Things to do this week in Shropshire

Halloween and bonfire:

Halloween Hauntings are planned at the Park Hall Countryside Experience, near Oswestry, with a Halloween Spooktacular continuing each day until Wednesday and details are at (01691) 671123 or www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

A Halloween Maize Maze Spectacular is planned at The Follies, Hawkstone Park, until Sunday and details are at www.maizemaze.org or on 07969 778149.

A self-guided Halloween Trail will offer prizes to participants at Severn Valley Country Park, at Alverley, and details are on (01746) 781192.

A Halloween dinner and ghost hunt is planned at Gregynog, at Tregynon, near Newtown, and details are at www.gregynog.wales.ac.uk or on (01686) 650224.

A Halloween celebration is planned at Whittington Castle, in Castle Street, Whittington, Oswestry, on Wedneday, and details are on (01691) 662500 or at www.whittingtoncastle.co.uk

A mystery tour is planned at Chirk Castle, in Chirk, near Wrexham, on Wednesday and details are at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirkcastle or on (01691) 777701.

A fancy dress Halloween cycling party is planned at Shrewsbury Sports Village, in Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm and details are at www.cycleshrewsbury.co.uk or on (01743) 2453008.

Spooky walks are planned at Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, until Monday, from 6pm to 8pm and details are at www.national trust.org.uk/attingham or on (01743) 708123. There will also be a fancy dress party on Wednesday.

A haunted Halloween is in store at Rowley’s House Museum, in Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, and details are at www.visitshrews bury.com or on (01743) 258888.

A Samhain overnight course is planned at Brown Clee Hill, at which people can learn bushcraft skills, from Thursday to Friday and details are at www.farafoot.co.uk or on (01746) 769292.

A Halloween Cruise is planned on the Sabrina Boat, from Victoria Quay, Shrewsbury, on Saturday and details are at www.sabrina boat.co.uk or on (01743) 369741.

A Halloween murder mystery dinner is planned at the Longmynd Hotel, in Church Stretton, on Friday and details are at www.longmynd.co.uk or on (01694) 722244.

A fireworks night is planned at Blists Hill Victorian Town on Saturday from 6pm to 9pm and details are at www.ironbridge.org.uk or by calling (01952) 433424.

People can learn how to make tiles, as well as looking at extensive exhibitions, at the Jackfield Tile Museum, at Jackfield, Telford, and details are at www.ironbridge.org.uk or by calling (01952) 433424.

A bonfire and fireworks spectacular is planned at Weston Park on Sunday from 5.30pm and details are at www.weston-park.com or by calling (01952) 852100.

A bonfire and fireworks extravaganza is planned at the West Midlands Showground, in Berwick Road, Shrewsbury, on Sunday and details are available at www.shropshirecountyshow.com or by calling (01743) 289831.

Recreational:

People who want to brush up their skiing and snowboarding skills before heading to the slopes this winter can enjoy sessions with instructors at Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre at Court Street, in Madeley. Details are at www.telford.gov.uk or on (01952) 382688.

Family fun sessions are planned at Telford Ice Rink and details are at www.telford.gov.uk or on 0845 1545 9966.

Bowling, karaoke, Sector 7 Laser, soft play, pool and arcade games are available at Telford’s tenpin bowling alley and details are at www.tenpin.co.uk or on 0871 222 3675.

Lasertag, paintball, quadbiking, climbing and abseiling, a team challenge zone, orienteering, mountainboarding, archery, rifle shooting, caving, zip wire, gladiator jousting, a slippery pole, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, pony trekking and raft building are among the attractions on offer at The Old Vicarage Adventure Centre, in The Bull Ring, Stottesdon, Shropshire, and details are available at www.ovac.co.uk or by calling (01746) 718436.

Thirty craft-based businesses, including 20 small independent shops, are open all year round at Maws Craft Centre, in Ferry Road, Jackfield. Details are at www.mawscraftcentre.co.uk or by calling (01952) 883030.

