Things to do in Shropshire over the summer holidays from St Milburga Chapel, luxury holiday cottage in the Shropshire Hills.
Schools are nearly out for summer and for families up and down the UK that means trying to find things to do to stop the inevitable cry of “I’m bored” until September.
With many families choosing to holiday in Shropshire this summer, in this article, we look at what’s on offer across Shropshire for families to keep their children occupied in the weeks ahead.
Ironbridge Gorge
With 10 museums as well as the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge itself to explore, you can always find something to do. If you live in Shropshire or intend to visit 2 or more of the attractions, consider buying a Pass rather than a one-off ticket. As well as being better value for money, it gives you unlimited access to all the museums including Blist Hill for 12 months. Here is an outline of the events they have lined up for this summer’s holidays:
Blists Hill Victorian Town
It’s “A Summer of Victorian Childhood” at Blists Hill across the summer holidays. Children can experience the joys of activities and games popular in the 1800s such as hopscotch, stilts and hoop and stick. Children can have a go at paper folding to fashion their own boats, hats or kites to take home. The fairground will be back by popular demand and on entry children will be given a voucher to exchange for a free go on a ride of their choice.
Over the weekend of the 26 and 27 July, you can experience the sights and sounds of the steam engine with the Blists Hill “Steam in Miniature”. As well as a plethora of steam related activities, visitors will be treated to the sight of miniature steam engines chugging their way around the town.
Coalport China Museum
Throughout the summer, children can get creative at the Coalport China Museum by taking part in their “Clay Play” workshops. Children will get the chance to model their own toys from clay to take home and paint once dry. Workshops cost £2 per child an operate daily from 19 July until 7 September.
Enginuity
It’s game, set and match this summer at Enginuity where everyone can have a go at playing computer games from the 1970s through to the present day. Lots of nostalgia in store for the parents with classic games such as Sonic the Hedgehop and Pong to introduce their children to. There will also be a display of computers from the past as well as a look at more modern VR technology.
National Trust
The National Trust are hosting a “Summer of Play” across their properties for Summer 2025 to encourage families to visit, explore and get active.
Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury
It’s a “Summer of Play” this summer at Attingham as their field of play is transformed with different play zones. Children can have a go at den building or have a go at different sporting activities. There is even a separate zone for pre-school children.
Berrington Hall, near Leominster
Berrington Hall are encouraging the family to have fun and play as they explore the grounds. From den-building in the parkland to the natural play area, there’s lots to do. Play and sports equipment is free to borrow from the Visitor Welcome Centre.
From Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August, Berrington Hall are hosting a Georgian Garden Party on the lawns with games and activities. There will be opportunities to dress up like a Georgian, decorate a parasol and play traditional tea part games. Trail cost £3 with a prize on top of normal admission prices.
Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth
Families looking for summer activities might like to head to Comer Woods on the Dudmaston estate over the summer holidays. With activities and workshops across July and August there is a lot going on from bug hunting, craft activities and circus workshops. Many of the workshops are free so have a look at the National Trust website and head to the Dudmaston Estate page for details on costs and how to book.
Croft Castle, near Leominster
Croft Castle is hosting a medieval festival as part of their Summer of Play. Dress up as a knight or a damsel, play some medieval games, listen to the storytellers in the castle. Tuesdays host mini-medieval jousting tournaments complete with hobby horses whilst its fancy dress of Fridays and not just for the children!
Wed 13 Aug 2024, Wind in the Willows comes to Croft castle this Summer so pack a picnic and a poncho and enjoy this well-loved tale with the adventures of Toad, Ratty Badger and Mole. To book, visit the National Trust website.
For further information, got to the National Trust website at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Ludlow Castle
As well as being a great place for the whole family to explore, Ludlow Castle has a host of events for the family this summer.
9-10 Aug 2024, Suitcase Storyteller: The Princess and the Mushy Pea – an event for younger children, listen to the stories and hear them come alive, step inside and become part of the tale with this interactive experience.
16-17 Aug, Creepy Crawlies in the Castle: Have a go at their creepy-crawly trail around the castle and grounds and then see the creatures in real life as Zoolab bring snakes, spiders, snails and other animals for children and adults to hold.
23-25 Aug, Medieval Weekend, more medieval magical adventures across the bank holiday weekend at Ludlow Castle with exciting displays, a medieval camp and battle reenactments.
Stokesay Castle, near Craven Arms
Lots to see at Stokesay Castle this summer. Climb the North Tower, explore the interior of the castle and get close to nature in the walled garden and moat walk. There is a children’s trail to follow where young ones can find out more about the history of the castle.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms:
There is something to do every day of the summer holiday at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre:
The “How to Train your Dragon” events are sure to be popular across the summer holiday for all lovers of the book and films. With dates across July and August and suitable for 4-11 year olds, children can channel their inner Hiccup or Astrid as they make their own Viking helmet, learn to speak to dragons and have a go at a catapult. Booking essential.
Younger ones can enjoy “Going on a Bear Hunt” around the meadows. This bookable event is aimed at 3-11 year olds where they’ll be making mud pies, bubble blowing and enjoying some food around the campfire at the end of the trail.
On various dates in August, families can find out about the “Remarkable Romans” as the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre turns back time to the age of Britannia. There will be lots of Roman activities to try out including dressing up in togas and scribing on wax tablets. Recommended for 4-11 years old, booking is essential as events do sell out.
All these events are happening throughout the summer on various dates so visit their website on: https://www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk/ for more information.
Hopefully, this article has giving you some inspiration on what to do if you live in or are holidaying in Shropshire across the Summer. We hope it also gives some information to our guests staying at St Milburga Chapel across July and August.