Shropshire's Great Days Out - Severn Valley Country Park
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area’s top visitor attractions.
Where is it? Alveley, near Bridgnorth, WV156NN.
What is it? A charming countryside experience for all the family. Severn Valley Country Park has been a Green Flag Award winner for nine consecutive years and offers 126 acres of beautiful countryside and stunning views spanning both sides of the longest river in the country. Here the woodlands, ponds and meadows in the park are full of many species of plants and animals, some of which are quite rare.
How much is it? Entrance to the park and visitor centre is free but there is a car parking charge of £1 per day. Annual parking passes can be purchased from the Visitor Centre for £20.
What is there to do? Where to start? The park boasts a fantastic visitor centre and teashop with plenty of information about the history and wildlife of the area.
There is a children’s corner with activities for younger people to enjoy and an outdoor natural play area with a climbing frame, swing, sandpit and bridge.
Alongside the way-marked trails that help you discover the hidden corners of the park, the park also offers an Easy Access Trail and fully accessible bird hide. Park maps are available to buy from the visitor centre as well as Ordinance Survey maps, guidebooks, park souvenirs and locally made products.
For the more adventurous visitors, Route 45 of the National Cycle Route passes through the park taking you on a challenging ride along the River Severn.
Additionally the park is home to a permanent orienteering course with three levels of difficulty to test your navigation skills.
A full events programme is available throughout the year, including guided walks, educational activities and children’s birthday parties.
Interesting fact: Now an oasis of peace and tranquillity, it is hard to imagine that this part of the Severn Valley used to be a centre of a thriving mining industry. Alveley Colliery was in operation between 1936 and 1969 before the land was reclaimed and transformed.
Opening times: 11am-5pm during school summer holidays. Car parking is available at Highley and Alveley or if you fancy taking the train, there is a request stop for the Severn Valley Railway located roughly 15 minutes from the Visitor Centre.
Verdict: A wonderful place for a family to create their own outdoor adventure.
More information: Phone 01746781192 or visit www.shropshire.gov.uk