Things to do with Children in Shropshire in the Summer

Things to do with children in Shropshire in the summer holidays

Only a couple of weeks to go until school’s fling open their doors and send their pupils on their merry way until September. Teachers up and down the country breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to a well-earned rest and parents have to come up with a multitude of ideas to ward off the inevitable cry of “I’m bored”!

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 the area or intending 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

Back by popular demand, for the second year running Blists Hill will be bringing the Victorian seaside to the heart of the Shropshire countryside! Expect a sandy beach, donkey rides, fairground rides and of course a Punch and Judy show.

Over the weekend of the 10 and 11 August, you can experience the sights and sounds of the steam engine with the Blists Hill Steam Gala.

Coalport China Museum

Throughout the summer, children can get creative at the Coalport China Museum by taking part in their Animal Magic workshops. Children will get the chance to model their chosen animal from clay to take home and paint once dry. Workshops cost £3 per child an operate daily from 20 July until 1 September.

National Trust

Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury

Its an outdoor cinema extravaganza this Summer at Attingham. Between 29 Aug and 1 Sep, Attingham will be setting up an outdoor cinema experience in its grounds. Sing-along to Frozen and Mamma Mia, channel some 80s vibes with Top Gun and Dirty Dancing or go for a summer blockbuster with Jurassic Park and Harry Potter. See the national trust website for ticket prices and how to book.

Berrington Hall, near Leominster

Alice in Wonderland holiday trail: taking inspiration from the classic children’s book, follow Alice down the rabbit hole completing activities around the trail exploring the gardens as you go. Trails cost £3 plus normal admission charges, prize at the end.

Summer of Play: 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.

Dudmaston, near Bridgenorth

The Closer to Nature with Pixie trail: this adventure trail for young children challenges them to use all their senses as they explore the wooded Dingle, garden and hall to get “closer to nature”. Prize at the end for completed trails. There will also be traditional garden games on the lawns. Trail costs £2.50 plus normal admission charges, no booking required

Traditional Summer Games: there will be a selection of traditional outdoor games to try at Dudmaston this Summer so if you’ve always fancied having a go at croquet or boules come along. As with other national Trust properties you can also borrow a selection of play equipment from the Visitor Welcome Centre

10 July 2024, outdoor theatre production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream: one of the most popular Shakespearean plays and with good reason, it’s become synonymous with an English summer. Let’s hope rain doesn’t spoil proceedings. To book, visit the National Trust website.

18 Aug 2024, outdoor theatre production of Peter Pan: be transported to Netherland on a magical immersive adventure with this fun, fast-paced production and lots of audience interaction. To book, visit the National Trust website.

The Whimsical Woods Summer Holidays Trail: this time take a magical journey through the gardens and parkland. Will you spot any whimsical woodland creatures? Trails cost £3 on top of normal admission charges with a prize.

24 July 2024, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is also coming to Croft castle this Summer so pack a picnic and a poncho and enjoy this well-loved comedy. 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 couple of events for the family this summer.

17-18 Aug 2024, Suitcase Storyteller: 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.

25-26 Aug, Meet the Tudors: across the bank holiday see the past come alive as you get the chance to meet Henry VIII and his wives. Past Times Living History will be putting on performances across the days as well as being on hand to answer all your burning questions in between. There will be phot-opportunities galore in what promises to be a memorable occasion.

1 July – 1 Sept, Where’s My Shadow? Aimed at the little ones, your quest is to help Noble, the trusty guard dog, to find his shadow. Where has he lost it, I wonder? Explore the gardens, ground and castle as you join Noble and his animal friends on a summer adventure.

There is something to do every day of the summer holiday at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre:

Winnie the Pooh Adventures: aimed at 3 to 11 year olds, have fun with some Pooh themed activities – decorate a Pooh stick, try to trap a heffalump, design a house for Eeyore and help Pooh to spot honey bees in the meadow.

Wild Homes: for 4 to 11 year olds, go for a walk through the meadows to see if you can spot some animal homes, make a den or wild home and end by toasting marshmallows.

Stone Age Hunters: for 4 to 11 year olds, imagine yourself back in the Stone Age and see what it was like to be part of a tribe. Have a go at using a bow and arrow, use paint to decorate your cave, find out all the secrets to being a good tracker and learn how to make a solar calendar

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.