The Oaks

Join Marty Jopson, the science bloke from The One Show for a morning of fun science at Shrewsbury’s Darwin Festival (© Shropshire Wildlife Trust)

Not one but two festivals are taking place during the Shropshire half term holiday!

For Science fans, the annual Shrewsbury Darwin Festival gets underway between February 6 – 18. This annual celebration of Shrewsbury’s’ most famous son, Charles Darwin, is held during the days around Darwin’s birthday. This 12th February would have been his 207th year! The festival, organised by Shropshire Wildlife Trust, has something for all ages and is informative, fun and family-friendly.

From Science to the Arts, Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival is well worth exploring too. This five-day celebration runs between February 17th and 21st, a firm favorite for families. It features arts, crafts and music. From singing workshops and Morris Dancing sessions, to storytelling and craft workshops for the younger ones. Brewery tours, food and exhibitions are readily available over the five days too.

2 The museums events

Shropshire’s larger than life mammoth at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre (© Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre)

There are countless museums to explore from your Shropshire holiday cottage. Ironbridge is a real treat for history buffs with its famous ten Gorge Museums spread along the River Severn.

Take a trip back in time by stopping off at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Here visitors can experience life as it would have been 100 years ago. Drop-in activities for half term include printing a hand-made Valentine’s card, candle dipping and an opportunity to learn about the history of sweets.

Art fans can get creative at the tile decorating workshops at Jackfield Tile Museum. Turn up Monday to Saturday between 10am and 3pm during half term.
 
Discover more about the science of flight at Enginuity. Space workshops are the order of the day here. Just drop in for the opportunity to make rockets out of craft materials and then launch them.

Potential potters should head for the fun at Coalport China Museum’s drop-in Ceramic Craft Workshops to have a go at clay modelling and painting on ceramics.
 
Have you got what it takes to become a Jedi Knight? Can you feel the force or use a lightsaber? Join the team at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms for their Star Wars Jedi Academy. This fun packed training session of games and activities runs from 1 – 2.30pm (pre-booking required).

This award-winning visitor attraction has been voted as ‘Best Family Day Out (small venue)’ by the general public. Set in the 30 acre Onny Meadows, relax in the cafe, get up close and personal with Shropshire’s larger than life mammoth or take a virtual balloon ride over the Shropshire Hills. Orienteering fans should check out the new ‘Discovery Club’ for younger visitors while geo-caching (hi-tech treasure hunts) is available all year round.

3 The ‘Have a Go’ activities

Have a Go Archery & Shield Painting at Stokesay Castle (copyright English Heritage)

Explore Stokesay Castle (English Heritage) on your Shropshire half term holiday. With lots of family fun, why not let your children have a go at archery and shield painting?

Embrace some Kite Chaos at The National Trust’s Carding Mill Valley set in the Shropshire Hills, the most popular spot for visitors to the Long Mynd, and make a kite to fly in the valley.

Keep an eye out for the February half term activities at The National Trust’s Attingham Park. Unleash your family on the Attingham Adventures and Sporty Wednesday or try out the family friendly trails.

4 The top spots for snowdrops

Snowdrops at Attingham Park by Kilgarron

Uncurl from your winter hibernation and experience the first signs of spring at Shropshire’s wonderful National Trust properties, some of the best places to see snowdrops.

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Dudmaston Estate which opens at the half term weekends for snowdrop walks. Grab one of their ’50 Things’ trails and tick off some wintry items on a walk through the Dingle woods. Then head to the tea room for a warming bowl of freshly made soup or a scrumptious slice of cake. Shake off the winter blues and discover over 15 different snowdrop varieties at Sunnycroft too.

Or why not head out on an enchanting evening walk? Grab a torch and head to Attingham Park between February 18 – 20 where the woodlands will be transformed with hundreds of candles and fairylights. After an invigorating walk, step into the warmth of the Bothy and treat yourself to a glass of mulled wine. There’ll also be snacks of sausages and bacon at the Greedy Pig too.

5 The historic attractions

Ludlow Castle by Andrew Smith

Explore the historic, gastronomic town of Ludlow and its famous castle which reopens for half term. Visit Much Wenlock Priory (English Heritage) in pretty Much Wenlock. Kids will love the funicular Cliff Railway at Bridgnorth, England’s steepest and highest, connecting the High and Low Towns, as well as the Severn Valley Steam Railway nearby. Or discover English Heritage’s Wroxeter Roman City, open at weekends.

Shropshire provides excellent walking, cycling and bird watching for everybody whatever the time of year, from gentle walks in the valleys besides the streams to more strenuous hikes for the serious rambler or cyclist. Uncover the secrets of The National Trust’s Wenlock Edge on your Shropshire half term holiday - there are some great walking trails and woodland walks to enjoy.