12 Months of Things to Do in the Shropshire Hills

Discover the Shropshire Hills: A Year-Round UK Holiday Destination

If you’re looking for things to do in Shropshire, the Shropshire Hills National Landscape is one of the best places for a peaceful countryside escape. It’s perfect for walking holidays, scenic drives and relaxing short breaks in the heart of England.

This beautiful part of Shropshire is known for its rolling hills, wildlife-rich valleys and rich history, from Stokesay Castle near Craven Arms to ancient Iron Age hillforts scattered across the hills. You’ll find friendly market towns, local food and drink, and plenty of space to slow down and switch off.

Whether you’re planning a weekend break in a perfect rural retreat or a longer stay, there are countless things to do in the Shropshire Hills throughout the year — from winter walks and friendly pubs to summer festivals and autumn colours. Here are 12 months of ideas to help you plan your next visit.

January: Winter Walks and Cosy Country Pubs in the Shropshire Hills

January is one of the best months for winter walks in the Shropshire Hills, when the air is crisp, the paths are quiet, and the light is perfect for photography. On still winter days, you might witness one of the area’s most spectacular sights — a cloud inversion. These sea-like layers of mist can last all day, filling the valleys while the hilltops sit in bright sunshine.

The Long Mynd and Titterstone Clee Hill are two of the best places to see them, with photographers often gathering at sunrise to capture the view. Both hills are also accessible by car — you can drive right across the top of the Long Mynd and almost to the summit of Titterstone Clee — so even visitors with limited mobility can enjoy those sweeping views. And if you find yourself surrounded by mist down in the valley, try heading uphill — you may be in for a pleasant surprise above the clouds.

After your walk, warm up in one of the area’s cosy country pubs serving local ales and hearty food. It’s the perfect way to round off a January countryside break in Shropshire — peaceful, scenic and refreshingly slow-paced.

February: Snowdrops, Valentine’s Escapes and Peaceful Winter Breaks in the Shropshire Hills

February is one of the most peaceful times to visit the Shropshire Hills — perfect for a romantic countryside getaway or a few quiet days to recharge before spring. You’ll find cosy country cottages and welcoming B&Bs, many with log fires, ideal for a Valentine’s weekend away.

The countryside begins to stir this month, with snowdrops and the occasional golden aconite brightening the verges along country lanes and woodland edges. For a larger display, visit Attingham Park near Shrewsbury.

Whether you spend your time walking, browsing independent shops or lingering over afternoon tea, February in the Shropshire Hills offers space, calm and a touch of romance — the perfect peaceful countryside break before spring arrives.

March: Spring Walking Breaks and Wildlife Watching in the Shropshire Hills

By March, the Shropshire Hills start to come alive again. It’s a great month for spring walks — the air is fresh, the paths are quiet, and you’ll spot the first lambs in the fields.

This area forms part of the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, recognised for its rolling hills, open moorland and wildlife-rich valleys. Try Carding Mill Valley for a rewarding climb and wide views across the Long Mynd, or head over to Clun, a beautiful little market town with a castle and riverside walks.

Across South Shropshire, look out for otters along rivers and streams, red kites soaring overhead, and the increasingly common little and great egrets in wet meadows. And if you’re really lucky, you might even glimpse an osprey making a brief stop on its way to Wales.

As A.E. Housman wrote in A Shropshire Lad:

Clunton and Clunbury,
Clungunford and Clun,
Are the quietest places
Under the sun.

It’s easy to see why — March captures that same peace and timelessness, as the first signs of spring quietly return to the hills.

March is also a lovely time to plan a walking holiday before the busier months arrive — when the hills are calm, the air is clear, and the landscape feels like it’s waking up just for you.

April: Family Days Out and Easter Holidays in the Shropshire Hills

April brings the Easter holidays and longer, lighter days — perfect for family days out in the Shropshire Hills. Many attractions reopen fully for the season, and the weather is often mild enough for picnics and short countryside walks.

Families can explore Stokesay Castle, one of the best-preserved fortified manor houses in England, or take a trip on the Severn Valley Railway, where steam trains run through some of Shropshire’s most scenic countryside.

For something a little different, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm gives a glimpse into traditional rural life, with friendly animals, demonstrations, and open days that appeal to all ages.

