About Shropshire Shropshire Facts

Shropshire's Star Attractions

All Around the Wrekin

The Wrekin is a curious legendary hill. From one way it looks like a mountain; from another, it crouches low. From the top you can see fifteen counties. To those of us who live here, though, it’s the true symbol of ‘Shropshireness’ and we love it. For you, the visitor, it’s a useful landmark from which to take your bearings and, perhaps more conveniently, to help you locate 5 of Shropshire’s finest attractions.

LIFE BEFORE BEECHING - SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY

South of the Wrekin you’ll find a world where proper trains run with coal, make strange noises, and pour forth steam and soot. Yes, what better way to discover Shropshire than on the Severn Valley Railway? 16 miles of glorious countryside, with 7 station-stops, some with refreshment rooms, and links with the national rail network at Kidderminster. Our local steam trains puff their way throughout the year every weekend and daily in the summer months and school holidays.

It’s the larkiest, most relaxing way to explore this valley of valleys and you’ll certainly arrive more refreshed than when you started. And if you’ve ever fancied Sunday lunch accompanied by the gentle clackity-clack of wheel on rail, then book early to avoid disappointment.

MAGNETIC IRONBRIDGE

Also to the south you may find yourself inexplicably drawn to the Ironbridge Gorge. For here, along the most spectacular stretch of the River Severn, are six square miles that changed the world with the world’s first iron bridge.

This World Heritage Site is the centrepiece for a remarkable sequence of ten totally fascinating and quite different museums. Re-live the good old days at Blist’s Hill Victorian town where you can still buy traditional wares using proper money (that’s pounds, shillings and pennies).

And do look out for the many entertaining events which are frequent and often. You can also celebrate nearly lost skills and craft at the Coalport China and the Jackfield Tile museums and Maws Craft Centre.

BLANDINGS CASTLE - WESTON PARK

To the east of the Wrekin lie three more attractions. Weston Park, on the borders of Shropshire and Staffordshire, is the ancestral home of the Earls of Bradford. It was built in 1671 and is set in glorious parkland with formal gardens and woodland walks. Disraeli, a Prime Minister of discernment, said ‘you will find Weston beautiful, I marvel whether I shall ever see the like of it again.’ He never did!

In later years, P. G. Wodehouse wisely used Weston as his inspiration for Blanding’s Castle. Today, Weston can equally accommodate a summit of world leaders, yesteryear rallies, game fairs and even the annual V festival. There’s a miniature railway, adventure playground, auditorium, bars and restaurants but many prefer simply to take a gentle stroll around the park and admire the views.

HOO WILL YOU MEET AT HOO FARM?

Some of Shropshire's friendliest animals, that's who. Topaz the llama, Quid & Itch the ostriches and Piggy Little the pig, are all waiting to greet you. Hoo Farm is a real delight and guarantees family fun.

There’s lots to keep the kids (and young at heart) amused, from lamb and deer feeding, to junior quad bikes, pony rides and craft activities. Home made goodies can be found in
the Shepherds Coffee Shop and there’s also a large play and picnic area.

But this award winning farm is perhaps best known for the famous Sheep Steeplechase - and now there are Goat Races to watch, too! So there’s even more opportunity to lose your shirt (or even your woolly jumper).

ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM COSFORD

The Royal Air Force Museum Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom. 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars and within The National Cold War Exhibition.

This landmark building costing £12.5 million contains 17 aircraft, military transport, missiles, memorabilia and interactive kiosks and hotspots of information. This unique exhibition reflects the social, cultural and political history of the Cold War era circa 1947 – 1989, in a fun and innovative way. A major feature of this unique exhibition is Britain’s three post-war V-Bombers the Vulcan, Victor and Valiant. A Number of aircraft are suspended in flying attitudes, including a Dakota, Canberra, Meteor, Lightening and Jaguar. Visitors are able to view them from an elevated viewing gallery.

RAF Museum Cosford is one day that everyone from small children upwards will enjoy whatever the weather. Children and adults alike will be fascinated by fun ‘n’ flight. Packed with hands on excitement, it’s the easy way to answer all those questions about how planes stay up in the air. The advanced flight simulator is also a great way to get an instant flying experience.

The Visitor Centre is home to the Aviator restaurant serving hot and cold meals and snacks. The Checkpoint Charlie Café serving light snacks and drinks and the well stocked Museum Shop are both located within the National Cold War Exhibition.