The 14 Very Best Things to Do in Shropshire

There are too many great things to do in Shropshire, so we’ve kept this list as concise as possible, highlighting the best activities in the county. There are links within some sections of this post that expand on a place, such as Shrewsbury. Make sure you use the links to explore activities in the highlighted areas if you choose to spend time there. You will be surprised by what some of these Shropshire towns offer. We’ve also listed the best Shropshire towns to visit, so be sure to check that out.

But if you love the outdoors, history, or beer (or even all three), then Shropshire is the place for you!

Shropshire is a county in the West Midlands region of England, bordering Wales. Shropshire is a little off the beaten path, making it an excellent destination for a more peaceful experience. Despite its large size, Shropshire is sparsely populated, with fewer than 324,000 people spread over 3,487 km², leaving plenty of room to enjoy the picturesque countryside, rolling hills, historic towns, beautiful architecture, and incredible castles.

The county is widely regarded as the birthplace of industry and the site where the Industrial Revolution began, and it is home to Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shropshire isn’t home to a single city, which contributes to its unique charm and character and, of course, its smaller population.

1 | Visit Shrewsbury

Topping this list and our list of the best towns to visit in Shropshire is Shrewsbury. That’s because it’s incredible. It’s excellent, with plenty to do; we’ve compiled a list of the best activities in Shrewsbury, which you’ll find at the link below. There are tons of things in the town to occupy you for a while, including a castle, a boat tour, Ebenezer Scrooge’s grave and even a castle, plus a load of other things, so don’t forget to read the post.

Aside from the things to do, the town itself is beautiful. It’s full of medieval architecture and trendy, independent retail that’s worth a wander, even if you do nothing else. Shrewsbury is somewhere you can’t miss when you’re visiting Shropshire.

Read the very best things to do in Shrewsbury.

2 | Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Shropshire is home to Ironbridge Gorge – a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. It’s the second-best place to visit in Shropshire because it’s a special place. Shropshire is widely considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, and much of that industry grew in Ironbridge Gorge, which is why it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The highlight of Ironbridge Gorge’s industrial past is the Iron Bridge at Ironbridge – the world’s first iron bridge, which you can still walk over today.

There’s more to Ironbridge Gorge than an iron bridge, though. It’s full of activities. You’ll be surprised by how much there is to do in the Gorge, so we’ve put together a comprehensive post on things to do in Ironbridge Gorge with everything you need to plan your visit.

Read the very best things to do in Ironbridge Gorge.

3 | Explore a Victorian Town

Aside from the world’s first iron bridge, Ironbridge Gorge is also home to one of Shropshire’s best attractions and one of the best open-air museums in the country – Blists Hill Victorian Town. I (Joel) would go as far as to say it’s one of my favourite attractions anywhere. Although it sits within Ironbridge Gorge, it deserves its own place on this list of things to do in Shropshire because it’s so good! I can’t remember how many times I’ve been here. I honed my photography and videography skills here during our visits to various courses, and I’ve taught countless students while teaching at the Defence School of Photography.

Read the 5 reasons to visit Blists Hill Victorian Town.

If you’re visiting Shropshire, you can’t miss a visit to Blists Hill Victorian Town. You can get lost in the sights, sounds, and smells of Victorian Britain. You can even witness a blacksmith at work, a foundry creating cast-iron products and get a taste of traditional fish and chips cooked in beef dripping – an unmistakable smell and taste.

4 | Visit Ludlow

Ludlow is another can’t-miss town in Shropshire, full of things to do. It’s a small medieval market town in south Shropshire and a hidden gem for those who appreciate England’s history and heritage. Surrounded by the picturesque River Teme, Ludlow boasts a castle, museums, churches, scenic walks, and independent shops.

The town hosts the original and nationally acclaimed Ludlow Food Festival each summer in the town square. In the square, you’ll also find other regular markets worth a peek at. English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams famously stated, “Ludlow is the loveliest town in England,” and we must agree! Ludlow is worth visiting whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a fan of olde-worlde architecture. Or a beer. Ludlow has a great brewery! Ha!

Read the very best things to do in Ludlow.