You’ll also find plenty of smaller child-friendly attractions across the hills — from nature trails and local Easter egg hunts to wildlife reserves and farm parks. Pack a picnic, enjoy the blossom and the lambs in the fields, and make the most of the first real taste of spring.

May: Bluebell Walks and the Ludlow Spring Festival

May is when the Shropshire Hills are at their greenest and most alive. Woods and lanes fill with birdsong, bluebells and wild garlic, and local events start to fill the calendar again. One of the highlights is the Ludlow Spring Festival, held inside the walls of Ludlow Castle — a relaxed weekend of food, drink and live music.

For bluebell lovers, the woodland at Sallow Coppice near Craven Arms is well worth a visit. You can follow a gentle circular walk from the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre through the woods, where the trees are carpeted in violet-blue and the air smells faintly of spring flowers and damp earth. The café at the Discovery Centre is a good place to stop afterwards for tea and cake.

It’s also the month of the Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival, when guided walks and local events bring people together to explore some of South Shropshire’s best scenery at a relaxed pace.

Over near Much Wenlock, Wenlock Edge is another favourite walking spot. In May the woods are full of colour, with patches of bluebells, primroses, violets and an occasional early orchid. If you’re walking there, keep an eye out for wild garlic too — you’ll smell it before you see it.

You can find both of these walks, and many more, on the Shropshire Great Outdoors website, which has a brilliant collection of maps and downloadable walks, covering everything from gentle circular routes to full-day hikes.

June: Long Days, Local Food and Outdoor Adventures in the Shropshire Hills

By June, the Shropshire Hills have settled into summer. The days are long with more time to enjoy being outdoors.

Whether you’re walking, cycling, or exploring by car, there are miles of quiet lanes and trails to discover — from the Roman Road near Church Stretton to the mountain bike routes at Hopton Woods.

Keen cyclists can also follow the Marcher Castles Way, a scenic long-distance route linking many of the historic border castles across Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.

Food is part of the pleasure of being here. Or call into Ludlow Farmshop or one of the award winning local delis to stock up on cheese, bread and fruit for a picnic somewhere with a view.

As evening comes, the light lingers and the hills take on that soft, golden glow — perfect for sitting outside with a drink and soaking up the peace that never really leaves this part of Shropshire.

July: Summer Festivals and Stargazing in the Shropshire Hills

July is a month of long evenings and outdoor events across the Shropshire Hills. Live at Ludlow Castle brings big-name performances to the castle grounds, where people gather to enjoy live music as the sun sets behind the walls.

Beyond the towns, the evenings stretch on, perfect for a walk after dinner or a quiet drink outside as the last light fades over the hills. And when darkness finally falls, the lack of light pollution makes the skies here some of the clearest in England.

The Long Mynd is home to several Dark Sky Discovery Sites, including Carding Mill Valley, Pole Cottage and Shooting Box car parks. On clear nights you can often see the Milky Way with the naked eye, and if you’re lucky, the occasional shooting star. You don’t need a telescope — just a warm jumper, a flask, and a bit of patience.

August: Summer Walks, Local Produce and Late-Summer Colour in the Shropshire Hills

August in the Shropshire Hills is all about enjoying the height of summer. The fields turn golden, hedgerows fill with berries, and farm shops and markets are overflowing with local produce.

It’s a lovely time for walking (though we’re probably biased — every month is a good month for walking in the Shropshire Hills). The trails are dry, the air warm, and the views at their best. One of the most popular climbs near Church Stretton – known as Little Switzerland – is The Lawley — a narrow ridge with far-reaching views across the hills and one of the area’s most photographed summits.

Food and drink take centre stage this month. The Ludlow Magnalonga combines a countryside walk with stops to sample local food and drink — a fun and sociable way to explore South Shropshire – but make sure you book your ticket in advance! Or visit the Ludlow Gin Distillery for a behind-the-scenes tour or a session at their gin school — a great gift idea for that hard-to-buy friend!

If you’re visiting in August, look out for country shows and village fetes across South Shropshire — including the Burwarton Show, one of the county’s best-loved agricultural shows — a relaxed way to experience local life at its friendliest.

