Things to do this Easter in Shropshire

Easter Activities in Shropshire

Shropshire borders Wales to the west, Cheshire to the north, Staffordshire to the east and Worcestershire and Herefordshire to the south. There is so much history, culture and nature to explore, that you’re bound to find something to spark your interest. Here are some of the most exciting Easter activities in Shropshire.

Shropshire Raft Tours

Work off those Easter eggs with some outdoor activity whilst having fun!

Shropshire Raft Tours, based in Ironbridge, can help you out with their range of boat hire.

Suitable for families and friends their routes take you on the calm waters of the River Severn. Their inflatable orange rafts fit between 2-5 people and are a great choice for families with children who all want to be together. Alternatively, they also have Canadian canoes and single or double sit on top kayaks to hire and a mega stand up paddleboard for 5-8 people!

Check out the world famous iron bridge from a totally different perspective as you paddle underneath before you finish your trip in Jackfield, just a few minutes walk from Ironbridge. If you want a shorter trip they have coracles for one hour hire. These round wooden boats have a longstanding history in Ironbridge and are a unique way to enjoy the river.

Ironbridge

Ironbridge is a town that is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Its name comes from the Iron Bridge, the world’s first cast iron bridge which was built in 1779 and spans the River Severn. Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are plenty of things to see and do to discover the history of the Industrial Revolution. There are ten museums to choose from, whether you’re interested in fine china, decorative tiles or a recreated Victorian town. One of the most exciting attractions is the Tar Tunnel, an eerie tunnel dug into the hillside which you can view from the entrance. You can also take leisure boat trips on the river, or make your way down the many walking and cycling trails.

Stokesay Castle

Nestled in the beautiful south Shropshire countryside is Stokesay Castle, one of the finest and best surviving fortified manor houses in England built in the 13th century. Take an audio guide tour to discover the Great Hall with its timber roof and staircase, or step inside the private quarters with its beautifully ornate overmantel. There are two towers which you can climb: the North Tower which has an original medieval tiled floor, and the taller South Tower which has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Walk through the 17th century timber-framed gatehouse and admire the intricate carvings. It’s a great place to bring the kids, as they’ll love the Easter Adventure Quest from 4 April to 19 April. Crack the clues and follow the trail around the castle grounds.

Three Tuns Brewery

The Three Tuns Brewery in Bishop’s Castle is the oldest brewery in Britain. It was established in 1642 on its current site, and is a Grade II listed building. The beer is brewed in a Victorian tower and then fermented in the original 16th century brew house. It’s one of only four breweries in the country that uses a tower brewery. Three Tuns offers comprehensive tours where you’ll be guided through the whole beer making process. See the original winch where malt was lifted up to the tower, and view the original parts of the mashing process, cooling equipment and fermenting vessel. You’ll get the chance to sample different types of malt and hops, learn about the function of yeast and see how the beer is dispensed into casks.

Severn Valley Railway

There’s nothing like a day out on the railway. The Severn Valley Railway is a heritage railway that runs for 16 miles along the Severn Valley. It starts at Bridgnorth in Shropshire and ends in Kidderminster in Worcestershire, rolling through beautiful countryside. The railway has a large collection of working steam locomotives and coaches which can be viewed at Highley Station, one of the stops in Shropshire. There are also many experiences, from learning to drive a locomotive, to murder mystery dining experiences. The railway hosts events throughout the year, such as the Spring Steam Gala, Spring Diesel Festival and 1940s themed days.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

Even when it’s raining, there are many things to do in Shropshire this Easter. Stay indoors and discover millions of years of history at the Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. With over 300,000 items on display, the different galleries include the Roman Gallery, Shropshire Gallery, Medieval, Tudor and Stuart Galleries. There are special exhibitions showcasing ceramics, costumes and fossils, or take a look at important finds like the Shropshire Mammoth and Roman tombstones. The museum is great for families, as there are events and activities throughout the year. From craft workshops to history trails, there’s always something to do at the museum.

The Long Mynd

Make the most of the warmer spring weather and head outside for a hike. The Long Mynd is a heath and moorland plateau in the Shropshire Hills AONB. It’s approximately seven miles long and three miles wide, and the highest point is 1,693 feet. You can take a walk to the top of Long Mynd, which leads you to the head of Carding Mill Valley and up to the highest point of Long Mynd. It’s important to note that the five mile route is quite challenging and takes between two and three hours. The views are worth it though, with stunning vistas across Shropshire and beyond.

In & Around Shropshire