So the Easter Holidays start in Shropshire on Friday, so I thought I would put together a few idea's of things to do with the little ones. Below is a mixture of free and paid for activities. Many of the below are having some really wonderful activities over the Easter Holidays, and we can't wait to visit them.
I have included images I have taken over the years at the venue, which hopefully shows how amazing they are.
1. National Trust.
We are pretty lucky around here to have such wonderful National Trust properties to visit in Shropshire. Just to focus on the ones local to Oswestry we have; Chirk Castle, Erddig, Powis Castle and Attingham Park. All of which have fantastic facilities for kids. At Chirk Castle they running their annual Easter egg Hunt. This takes place over Easter weekend from Good Friday on 19 April to Easter Monday on 22 April 2019. The aim of the hunt is to follow the clues which the Easter Bunny has left, If you complete the trail you will earn yourself a Cadbury chocolate prize. Trails are £2.50 each. Normal admission or a National Trust membership is also required.
For £10.50 a month a family of 2 adults and up to and up to 10 of their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Under 5s go free. I can honestly say this is one of the best purchase we have made there is so much to do at the properties. You can join online or at one of the properties. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/join-us#membership-family
At first I dismissed joining The National Trust, worrying there wouldn't be enough to do. I was very very wrong! We have the best days out and about and lots of our friends are members to, making it a great meeting place!
2. The British Ironworks
Over Easter The British Ironworks is running a couple of fun events . An Easter Grotto and the Easter Birdie Hotel Activity. The Hotel Activity is £5 (you don't need to pre-book) This activity is in two parts, which includes a creative workshop with Wigglers, where you will design and paint your bird box. Once that is ready, you head out to find lots of things for your new bird hotel.
An action- packed map will take you on an learning adventure around the Centre and grounds collecting all the things you need. This event sounds so much fun!
The Easter Grotto includes a walk through the enchanted wood, hunting for golden eggs which you get to exchange for chocolatey treats in the Easter bunnies burrow. The Easter bunny will have a special golden ticket for you to claim a fabulous stack of Easter pancakes to enjoy in the Café. This activity cost £6.50 and you can buy tickets online. here
The British Ironworks is open 7 days a week and you can be come a member for £1. This then entitles you to 10% off the showroom and cafe. There is so much to see and do in the museum including discovering the amazing sculptures.
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.
3. Cambrian Heritage Museum
We really enjoyed our visit around the museum and you can even have a ride on the train. The museum is free to enter and there is a wonderful cafe serving huge cakes! It's a lovely place full of history and anything train related!
Park Hall Farm
Park Hall Farm has always been a firm favourite. There have been some amazing additions in the last few years including a little town for children featuring some local businesses such as Booker Book Shop and local vets. There is an indoor and outdoor play area, tractor rides, and lots of wonderful animals to pet and learn about.
This year they are running a Easter egg hunt. This will cost an additional 60p on top of the regular admission charge, but your reward is a yummy creme egg! The Great Egg Hunt hunt runs 11.45am and 3.15pm from 8-26 April.
Admission to the farm costs £10.50 for adults and children. Under 2's are free! You can buy your tickets online which are discounted. The farm opens from 10am and they run a time table of events including the famous pig race throughout the morning and then repeated throughout the afternoon.
Get tickets here --- https://www.parkhallfarm.co.uk/buy-tickets/
The Old Racecourse
As a family we have spent hours and hours up at the racecourse. It's a perfect place to let dogs have a good run (and the kids). The racecourse is situated at 1000ft on the Welsh/ English border in the Oswestry uplands the views are simply stunning. There is a large area of countryside to wander around the 3km figure of eight 18th century horse racing track.
We often head into the woods (to look for fairies) and just enjoy the peaceful walk - well apart from my noisy kids!!
We also search for things and enjoy the nature. My daughter has this amazing Nature clipboard which is perfect for a visit to the racecourse.
Colemere Nature Reserve.
It's a tough choice between Ellesmere and Colemere. But I am a super fan of Colemere. Colemere is a little more peaceful and you can walk all the way around it. You can park for free next to the picnic area. My favourite walk is 1.5 miles and follows the path round the edge of the mere. You can push a buggy around it with no problems making it a lovely family walk.
Check out the map here:
http://www.shropshiresgreatoutdoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/20-FFW-Colemere-route-pdf.pdf
The Lazy Cow Cafe
Whittington Castle
Feed the ducks at Whittington Castle is a fun way to spend a couple of hours. You can park in the Castle Car Park which costs £1 and go and grab yourself a bag of bird food (50p). The kids enjoy it and the ducks get a meal. The castle has a lovely little coffee shop, where you can grab a cappuccino or an ice cream for the kids. There is even a little gift shop which has lots of pocket money gifts. Once you have finished at the castle there is a lovely park not to far away, which is enclosed and a lovely way to finish a visit. My kids call it the 'duck castle' despite the fact we drive past the castle daily, it's such a firm favourite.
Other fun places to visit:
Cae Glas Park Oswestry - You can play mini golf, bowling and of course the childrens park area.
Booker Bookshop - Such a beautiful book shop, amazing cake and coffee.
The Funhouse
KinoKulture Cinema - Kids films include Lego Movie 2 and Dumbo.
The Venue - Park Hall. Here you will find tenpin bowling, soft play and great food.
The Hillfort - A lovely walk, lots of wildlife.
Have a wonderful Easter and please pop me a message or comment below if you visit any of the above.