Shropshire Star

25 top tips for free half term fun in Shropshire

Wondering what to do with the kids next week? Well fear no more as our dedicated team of reporters have scoured their contacts books to come up with 25 brilliant ideas that will keep the whole family entertained without breaking the bank.

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  • The New Saints Community Foundation has free activity sessions during half term in villages around Oswestry. Open to children over the age of 10 and of every ability the sessions will run from 2pm to 4pm with a host of different sports and games. The sessions will be held at the Gobowen playing fields on Monday, at St Martins playing fields on Wednesday and at the Weston Rhyn Recreation Ground on Thursday.

  • Lake Vyrnwy is always a fantastic place for a visit with its RSPB visitor centre, walks, picnic areas, a sculpture park and of course the dam itself. On Wednesday the RSPB is celebrating the opening of its new wild park. Rangers are promising a magical and unforgettable day out for the whole family to celebrate the opening of the park between 11am and 3pm. They say families can have fun explore and get muddy.

  • Llanymynech Hill and Heritage Centre are a history and geography lesson and adventure playground all rolled into one. The area was the heart of the lime industry 200 years ago and fascinating information boards, sculptures and the impressive remains of the quarrying and the enormous lime kilns are dotted over the two sites, both sides of the A483. A fabulous toposcope on top of the hill points out the landmarks across the Shropshire plain and beyond.

  • Although you have to pay to visit the National Trust’s Powis Castle and Chirk Castle and their gardens did you know you can explore the wonderful castle estates free of charge? The autumn colours make this an ideal time to wander the footpaths and marked trails and perhaps find some conkers. If you are lucky you might even spot the resident peacocks at Powis Castle. There is a smaller castle at Whittington where you can clamber on the remains.

  • A host of spooky goings-on are taking place at libraries across north Shropshire this half term. A number of libraries will be celebrating the birthday of the much-loved Winnie the Witch book character with hilarious stories and activities. The first of these will be taking place at Gobowen Central on October 24, between 2pm and 3pm. Ellesmere Library will also be hosting its own celebration on October 28 between 10am and 11am, while Oswestry Library will also be celebrating on the same day but between 2pm and 3pm. Events are for all primary age children, they are free but booking with the libraries is advised as space is limited.

  • Breathing in the fresh autumn air and with a refreshing walk up a hill which all can enjoy can be found at Nesscliffe Country Park. With views stretching across to the Breidden Hills and the Long Mynd, Nesscliffe Hill and the adjoining Hopton Hill and Cliffe is a breathtaking place to visit. Explore the hidden Kynaston’s Cave and trace the remains of an ancient hill fort. Free parking is available year round at a number of car parks. And if refreshment is needed after the walk, the nearby Three Pigeons Pub is the place to go.

  • Commanding views across the River Severn and beyond, Haughmond Hill has something for everyone from dog walkers to horse riders, mountain bikers and ramblers.

  • The Stick Man Activity Trail is on the Corbett Trail and runs until the end of October. Children can go and explore the woods through the Stick Man story. Additional activity packs, which cost £3 each, are available from the on-site cafe. Parking is available on site although a small charge is levied.

  • The latest work by international light artist Andy McKeown – a display of giant images inspired by his love of stained glass – will be projected on to the front exterior of Shrewsbury Museum. The light show will be free to all. This is a one-time only event and runs from 7pm to 9pm on Tuesday.

  • Drop into the greenhouse at Wyevale Percy Throwers, Shrewsbury, and meet the experts from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust for free advice and to enjoy fascinating facts and displays. Learn all about habitats, caring for the environment and wildlife in your gardens with the experts on Thursday. There is something for youngsters to do, too. Get hands-on with learning to look after and encourage wildlife into your gardens with a free workshop where children can join in with the wildlife activity. The event is free and anyone can drop in between 11am and 4pm. The Saturday craft fairs at the trust’s visitor centre in Abbey Foregate include activities for children. The centre is open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday. On November 6 from11am to 3pm people aged between 11 and 25 can help out with scrub clearance, coppicing and pond management. The monthly work parties are held in Ellesmere or Oswestry and transport is available from Shrewsbury. Contact Hannah on hannahf@shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

  • Take the little ones and head out for a trail around Apley Woods, a hidden gem with beautiful views and woodland walks for all ages and abilities. Give your walk a Halloween twist by heading out with a net and a clear plastic pot and look for bugs and insects as you go. Put them in the pot for closer examination before setting them free.

  • Take a trip to the main library in Wellington and find some spooky books to read on Halloween night.Read a few in the library and sign up for a TLC card that will not only get you books to rent for free but discounts at council-owned leisure centres and on holiday clubs. Get the kids to come up with their own spooky ghost stories to tell.

  • A Spookley Pumpkin Festival at Apley Farm Shop runs until October 30. The Spookley pumpkin festival, celebrating the square pumpkin, will take place at the popular farm shop near Shifnal, where entry is free, but there will be some activities at a price, like the Pumpkin Express and pumpkin carving. A free friendly pumpkin trail on the Skylark Nature Trail will be available for all ages to enjoy.

  • Join Peppa Pig at Meadowdale Nurseries, Horsehay. Children’s favourite Peppa Pig will be at Meadowdale Nurseries in Horsehay on October 26. Peppa will be greeting children and selling cakes to raise money for Severn Hospice. Meeting Peppa is free but there is also a pumpkin carving competition running at a small cost.

  • Horse owners will be getting in the saddle for a Fancy Dress Horse Ride. The Halloween Fun ride will take place at Cockshutt Woods, Wrockwardine, in Telford, on October 30. It will start at the car park in Granville Road at 10.30am. Places must be booked in advance with the organisers at Telford Bridleways Association by telephoning 07791 525742.

  • People can take a trip to the Mere at Ellesmere – the largest and most spectacular of the nine glacial meres around north Shropshire. Situated on the edge of the town itself – it is surrounded by circular walks, woodlands and gardens and is a nature lovers’ paradise.

  • Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Roman soldier patrols, medieval archers and elegant Georgian promenaders and enjoy a unique perspective of Chester as they explore the most complete circuit of city walls in the country. Visitors can see the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, the tower where Charles I stood to watch the Battle of Rowton Moor, and the famous, much-photographed clock on the Eastgate

  • Rumour has it that the ghostly spirit of Puritan Paul Holmyard stalks the ruins of Moreton Corbet Castle near Shawbury, ensuring that no building work goes on. The impressive ruins, which look like the setting for the most romantic melodrama, are the product of over 500 years of building.

  • It’s had its fair share of ghostly tales over the years, so why not visit the quaint market town of Wem? Pop into the White Lion in High Street where staff have witnessed taps turned on when there was no-one there and voices from the attic and cellar.

  • Buy your own pumpkin to carve at Fordhall Farm. There are more than 400 to choose from. There are also plenty of spooky walks through the farm’s grounds the whole family can enjoy.

  • Visitors will be able to enjoy the tastes of Bridgnorth Halloween Market on October 30. There will be traders, pumpkin display and crafts, and hot and cold food.

  • Walking enthusiasts can take a stroll over Clee Hill, near Ludlow. Admire the views of the county from the top of the hills which are in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

  • People can visit Bridgnorth’s historic 17th century town hall on Friday and Saturday. The building includes a court room and council chamber. Visitors can look around at their own leisure.

  • Visitors can enjoy a picnic in Bridgnorth Castle Grounds. Featuring remaining parts of the castle founded in 1101 by Robert de Belleme, this is a great setting for a walk or picnic with creepy cupcakes.

  • Finally Ludlow’s Halloween Market will be held on October 30. It will take place in the town’s market square.

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