To try to visit Shropshire AND Northumberland or just do Shropshire? Also, what area to stay in Shropshire?

[Fredflinstoneswife]

Ok, so this is my second post on the subject of holidaying in England! In my first post I listed many of the things/places I like for holidaying and most responses were to go to Northumberland or Shropshire. I feel pretty set (I think!) on Shropshire. We are coming over to England on the ferry from NI with a touring caravan (first time with a caravan) with our two children (3 and 1) and I am wondering could we do a week in Shropshire and a week in Northumberland? We would have about four days to allow for travelling to and fro, and in between. Would this be too much travelling about?

I am also wondering what part of Shropshire to stay in?

Two years ago we were in the Lake District which I LOVED. Last year we happened to be in Lewes which I also loved- what friendly people!

I like:
Areas that have historic/pretty towns and/ or villages. Independent shops that have good local makers and antique shops/fairs. This was why I loved Lewes.
National trust properties.
Prefer forested areas and I do like mountains but I could forego the mountains for one year lol.
Things to do for a 3 year old.
I also love rivers for paddling/swimming, beach would be a bonus but it's not a must.

Thank you for any help you can give!

:D

Stokesay Castle near Ludlow is a gorgeous building.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/

Stokesy Castle between Ludlow and Church Stretton and Acton Burnell working farm. Both great for kids.

Sorry! Acton Scott! A working Victorian farm.

As you love living history, try Macclesfield Silk Museum (with Mill tour) on your way North from Shropshire

I've heard the black country living museum is excellent though not been myself - I do know its huge! I think you get ro ride round on old buses?

There is a farm museum in Shropshire too somewhere I think?

Aston Scott I think?

Also Styall mill, nearby ish.

You are mad to do cairnryan! Do belfast-liverpool or dublin-holyhead for Shropshire

We had a lovely holiday in Dumfries and Galloway but I wouldn't combine this with Shropshire! Honestly that's the worst possible ferry route to consider especially with young kids

Ha snap Acton Scott 🤣

If you're going via Cairnyan, Northumberland would require much less driving than Shropshire.

I don't think Acton Scott is open at the moment

Have a look at the British Ironwork Centre between Shrewsbury and Oswestry.

Thank you for all these suggestions. They are much appreciated.

I think Acton Scott farm is no longer open which is a pity.

I think we will be staying at a caravan park near Bridgnorth. If anyone is local to there with children and has good ideas for things to do very close to Bridgnorth or knows of any wee parks in the area please let me know!! It would be nice to not have to go too far some days.

@Exactfare We have a discount to use on P&0, they only sail to cairnryan or else Liverpool but we cannot afford the liverpool sailing. It's almost twice the price, and takes all day.

@Exactfare also we live near larne so it's not so ridiculous for us.

You’re a long way south staying there. A lot of what’s been recommending is further North.

Rays farm is near Bridgnorth and the Severn valley railway starts/ends there

https://raysfarm.com/

Rays Farm is no longer there, I'm afraid.

You could go ice skating in Telford, they also have Jumpin and climbing the walls in Shrewsbury which is great for kids who like jumping or climbing. You could also get the train to Birmingham - do Sealife, Legoland discovery and / or the NT Birmingham back to backs. Also Cadbury World if you don’t mind driving into Brum.
South Shropshire. Croft Castle and Berrington Hall can also be done together! Powis Castle over the border in Wales.

That’s sad. Ours had a great time when we went.

We used to love this place when we lived near Shropshire: https://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/

Ludlow is good for forest and has a paddling beach, I'm pretty sure.

If you do go to Ironbridge then don't miss the Engenuity science museum at one of their sites (Coallbrookdale) - a lovely compact hands-on science museum that my kids loved. It's right next to the Museum of Iron, which doesn't sound thrilling but is also great (admittedly maybe not so much for small children though 😁).

I ❤️ Shropshire! It's such a beautiful part of the world, very lucky to live here!

But as a PP has said, Bridgnorth is quite far south in the county. Fine if you're happy to spend more of your week in that part and focus on that part of Shropshire and Telford but it's quite a long way to a lot of the suggestions given.

Love Shropshire. MIL lives there so we’ve been a few times. As others have said, good places to go are Shrewsbury, Ironbridge, Hawkestone Follies, Blists Hill. Hodnet Hall gardens near Hawkestone Follies are lovely for a wander but only open to the public on certain days. if you’re in the south of the area it’s not too far to Cadbury World which was a fab day out.

If you’re driving back to Cairnryan, I’d recommend the Newton Stewart area and Galloway Forest Park.

Ah, I see you have little ones…. Attingham Park would be nearer and flat with the buggy and has a great playground!

Bridgnorth has the Severn Valley Railway and the funicular cliff railway, if the council finally gets round to mending the retaining wall next to it.
Ironbridge gorge is lovely but gets very busy in summer. The museums are good, though.
Stokesay Castle is nice (English Heritage).
Cardingmill Valley at Church Stretton is amazing, my kids have spent hours playing in the streams there, and if you can get up to the top of the Long Mynd the views are superb.
Stiperstones are good too.