Things to do in Shropshire summer holidays 2023
With the Shropshire summer holidays 2023 rapidly approaching, it’s time for a list of things to do in the area. Lots of attractions have events taking place this year, both indoors and outside. From family trails to fun days and activity camps, there’s lots to see and do around Shropshire. If you’re on a budget, check out my post about free things to do in Shropshire as well.
This post covers the Shropshire area only. If you are looking for days out in nearby counties during the summer holidays, please see below:
Attingham Park
No event has been announced for the duration of the Shropshire summer holidays at Attingham Park yet. However, there are a few things taking place for a day or two at a time. These are as follows:
- Canoe Hire: Hire a Canadian Canoe for an hour to use on the River Tern. Various dates from June to September 2023.
- Attingham Uncovered: See an archaeological dig in progress at Attingham’s summerhouse site. 19th to 27th July 2023.
- Maeflower Dance: Watch a variety of dances from the Maeflower Dancers taking place outdoors. 29th and 30th July 2023.
- Outdoor Theatre: See a show of Squirrel Walnutkins Saves The Planet, an adventure story about saving the last tree in the forest. 11th August 2023.
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: Another outdoor theatre event – join the Pantaloons for their performance of this classic story. 18th August 2023.
- Adventure Cinema: End the Shropshire Summer Holidays 2023 with an outdoor cinema experience. A variety of films showing on dates from 1st to 3rd September 2023.
For more information on visiting and to check whether a summer holidays event is added, head to the Attingham Park website.
Blists Hill Victorian Town, Shropshire summer holidays 2023
Blists Hill is a lovely family day out with the added bonus of learning what life was like in the area during Victorian times. This year, the focus is on a Victorian seaside experience during the school summer holidays. From 26th July to 3rd September 2023, visitors can expect donkey rides, deckchairs and a traditional beach scene on the green. Visit on 29th or 30th July to see the trunks that belonged to Captain Matthew Webb, the first person ever to swim the channel. Tickets are available to book on their website and you can read my review of a dog friendly family day out at Blists Hill.
Boscobel House English Heritage
Visit Boscobel House to find out how King Charles II used it as a place of refuge after defeat in the Civil War. See the priest hole he spent a night in and hear tales of his visit. Stroll down to see a descendant of the oak tree Charles hid in all day while Cromwell’s soldiers were searching for him. Don’t forget to visit the playground, take part in interactive stories and activities and find out about courtly etiquette. If you visit on 2nd or 3rd September 2023, you’ll be able to meet Boscobel’s Victorian farmyard animals. Hear stories about life on the farm and at harvest time in Boscobel in years gone by. Full details are on the Boscobel House website.
Exotic Zoo Telford, Shropshire summer holidays 2023
There’s no specific event on for Shropshire summer holidays 2023 at Exotic Zoo, but they are open from 11 am to 4 pm 7 days a week. Booking is not required, but if you want something extra special, you can book one of their VIP experiences to get up close to the animals. Full details are on the Exotic zoo website.
Hawkstone Park Follies
Hawkstone Park Follies are open every day during school holidays and they recommend booking online in advance to guarantee entry. There is no particular event on for the Summer holidays, but it is always a lovely place to explore as a family. The follies are set in a 100 acre parkland with caves, towers and bridges. The attraction is dog friendly as long as dogs are on a lead at all times. Only the visitor centre and Grand Valley are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Full details and booking information are on the Hawkstone Park Follies website.
Park Hall Farm Countryside Experience
An exciting Maize Maze opens on 24th July 2023 at Park Hall Farm, just in time for the Shropshire school summer holidays. Other events take place at selected times as well:
- Look out for dinosaur week from 31st July to 6th August with dino races, baby dino meet and greets and meeting Dora the dino in her den. Dig for fossils and take home your favourite, hunt for dino eggs, take part in a dinosaur footprint quiz and look out for other dinosaur themed activities.
- It’s Pirates and Princesses week from 7th to 13th August. Meet princesses and watch an exciting show.
- Science week is 14th to 20th August with wizardly antics galore.
- Animal magic will be at the farm from 21st to 27th August, with Simon Airey the animal man.
- Finally, it’s time to end the summer holidays with a party. Bop and Pop week runs from 28th August to 3rd September.
Visitors throughout the school holidays will be able to meet rabbits and guinea pigs, go on a tractor ride and play in the climbing zone. Don’t forget to check out the indoor and outdoor play areas and museums while you’re there. Full details are on the Park Hall Farm website.
RAF Cosford, Shropshire summer holidays 2023
RAF Cosford is said to be one of the best free days out in the West Midlands. You only pay for parking which is £5, although donations to the museum are welcome. They are open from 10am to 5pm every day. As well as a huge display of aircraft from different eras, there is an interactive flight display, virtual reality zone, 4D flight with the Red Arrows experience and a children’s playground.
This Summer, an additional event is taking place from 22nd July to 3rd September 2023. The Horrible Histories “Up in the Air” event includes clues and puzzles to solve, selfies to take, an engineering workshop, creation station, meet the inventor and more. Tickets cost £7.50 per person or £25 for five people.
Entry into the museum itself remains free whether or not you are taking part in the Up in the Air event. Full details and booking information are on the RAF Cosford Website.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Visitors to the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre this summer have lots to look forward to. The following events take place on the dates listed:
- 24th July – Discovering Dragonflies: Hear a talk about these amazing creatures, then explore the pond to find some.
- 26th July – Flicks in the Sticks: Watch Puss in Boots in the Rotunda cinema room.
- 31st July to 4th August – Superworm: Minibeast hunt based on Julia Donaldson’s Superworm story
- 7th to 11th August and 28th August to 1st September – Disasters and Dinosaurs: Learn about dinosaurs and how they came into being and became extinct.
- 14th to 18th August – Anglo-Saxon Settlers: Learn about life before Normans came along and decide where you’d put your village in the meadow. Make a broad bean cake, write in runes and play Fox and Geese.
A summer holiday club also takes place at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. Children can learn about nature, start some plants growing and help to cook lunch. This is for children aged 5 to 11 years old and costs £10 per child or free with a voucher code as part of the Shropshire Council HAF programme. It takes place on the 1st to 3rd, 8th to 10th, 15th to 18th, 22nd to 24th and 29th to 31st August 2023.
The website says that advance booking is essential for these events. For full details, prices, dates and times see the Discovery Centre website.