September: Food, Festivals and Early Autumn in the Shropshire Hills

By September, the Shropshire Hills begin to shift into autumn. The evenings are cooler but the days still warm and the light has that golden edge. You might spot the first patches of mist in the valleys. Fields are being cut, apples are ripening, and woodsmoke drifts from the first log fires of the season.

The Ludlow Food Festival takes over the castle grounds this month — a bustling weekend celebrating local food, drink and producers from across Shropshire and the Welsh borders.

It’s also a lovely time to explore smaller market towns like Bishop’s Castle, known for its independent shops, real ale pubs and creative community. You’ll find The Poetry Pharmacy here — part bookshop, part café, part calm retreat — and each September the town comes alive for the Michaelmas Fair, with music, street performances and a friendly, traditional atmosphere that captures the spirit of the hills perfectly.

You might catch one of the Heritage Open Days too, when historic buildings and hidden corners across Shropshire open their doors for free — a great excuse to explore somewhere new.

October: Autumn Colours and Half-Term Adventures in the Shropshire Hills

By October, the Shropshire Hills are glowing with autumn colour. The woods turn gold and copper and every hillside seems to catch the light differently. It’s cool enough for a brisk walk, but still warm enough to linger outside with a coffee or lunch in the sunshine.

For some of the best autumn foliage displays, try Mortimer Forest near Ludlow, Rectory Wood in Church Stretton, or the paths around Much Wenlock and Purslow Wood. Or head down to the river at Ludlow and enjoy the colours along the Teme from CSONS — a local favourite for coffee. Get there early if you want one of their famous cinnamon buns.

If you’re visiting during half term, look out for family-friendly Halloween events — Ludlow Castle and other local venues often put on trails, spooky tours and seasonal fun for children.

The low afternoon light makes the hills glow — and will probably fill up your Instagram feed too.

November: Short Breaks, Market Towns and Cosy Cottages in the Shropshire Hills

In November, the Shropshire Hills slow right down. The trails are quiet, the mornings misty, and log fires start to burn in cottages and pubs.

It’s a good month for mooching around market towns — Ludlow for its independent shops and delis, Church Stretton and Much Wenlock for small-town cafés and galleries. Get ahead with your Christmas shopping while you’re here — you’ll find plenty of independent makers and unique gifts you won’t see on the high street.

If you’re in Much Wenlock, take time to explore Wenlock Priory. The ruins are especially atmospheric in autumn, surrounded by fallen leaves and low, golden light. And you’re only a short drive from Ironbridge, home to the famous bridge and a collection of fascinating museums that tell the story of the Industrial Revolution.

It’s fascinating that our quiet, rural county gave the world both the modern Olympic Games, inspired by Much Wenlock’s annual Olympian Games and the Industrial Revolution, born in the Ironbridge Gorge.

If the weather turns, settle in for a long pub lunch or visit one of the small local museums that capture the history and character of South Shropshire.

As the evenings draw in, bonfire nights and early Christmas markets start to appear, hinting at the festive season to come.

December: Winter Escapes, Christmas Lights and Festive Markets in the Shropshire Hills

December in the Shropshire Hills is all about simple pleasures — a walk on a crisp morning, the smell of woodsmoke in the air, and market towns glowing with Christmas lights.

Combine a visit to Ludlow, Church Stretton or Much Wenlock with a countryside stay and enjoy the calm before the Christmas rush. You’ll find festive markets, carol concerts and plenty of places to warm up with coffee and cake after a winter walk.

In Ludlow, St Laurence’s Church hosts beautiful candlelit services, while Tinsel Tuesdays bring late-night shopping, live music and Christmas cheer. The Ludlow Winter Festival fills the town with events, performances and festive stalls — a real highlight of the season.

For a real treat, stay somewhere with a log burner and breakfast cooked for you — the perfect way to start a slow winter’s day in the hills.

Plan Your Visit to the Shropshire Hills

The Shropshire Hills really are a year-round destination, with something to enjoy in every season. Whether you’re planning a walking break, a romantic weekend or a family adventure, you’ll find plenty of ideas and inspiration on the Visit Shropshire Hills website.

Take a look at our accommodation, food & drink, events, and walking routes pages to start planning your visit.