craven Arms. If the weather is not great, or you have very young children, think about a visit to Mickey Millers Family Playbarn. If the weather is good, take a trip to the Shopshire Hills Discovery Centre in the middle of the town and take a walk around the woodland.
Day 4 – Monday
Time for a day out on the river – you cannot come to Shropshire without doing something involving water sports! Hire a canoe and head down the River Severn from Bridgnorth. For families with teenagers we recommend the full day trip from Bridgnorth to Bewdley. This has all the exciting stretches in for rapids (nothing too onerous), and is an action packed day out. For families with younger children we would consider the trip to Hampton Loade and think about catching the Severn Valley Railway back again. River Severn Canoes offer both excursions, and we can offer you an exclusive 10% discount – just call the company and mention St Milburga when you book. If you are really unsure about moving water and young children, there is also a canal excursion involving a pub via the same company.
Day 5 – Tuesday
After yesterday you may want a breather, so we recommend taking a stroll directly from the Chapel out into the Clee Hills. The Chapel is located in open countryside and you can walk straight out of the front door and into the hills. Perhaps have a BBQ when you get back (we have a gas BBQ at the chapel) and enjoy the evening.
However, if you are intending to have a full week undertaking adventures, think about visiting Oaker Wood, an activity centre located 25 minutes from the chapel. They offer quad bike trekking, an escape room, high ropes courses and clay pigeon shooting. You could combine this with a stroll around Berrington Hall on the way back; there is a nice cafe too.
Day 6 – Wednesday
Take a trip to Carding Mill Valley. If you have mountain bikes with you, there are some great marked trails on National Trust land, and the choice is endless. You can also hire bikes in Church Stretton. At the same time, if you have any open water swimming fans in your family there is a lake at the top of the Long Mynd that is recommended for swimming. Carding Mill Valley is ideal for a day out for young children too – there are streams to paddle in, small hills to walk up and slightly longer treks that all end at the National Trust cafe with cakes & ice cream. Thoroughly recommended day out.
Day 7 – Thursday
Few options today that will be weather dependent. If the weather is a bit damp you could take the family to Enginuity at Coalbrookdale. This is a hands on science and discovery museum that will keep the children occupied for about 3-4 hours in our experience. Really great day for adults as well – incredibly interesting. You can also call in and have a quick stroll around Ironbridge on the way back; get a picture of you all at the iconic bridge and enjoy an ice cream in the town square. If the weather is looking good, which is more likely than not in Shropshire, think about a day out to Highley and the Severn Centre Outdoor Swimming Pool, a lido open all summer. You could also combine this with a trip on the Severn Valley Railway, or a visit to Bridgnorth and the cliff top railway.
Day 8 – Friday
Oh no – time to go home! Our checkout is 11am, so you have time for a stroll, or just breakfast outside in the morning sun. Depending on your direction of travel, you may want to consider fitting in a trip to Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World, Rays Farm Country Matters, West Midlands Safari Park, Weston Park, Croft Castle (great playground), Attingham Park or just a pleasant stroll and lunch in Ludlow, which is rammed full of independent shops and cafes.
Summary
There is so much to do in Shropshire we could easily have filled two weeks with suggested activities! Take a look at our things to do page for more ideas, including golf, horse riding, outdoor pursuits, wakeboard riding, SUP trips, paintballing, clay pigeon shooting and so much more. St Milburga Chapel offers the perfect location for accessing so many different places and things to do.