Shropshire is renowned for its quintessentially English village scenery of beautiful countryside, renowned historical homes and castles, not to mention plenty of family activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. This is why Shropshire is such a popular spot for tourists looking to explore new things and make fond memories. If you’re looking for suggestions for where to plan your next getaway, keep reading for some inspiration.
Stokesay Court
A stunning late-Victorian mansion set against a gorgeous backdrop of English countryside, Stokesay Court is a wonderful place to visit if you are looking for somewhere refined and extremely photogenic. Located in the picturesque South Shropshire, this grand stately home dates back to the 1800s and you can enjoy a tour of the house to learn more of its history. Both the house and garden are also available to hire for corporate and private events. If you are looking to hire a venue, you can hire the Great Hall and Dining Room separately or together and a marquee can be set out on the terrace or front lawn, with catering on hand.
And if Stokesay Court looks familiar, that might be because it featured as the setting for the 2007 film Atonement, starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy, so it has ties to Hollywood, too!
Acton Burnell Castle
If you love history and want to immerse yourself in 13th Century England, then Acton Burnell Castle is definitely worth visiting. This historical landmark is now a school but is still open to the general public. Built between 1284-1293, only a small part of the original castle design still exists today and is thought to have been the private residence of Robert Burnell, Bishop of Bath and Wells. It is believed to be the location where the first Parliament of England was held in 1283.
You can also visit the parish church, which is a short distance from the castle and includes memorials to the different owners of the castle over the centuries.
Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom
For families with young children, Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom is the ideal place for a day full of fun. Not only does it have farm animals, but kids can also get up close with some of the exotic wildlife, which includes meerkats, racoons, pythons and lemurs. There is a whole host of activities to get stuck into, such as the Meerkat Experience, where you can hang out with meerkats, handfeeding them and learning more about them from staff. There is also a Junior and Adult Half Day Keeper Experience, where you get to meet the animals and learn more about being a zookeeper during a 2hr 30-minute tour. There is also a snack shop and indoor and outdoor picnic areas available.
The Wrekin
Possibly the best-known landmark in Shropshire, the Wrekin is a famous hill, from which you can see 15 counties. According to folklore, the hill was built by a giant and it has even been claimed that this hill inspired the scenery for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Rising to a height of 407 metres (1,335 feet), the Wrekin is the perfect destination for tourists and hiking enthusiasts. So, if you appreciate the great outdoors and want to experience some wonderful scenery that will take your breath away, then the Wrekin needs to be at the top of your list.