5 | Visit a Sculpture Park

After moving to Shropshire, it took me almost two years to visit this sculpture park, and I can’t believe it took me so long to get there. It’s a gem in the Shropshire countryside that can’t be missed. It goes by the name of the British Ironwork Centre & Shropshire Sculpture Park, and it’s full of wonder. Inside is a treasure trove of stuff, from fancy homewares to neon-style signs. There’s even a coffee shop serving delicious lunches and coffee. And then you step outside into the Shropshire Sculpture Park.

Not only are these sculptures works of art, but they also serve another purpose: raising awareness of animals on the brink of extinction. The British Ironwork Centre & Shropshire Sculpture Park is a bargain to get in. It’s only a few quid, and there’s free parking. There’s also an option to become a member, which is also a bargain. It means you can visit year-round for free and receive a discount in the shop and cafe, so it’s well worth it.

And I love that the British Ironwork Centre & Shropshire Sculpture Park has plenty of iron inside – I feel it strongly connects to the industrial past of Shropshire and what the county is most famous for.

Read the Shropshire Sculpture Park.

6 | See Whittington Castle

Whittington Castle is tucked away, just outside Oswestry, in a bit of place called Whittington, funnily enough! The town isn’t huge, nor are there many things to do. But there is one thing that’s a bit of a hidden Gem in Shropshire: Whittington Castle. Most of the castle is a ruin, but there’s an incredible view of what’s left of the moat and gatehouse. You can’t miss it – the main road passes right by it. There’s a car park right around the back, so park up and take the time to wander around. There’s also a great fish and chip shop around the corner if you’re a bit peckish!

Whittington Castle isn’t necessarily the 6th best thing to do in Shropshire. However, the sculpture park can’t be missed, and the castle is just a few miles away. And if you’re visiting Oswestry from our best Shropshire Towns to visit, you can tie it in with that too.

7 | Visit Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth is another charming Shropshire town located along the River Severn, just a few miles downriver from Ironbridge in the Severn Valley. It has a rich history and numerous attractions to entertain you for a few hours. One of Bridgnorth’s most unique features is its castle ruins, which lean at a 17-degree angle – three times more than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, which is one of Bridgnorth’s small claims to fame. Interestingly, Bridgnorth is also where the world’s first fare-paying passenger locomotive was built. There is still a link to Bridgnorth’s railway heritage with a superb railway station, a heritage railway and a railway pub!

Bridgnorth is split into two parts – High Town and Low Town – with most of the interesting sights in High Town. At the bottom of High Town, see if you can find the face in the rocks at Lavington’s Hole, and ride the funicular railway back to the top. There’s also a delightful ice cream shop serving from a tiny caravan. They also serve great coffee! I even secured a feature in the paper for a face I found in Lavington’s Hole! Ha! Please read the post about Bridgnorth to see the picture, and then try to find it yourself.

Read the very best things to do in Bridgnorth.

8 | Visit Much Wenlock

After you’ve visited Ironbridge Gorge, it’s worth crossing the river and heading up the other side of the Gorge to a place called Much Wenlock. It’s a delightful little town with a fascinating history. Much Wenlock’s claim to fame is that the origin of the modern Olympic Games can be traced to it.

Rewind to 1850 when William Penny Brookes organised the first annual games in the village as an alternative to drinking and fighting, so the internet says, anyway. As the years passed, the games gained significance, and William played a crucial role in establishing the modern Olympics. Sadly, he passed away in 1895, a year before the first international Olympic Games were held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

Beyond the Olympic Games, Much Wenlock is home to additional medieval architecture, including English Heritage’s Wenlock Priory and Wenlock Edge, where you can enjoy a few walks.

9 | Do a Brewery Tour

Shrewsbury has many great pubs around the county, which suggests the Salopians might like a pint. They also have a few great breweries, including a notable one in the south of the county. Bishops Castle is home to the Three Tuns Brewery. According to Visit England, it’s the oldest brewery in the country and the home of real ale, having been brewing since 1642. There’s another, Joule’s, in Market Drayton, which runs tours once a month. Joule’s doesn’t bottle beer, so you can only get it locally on draught. Our favourite is Ludlow Brewing Company in Ludlow.

The brewery is housed in an old railway depot, instantly making it distinctive. The tour is small but comprehensive, and you get a taste of their beer range. And when you’re done, you can retire to the bar beneath, which is also popular among the locals, indicating it’s a great drinking hole.

