10 Best Things to Do in Shropshire

The Shropshire Hills Neighborhood of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the single reason why many nature lovers head for the western England county. This wondrous reserve covers around a quarter of Shropshire’s land area and has some excellent walking trails and historical Victorian villages to explore.

Some of the best walking tracks through the rolling landscapes of the Shropshire Hills AONB include the trail that meanders through the magical heathlands at the Stiperstones hill and the hike up to The Wrekin, an eye-catching hill offering magnificent views from its summit. You can also enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of this area from a canoe or on horseback.

Stokesay Castle, located in Craven Arms, lets you time-travel to the medieval period of Shropshire. Join a tour to get a real sense of what life must have been in this 13th-century fortified manor house. Audio guides are available if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

Inside, you can visit the great hall and ascend a flight of stairs to the castle’s lookout tower for superb vistas across the market town. Must-visits include the castle gardens and the Church of St. John the Baptist – the gorgeous stone chapel dates back to the 12th century.

Blists Hill Victorian Town is an open-air museum that imitates a typical town in Shropshire in the late 19th century. Located in Telford, the center is populated with live actors, so you can interact with Victorian townsfolk and learn more about this period in England’s history.

There are plenty of shops, houses, and artisanal workshops along the streets. The museum also has a garden complex and a woodland walk. Every August, the Blists Hill Victorian Town hosts the Blists Hill in Steam event, showcasing century-old locomotives and steam-powered machines.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1835 and has been a valuable source of information on the history and art of Shropshire ever since. This institution in the heart of Shrewsbury has remarkable archeological finds within its walls, such as Roman tombstones and remains of prehistoric mammoths that were excavated in the region.

Artworks in this important museum range from historical works to contemporary art, made by local artists. All exhibitions were introduced to honor the geological importance of the county. For children, the museum has a puzzle tour throughout the exhibitions, as well as an area for tinkering.

While the ruined Ludlow Castle might look like a haunted dwelling from the outside, this 11th-century fortification is actually a celebration of the rich heritage Shropshire is known for. It’s privately owned by the Earl of Powis, but open to the public for visits.

You can explore the grand Norman Chapel, narrow isles, and halls that were once filled with life. The courtyard is the stage for some cool annual events, such as the Ludlow Food Festival and the Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre. A gift shop and café are located within the castle premise, in case you're planning on buying mementoes of your visit.

The Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford consists of several hangars full of original aircraft, engines, and military vehicles. Located in Cosford, sections of the museum have artworks, other war memorabilia, and even a collection of mascots and lucky charms from former pilots. The Fun 'n' Flight section has an interactive gallery explaining how aircraft can fly through fun experiments.

In November, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford opens the doors of its Conservation Center to the public during the Open Week. This is the only time you can watch engineers hard at work, restoring old airplanes.

The Hawkstone Park Follies form a 100-acre park, with magnificent sandstone hills serving as the main attraction. After decades of neglect, the walkways are now restored and open to the public. You can explore the ravines, set between rocky cliffs.

The Hawkstone Park Follies has dozens of trees and flowers, along with an abundance of wildlife. With a bit of luck, you can spot peregrine falcons, buzzards, and foxes. Some fun things to do with kids in the Hawkstone Park Follies include archery and den building. Exploring the caves, bridges and walking trails are excellent activities for the entire family.

The Cambrian Railroad Museum occupies the former headquarters of Cambrian Railroads in the town of Oswestry. Although the museum displays memorabilia that are primarily related to the railroad system in this region, this is a compelling gallery for any train fanatic. A collection of signs, station clocks, and photos brings the history of this old railroad network back to life.

Right beside the museum lies the former station of Oswestry, which houses the Cambrian Heritage Railroad. You can see age-old locomotives and carriages here. After the restoration of the tracks and trains, seasonal tourist trains pulled by a steam locomotive run between Oswestry and Llynclys.

Shropshire has a true marvel of 18th-century engineering within its county borders – The Iron Bridge that spans the River Severn. It was constructed in 1779 and was the world’s first iron bridge. The scenic bridge is accessible for pedestrians and can also be viewed during a canoe trip on the river. A walking trail under the deck allows you to see the bridge from a whole new perspective. The tollhouse on the southern end of the Iron Bridge is now a museum dedicated to the construction of this architectural wonder.

Ironbridge Gorge is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites, as mining activities in this gorge paved the way for the region to become the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Shrewsbury Penitentiary is an 18th-century Victorian jail that makes for an interesting stop in the town. Closed in 2003, it’s now a tourist attraction where you can enter its cells and execution area. You can learn more about the long history of this penitentiary from former guards on a guided tour. Self-guided tours are possible thanks to the signposts and information plaquettes, which provide heaps of trivia on the penitentiary and its convicts.

For daring visitors, the Ghost Tour and the Lights Out Tour offer a thrilling way to hear sinister stories from its past – you’ll even explore the crevices of Shrewsbury Penitentiary in pitch darkness.