Great days out - Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
See day seven of our 31 great days out as Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
See day seven of our 31 great days out as Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions.
Where is it? School Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS. The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is easily reached by road, rail or bus from the West Midlands, South and Mid Wales and the North West. It is situated beside the A49 on the southern outskirts of Craven Arms – 20 miles south of Shrewsbury, seven miles north of Ludlow.
What is it? The perfect place to begin your exploration, or rediscovery, of the Shropshire Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre will tell you some of the stories of this varied landscape, its people, its places, and its history and heritage. The unusual, grass-roofed building itself is purposely shaped to look as if it belongs amongst the hills.
How much is it? Admission charges apply to the Secret Hills Exhibition part of the centre only. Adults £3.50, concessions £3.25, child (5-16) £3, Under 5s free, families (2 adults & up to 3 children) £10.
What is there to do? Learn a bit: the Secret Hills exhibition tells some of the stories of the Shropshire Hills. You can meet the centre's famous mammoth and look inside an Iron Age roundhouse. The panoramic hot air balloon film lets you look at this stunning area from a unique perspective.
Outside, explore the Onny Meadows which extend to over 30 acres. Paths trail along the banks of the River Onny.
Lucky visitors may see heron, kingfisher and wagtails. Spot some unique land art in the meadows including a 20 metre long living willow dragonfly and an earth oven.
There are several waymarked walks and cycle routes taking visitors out into the countryside, including the Shropshire Way. Alternatively, you could try a day out on a hi-tech treasure hunt through the Shropshire Hills, following one of the centre's neat geo-caching trails.
The café offers traditional home-cooked food made using local produce. Alternatively, take a picnic to eat in the Onny Meadows.
Interesting fact: Being the curious types you are, you'll probably be wondering about the grass roof on the building. Yes it's real and there is an estimated 70 tonnes of it.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm each day.
Verdict: Brilliant whatever the weather, there is loads going on at the centre, both indoor and outdoor.
Further information: Visit www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk or contact 01588 676060.