10 | Walk The Long Mynd

In short, the Long Mynd is a truly magnificent place that offers a wealth of outdoor experiences and breathtaking landscapes, making it a must-visit place in Shropshire if you love the great outdoors. The Long Mynd is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those who appreciate stunning landscapes. It’s renowned for its walks, ponies, and epic night skies. In fact, the Long Mynd is listed on the Dark Skies Discovery website, making it a perfect place for stargazing.

Whether a hiker, cyclist, or horse rider, you’ll find a wealth of footpaths and trails to explore. The Long Mynd is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red kites and buzzards, providing plenty of opportunities to get eyes on some wildlife, especially the ponies. In addition to the Long Mynd itself, Carding Mill Valley is worth visiting. There, you’ll find three circular walks, including one that leads to a waterfall. And, if you’re a National Trust member, you can park for free!

11 | Find the Deer at Attingham Park

We have been National Trust pass holders for a few years now, and there are always a few places that stand out. Attingham Park is one of them. There’s a lot on offer, including lovely walks around the perimeter, a cafe, a fancy house, and a lovely walled garden. But the highlight of Attingham Park is the deer. They have their own herd of fallow deer.

You are almost guaranteed to catch sight of them in Deer Park. Once you’ve finished outside, you can step into the 18th-century Georgian mansion and get a glimpse into life in the 18th and 19th centuries and how the wealthy used to party back in the day.

12 | Climb the Wrekin

Shropshire is relatively flat, but there are a few worthy hills outside the Shropshire Hills. One of which is the Wrekin. It’s like a pimple against the surrounding landscape, confirming it as one of the most recognisable landmarks in the county. The Wrekin measures 407 meters (1,335 feet) high, and although it’s not a long walk to the top from the car park, it’s steep! But once you’re at the top, you’re rewarded with epic views across Shropshire. The Wrekin has been a place of religious and cultural significance for thousands of years. According to legend, the hill was formed when a giant threw dirt and rocks into the sky, creating a pile that became the Wrekin.

13 | Walk the Stiperstones

The Stiperstones to Devil’s Chair walk was voted one of the best walks in the UK by viewers on the ITV 100 Favourite Walks TV show. There’s a circular loop that can be done from Stiperstones village, which is the one we did. Be warned; there are two steep hills – one to get up and one to get down! If you’d prefer a more leisurely walk, park at Devil’s Chair and walk from there. Head up to Cranberry Rock, Manstone Rock and along to Shepherd Rock. The views are lovely along the way, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Shropshire countryside.

14 | Visit the RAF Museum Midlands

Sitting on the eastern edge of Shropshire is the RAF Museum Midlands, formerly the RAF Museum Cosford, which is last on our list of things to do in Shropshire. It’s another place I have spent many an hour taking pictures while on photography and video courses! If aviation is your thing, this is the place to visit in the county.

It’s free to enter, though you’ll need to pay for parking; it’s still a bargain for a day out. The RAF Museum has over 70 historic aircraft, numerous engines, weapons, and other aviation items, plus a few exhibitions, including the National Cold War Exhibition, the World War I Exhibition, the World War II Exhibition, and the Modern RAF Exhibition.

Things to Do in Shropshire Map

Below is a map of the best things to do in Shropshire to help you plan your route and itinerary.

Is Shropshire worth visiting?

Absolutely, yes! Shropshire is a wonderful county with plenty of things to do to keep you occupied, whether you love to stroll around medieval towns or hike the great outdoors. Add Shropshire to your list of places to visit! It’s a bit under the tourist radar, so don’t let it be under yours!

What are the best things to do in Shropshire?

The best things to do in Shropshire include visiting Blists Hill Victorian Town, the Shropshire Sculpture Park and exploring the wonderful towns. Shropshire is home to many picturesque towns, including Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, Bridgnorth, and Whitchurch, each with unique charm and history, beautiful architecture, and plenty to see and do.

What is Shropshire’s best attraction?

Shropshire’s single best attraction is Blists Hill Victorian Town. It’s an open-air museum in Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that brings Victorian Britain to life by letting you experience the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the Victorian era. It also celebrates the region’s heritage and its importance in today’s world.

What are some must-see attractions in Shropshire?

Shropshire’s top attractions include the historic market town of Shrewsbury, the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blists Hill Victorian Town, the Shropshire Sculpture Park, Ludlow Castle, and the stunning Shropshire Hills.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Shropshire?

Shropshire is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, and horse riding in the stunning countryside. The Ironbridge Gorge also offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the River Severn.

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