Top activities to enjoy this summer in Shropshire
For great days out, or the perfect staycation this summer, head to Shropshire and discover a whole host of attractions and activities.
With a host of unique events and interesting places to visit, there is something for everyone, from mini adventurers to adrenaline enthusiasts, and budding historians, and it’s easy to get to by road, rail and bus, only 2 hours from London and 40 minutes from Birmingham. Your escape awaits.
Here are a whole host of activities you can enjoy this summer in Shropshire:
Your mission, should you choose to accept it…
August 2017 – RAF Cosford, Shropshire
As well as a massive collection of aircraft and displays at the RAF Museum, throughout July the ‘Summer of Spies – Spy Trail 2017’ will guide young detectives around the National Cold War Exhibition where they can try to crack the secret code. Entry to the museum and participation in the spy trail are both free of charge!
www.rafmuseum.org.uk
Get back to nature on safari
August 15 and 29 – Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury
Take a fun tractor and trailer safari through the Deer Park to find out more about wildlife that live at the National Trust’s Attingham Park and Country Estate.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Sneak peek ‘upstairs, downstairs’
August 6 and September 3 – Weston Park, Shifnal
Visit Weston Park, famous for hosting V Festival (19-20 August), this opulent 17th-century mansion is filled with fine art, features beautifully landscaped gardens, and a restaurant and café. Visit on the 6 August or 3 September for a special behind the scenes tour, where you can delve deeper into the history of the house on a guided tour of areas that are not usually accessible to the public.
www.weston-park.com
The best of British
August 6 – Haughton Hall, Shifnal
Embrace your British heritage and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, complete with Pimms cocktails and prosecco, in the quiet beauty of rural Shropshire at Haughton Hall. Dating from 1718, the hall is situated in 35 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland.
www.haughtonhall.com
Make tracks back in time
August 19 and 20 – Blists Hill, Telford
Visit Blists Hill Victorian Town and find out exactly what Victorian life was like. Over this weekend take the rare chance to get up close with an array of Victorian steam powered machines, all of which will be in their full working splendour.
www.ironbridge.org.uk
Up, up and away
August 26 to 28 – British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry
More than 50 weird and wonderful shaped hot air balloons will fill the skies for Oswestry Balloon Festival creating spectacular displays for spectators. Plus, piolets and their teams will be taking part in the famous ‘Key Grab’ race, competing to swoop in on a specific point and take the keys to be crowned the winner.
www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk
Ahoy – a boat race with a difference
August 28 – Ironbridge Rowing Club, River Severn
The 30th Ironbridge Coracle Regatta will see races (in small round boats) in three categories: novice, intermediate and expert. They’ll also be polo, tasty fish kebabs and the popular ‘have a go’ – where visitors can try their hand at paddling a coracle.
www.coraclesociety.org.uk/events/166-30th-ironbridge-coracle-regatta
Have a feastival!
September 2 to 3 – Telford Town Park, QEII Arena
Featuring more than 100 food, drink and craft exhibitors Telfood Feastival is bursting with local produce, and a tasting theatre, plus plenty to keep the little ones entertained – including a cooking bus, circus lessons, a disco dome and bug eating. There really is something for everyone. (Tickets: £6 adults, £2 children)
www.telfood.co.uk
Hit the right note with live music and prosecco
September 9 – Chetwynd Park, Newport
If you’re looking for a day out with the whole family, Proms and Prosecco in the Park is the perfect opportunity to pack your picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon and evening of classical music. Local performers and some of the best talent across the country will feature with the event timed to coincide with the Last Night of the Proms. (Tickets are available from £17 and children attend free!)
www.whatsonlive.co.uk/shropshire/event/chetwynd-park/proms-and-prosecco-in-the-park/242049
A stroll through country life
September 16 to 17 – Weston Park, Shifnal
The annual meeting place for country sports enthusiasts, the Midland Game Fair celebrates all aspects of country life. Complete with field sports competitions, gun dog events, clay shooting, live music and family entertainment. (Tickets available from £18, under-16s go free.)
www.midlandgamefair.co.uk
To find out more, visit Discover Telford.
