May half term is a great excuse to spend time with the family exploring someplace new.
 
If you are looking for a chance to get away from it all and indulge a little, Shropshire could be the answer. For here you will find medieval Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin; Ironbridge, the origin of all things industrial; and tiny Much Wenlock – the inspiration for the modern Olympics. Shropshire’s smorgasbord is fit to bursting with great food and drink too, all served up with the warmth and hospitality of friendly locals.
 
There’s loads of fun things the whole family can enjoy across the region – take a look at our handy ‘Top 10 things to do in Shropshire’ and you’ll see what we mean!
 
And, if you’re stuck for something the whole family can get involved in, take a look at these 10 great events in Shropshire for the May half term holiday. Ranging from a Nimrod tour to a Big Foot hunt, you’re sure to find something for everyone!

1 Ironbridge Gorge Museums

Queen Victoria’s Birthday at Blists Hill © Blists Hill

Where: Blists Hill Victorian Town, Enginuity, Coalport China Museum and Jackfield Tile Museum
When: May 28 – June 5 2016 (see website for times and dates)
Details: The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are hosting great half term events at different venues.
While our current Queen is celebrating her 90th birthday, the good folk of Blists Hill are putting out the bunting in honour of another long-reigning monarch. This year’s birthday bash for Queen Victoria features poetry readings and short stories, candle-dipping workshops, school house lessons and the chance to ride on a horse-drawn bus. There’s also a self-led trail to enjoy, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover more about Victoria and the British Empire. Sunday the 29th is an extra special day, with added attractions including a Punch & Judy show, street games, live entertainment and a patriotic parade.
Over at Enginuity, visitors can discover more about the history of time-keeping with drop-in Crafty Clocks Workshops between 10.30am and 3.45pm where you can decorate a clock to take home.
Potential potters should head for the fun at Coalport China Museum’s drop-in Ceramic Craft Workshops to have a go at painting a delicate china flower or fridge magnet.
Meanwhile, at Jackfield Tile Museum, art fans can get creative at the family drop-in tile decorating workshops.

2 Find Big Foot at The Follies

There he is! © Hawkstone Park Follies

Where: Hawkstone Park Follies, Weston-under-Redcastle SY4 5JY
When: May 28 – June 5 2016
Details: Big Foot has been spotted at the Follies! Come and see if you can find him in this historic woodland fantasy teeming with authentic 18th-century follies. Be watchful in the woodland, keep your eyes peeled on the rocky cliffs and crags and be on the lookout for him from the towers. Be sure to bring a torch for the darker caverns and don’t let him steal your picnic!

3 Adventures at Attingham

© National Trust Images/Solent News & Photography Agency

Where: Attingham Park (National Trust), Atcham SY4 4TP
When: May 28 – June 1 2016 (see website for times and dates)
Details: Families looking for fun things to do this May half term should head to Attingham Park. There’s lots to keep kids aged 6+ entertained with plenty of opportunity to tick off some of the National Trust’s ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re 11¾’ activities along the way! Try your hand at archery on Saturday or join Attingham Adventures on Tuesday for a Deer Park Safari. On Sporty Wednesday, young adventurers can reach new heights in ‘The Big Tree Climb’, under the skilled supervision of friendly instructors, or get geocaching around the grounds with help from specialist Peter Moss from Cotswold Outdoor.

4 Nimrod Tours

Nimrod Tours © Royal Air Force Museum Cosford

Where: Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shifnal TF11 8UP
When: May 28 – June 5 2016
Details: There’s plenty of FREE fun for kids (and big kids) at this vast site which covers the history of the RAF and all aspects of aviation. In addition, over the half term holiday, aviation fans are being given the chance to clamber aboard the Nimrod and learn about its intelligence gathering role in the Royal Air Force. During the 15-minute tour, you will learn the history of the aircraft, hear about the crews on board and get to see some of its sophisticated surveillance equipment. Tours cost £5pp and time slots can be pre-booked to guarantee availability.

5 Shropshire County Agricultural Show

Where: The Greenhous West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury SY1 2PF
When: May 28 2016
Details: A fun-filled day out for all the family with a wide range of attractions and events including motorbike stunt shows, a falconry display, tractor pulling and an Edible Shropshire food zone. There are also horse and carriage displays as well as hundreds of farm animals, many to be judged in competition. Not to mention the horse and dog shows and free activities for younger visitors in the Kids Zone.

6 Stokesay Stories: The Civil War

© English Heritage

Where: Stokesay Castle (English Heritage), Craven Arms SY7 9AH
When: May 29 – 30 2016, 11am – 5pm
Details: Calling all Roundheads and Cavaliers! Travel back to the 17th century where the Civil War is in full flow as Stokesay is taken over by Wardour Garrison as they sleep, eat and prepare for battle in the castle grounds. Watch the soldiers drill and demonstrate weapons of the period while camp followers display crafts and trades. It’s the perfect time-travelling adventure to entertain your history hunters this May half term holiday.

7 Family Activity Days

Dudmaston by muffinn

Where: Dudmaston Estate (National Trust), Quatt, nr Bridgnorth WV15 6QN
When: May 29 – June 1 2016, 11am – 5.30pm
Details: Bring the family to Dudmaston for trails, crafts and lots of fun with their ‘50 things’ inspired activities. Why is it called ‘pooh sticks’? Who first built a den? How do you make a daisy chain? Head out on a mystery tour around the garden and find all of the answers to claim your prize. Then pop back to the activities marquee for some hands-on crafting fun. Kids will love the woodland play area and exploring the garden and dingle.

8 Family Day Out at The Castle

Ludlow Castle by Andrew Smith

Where: Ludlow Castle, Ludlow SY8 1AY
When: May 30 2016, 10am – 5pm
Details: Ludlow Castle has had a facelift and visitors can now look round Castle House Gardens so, to celebrate, they are hosting a family fun day with a little bit of Victorian history thrown in. The entertainment includes live music with Ludlow Concert Band and Saxophone Sundae, puppet shows, James the Jester from Chester, kiddies’ games, a treasure hunt around the castle for children and adults alike, a junior jousting arena and stocks.

9 Family Workshop Survival Skills

© Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre

Where: Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms SY7 9RS
When: May 30 – June 3 2016, 1pm – 2.30pm
Details: Find out how to survive outdoors at this fun workshop, where you can learn to filter water, cook up a ‘spring greens’ stir fry and build your own shelter. This award-winning visitor attraction has plenty to keep families entertained over half term. Get up close and personal with Shropshire’s larger than life mammoth, take a virtual balloon ride over the Shropshire Hills or check out the geocaching, available all year round. Set in the 30-acre Onny Meadows, it’s a perfect place for gentle strolls or to simply relax in the excellent café.

10 29th Annual Shropshire Vintage Show

Where: The Greenhous West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury SY1 2PF
When: June 4 – 5 2016
Details: This two-day extravaganza promises to host more entertainment than ever this year for families as well as vintage vehicle fans. Exhibitors from all over the UK are due at the event, with classic cars, motorbikes, Land Rovers, military vehicles, steam engines, tractors and more on show. There are also shire horses, craft and trade stands, fairground rides, food, a beer tent and bar. Plus live demonstrations including the exciting spectactor sport ‘tractor pulling’.

Where can I stay?

Now we’ve inspired you for the May half term holiday, why not take a look at our selection of luxury holiday cottages in Shropshire and find the perfect one for you and your family?