Wales and its borders with England are castle country. Right on your doorstep, Montgomery Castle originates from 1223; walk the site of its ancient walls and immerse yourself in its rich history. Or discover the African walking trail, the red-panda retreat and the land of the living dinosaurs at the West Midlands Safari Park.
Climb the 25-metre sport routes at Newport Rock, Shropshire’s climbing centre. Ditch the electronic devices and meet some real 3D animals at Dinky Donkeys. Burn off some energy on the trampolines at Jump In. See the latest releases at Shrewsbury Cineworld. Or paint your own pots at Splat n’ Splodge.
Meet mischief-making farm animals, including cheeky goats, racing pigs and the rabbits of Burrowland at Park Hall Countryside Experience. Or enjoy unlimited free rides at Wonderland, set within nine acres of countryside in a place where nursery rhymes and fairytales come to life.
Younger kids can meet Thomas and friends at Drayton Manor, see the meerkats in the conservation zoo, then head on to the rides to feel the full-throttle Shockwave – the UK’s only stand-up roller coaster. Or pop on your orange jumpsuit and get ready to navigate the puzzles and challenges of Prison Break at Shrewsbury Prison.
Keep your fitness going and counter the holiday calories at The Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool. Put the calories back on with the great Welsh beers brewed at Monty’s. Pay and play the beautifully contoured golf course at Lakeside. Or watch the daily red-kite feeding at Bwlch Nant yr Arian Visitor Centre.
Bring your mountain bikes to explore the Shropshire hills close up: find great routes on the Trailforks website. Or stay on two legs and tackle wonderful walking that includes Marrington’s river gorge, the moorland on Stapely Hill, the river at Michell’s Fold, or Church Stretton, including Caer Caradoc and Carding Mill Valley.
Fish on the Camlad River that runs through the estate. Hire canoes and kayaks and take self-guided trips with River Severn Canoes or Shrewsbury Canoe Hire. Or let others do the hard work with a themed river cruise on a triple-deck, modern passenger boat with Sabrina Boat Trips.
Dive back into history to see beautiful medieval castles such as Chirk, with its Civil War-era firearms, or Powys, rising dramatically above its lavish gardens. Discover Attingham Park, an 18th-century estate with 200 acres of parkland and a Regency mansion. Or take home great shopping at Shrewsbury, Chester and Ludlow.