Market towns:

Ludlow is one of Britain’s greatest market towns with a disproportionately high number of independent retailers. The town boasts its own castle, one of the UK’s most beautiful churches, plenty of wildlife walks and more besides. Further details are available at www.ludlow.org.uk

Shrewsbury is enjoying a renaissance with new retailers moving into the town. There are numerous cafes and bistros, its beautiful Quarry Park and much more. Details are available at www.visit shrewsbury.com

Much Wenlock enjoyed a boost in popularity caused by the London 2012 Olympics. It has a number of trails, independent stores and more besides. Details are at www.muchwenlockguide.info

Cinema:

Ludlow Assembly Rooms will screen a number of films including Brave, Samsara, Timon Of Athens at the venue in Mill Street and full details are available from www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk or by calling (01584) 878141.

Reels on Wheels, the travelling cinema service, has a special half term screening of animated movie Brave at Whitchurch Civic Centre on Tuesday. It starts at 2.30pm, and all tickets cost £3. For more details, log onto www.reelson wheels.org

The Edge arts centre in Much Wenlock is showing Hammer horror film The Woman In Black on Monday night. Daniel Radcliffe is a young lawyer sent to a remote village to tie up a dead widow's affairs, in a spooky house full of secrets. Tickets cost £5 or £4. It starts at 7.30pm. For details, log onto www.edgeartscentre.co.uk

There’s a family-friendly programme at Festival Drayton Centre in Market Drayton this coming week. It is showing film comedy Diary Of A Wimpy Kid - Dog Days on Tuesday and Thursday. During his holiday, Greg Heffley hatches a plan to pretend he has a job at a ritzy country club. For details, log onto www.festivaldraytoncentre.com

Hollywood is coming to village halls across Shropshire next week, thanks to travelling cinema company Flicks In The Sticks. Screenings include the Way at Loppington on Tuesday, The Woman In Black at Whitchurch on Tuesday, Monsieur Lazhar at All Stretton on Friday, and Brave at Bishop’s Castle, also on Friday.

Cinemas in Bridgnorth, Shrewsbury, Telford and Tenbury Wells have a packed programme of films. Details are at www.bridgnorth.reelcinemas.co.uk, www.cineworld.co.uk, www.odeon.co.uk and www.regaltenbury.co.uk

The great outdoors:

Ramblers can enjoy countryside immortalised in the words of writer Mary Webb by visiting Wenlock Edge, between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth, and details are available at www.wenlockedgenationaltrust.blogspot.co.uk

The caves of Humphrey Kynaston, a notorious Shropshire highwayman who lived in a cave in Nescliffe, are open to the public and details are available at (01691) 624448.

Views across south Shropshire and the Welsh Borders are available from Corbett Wood, near Shrewsbury, and details are available by calling (01691) 624448.

Trekking, tuition and riding days in beautiful South Shropshire countryside are available with qualified BHS staff at The Old Vicarage Activity Centre, in Stottesdon, and details are available at www.horsetreks.co.uk or by calling (01746) 718436.

A picnic site and car park prove a magnet for visitors to Haughmond Hill, between Shrewsbury and Newport, and details are at www.forestry.gov.uk/haughmondhill

Shropshire’s best known landmark, The Wrekin, was the inspiration for Tolkein’s Middle Earth in the acclaimed series of books The Lord of The Rings and dominates views of Telford and Ironbridge. Details are at ww.shropshiretourism.co.uk/telford/wrekin

Walking enthusiasts can head to one of Shropshire’s most popular beauty spots, Carding Mill Valley, and can find out about some of its most popular walks by visiting www.national trust.org.uk or by calling (01694) 722631.

The Severn Valley Country Park, near Alveley, has an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways, way-marked trails and cycling routes. Further details are available at www.shropshire.gov.uk/countryside.nsf or by calling (01746) 781192. There will also be a fungus foray on Monday.

Poles Coppice, near Shrewsbury, is an attractive ancient oak woodland with disused quarry workings and further details are at www.shropshiretourism.co.uk or by calling (01691) 624448.

Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle, at Chirbury, near Bishop’s Castle, is a prehistoric stone circle 85 feet in diameter, consisting of some 30 stones of which 15 are now visible. More details are at www.english-heritage.org.uk or on 0870 3331183.

A track cycling day is planned at Bucknell Woods, near Bucknell, in south Shropshire, on Sunday from 10.30am until 3.30pm and details are available from Pearce Cycles, in Ludlow, on www.pearcecycles.co.uk or at (01584) 879288.

Stunning clipped topiary surrounds Wenlock Priory, in Much Wenlock, which dates back to 1101 and is open all year round. Details are available at www.english-heritage.org.uk

A stone house that has been a part of the Shropshire landscape for 500 years, at Benthall Hall, in Broseley, offers tranquil gardens and a taste of yesteryear and details are at www.nationaltrust.org.uk or on (01952) 882159.

Seasonal gardening bargains are available at Moreton Park Garden Centre, in Gledrid, near Chirk, and details are at www.moretonpark.com/gardencentre or by calling (01691) 777722.

Paragliding and other adventure sports on the Shropshire Hills are available at the Beyond Extreme Paragliding Centre at Hendre Villa, in Melverley, near Oswestry, and details are at www.beyondextreme.co.uk or by calling (01691) 682640.

Adventurous types can go up, up and away by signing up for starter classes with the Midland Gliding Club, at Long Mynd, in Church Stretton, and details are available at (01588) 650206 or at www.longmynd.com

People can learn falconry skills by becoming a falconer for the morning during Hawks on Walks events at the Battlefield Falconry Centre, near Shrewsbury, between 10am and 4pm and details are at www.battlefieldfalconrycentre.co.uk or on 07866 926184.

Quad biking activities are available at Border Quad Trekking at Builthy Hill Farm, at Halfway House, Shrewsbury, and details are available at www.commandopaintball.com or by calling (01743) 884694.

Long distance walks across Shropshire include Offa’s Dyke, Mortimer’s Way, the Severn Way, the Geopark Way and The Shropshire Way. Details are at www.shropshire walking.co.uk

Scarce Shropshire plants can be viewed at Brown Moss, near Whitchurch, which is one of the county’s most picturesque sites. Details are available on (01691) 624448 or at www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

Kayaking trips on local waterways are available with Andrew Rudge Kayaking, which is based at Dawley, and details are at www.arkayaking.co.uk or by calling (01952) 504063.

Ancient woodland, peaceful river scenery and views of the Severn Valley Railway are among the attractions from Mercian Way Cycle Routes and details are at www.shropshire.gov.uk/cycling.nsf or by calling (01743) 253008.

Museums, heritage and visitor attractions:

Much Wenlock Olympian Trail and Museum showcases the links between the town and the Modern Olympic Games. It has been described as being ‘one of the world’s great little museums’. Details are at www.shropshire.gov.uk/museums.nsf or by calling (01952) 727679.

Visitors to Stokesay Castle, in Craven Arms, can enjoy tours of the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Details on the English Heritage property are available at www.english-heritage.org.uk or on (01588) 672544.

The Battlefield Heritage Site, in Shrewsbury, provides a reminder of the Battle of Shrewsbury, which took place in 1403. There are a number of circular walks. Details are at www.shropshire tourism.co.uk or on (01691) 624448.

Whitchurch Heritage Centre opened in 1998 and includes a tourist information centre, which offers details of surrounding attractions. Further details are at www.whitchurch-heritage.co.uk or on (01948) 664577.

Severn Valley Railway links Bridgnorth with Kidderminster, via Hampton Loade, Highley, Arley and Bewdley, and details are at www.svr.co.uk or on (01299) 403816. There will be a ghost train ride on Wednesday.

The elegant 18th century Attingham Park, at Atcham, near Shrewsbury, provides visitors with tours of a vast mansion in an extensive deer park. Details are at www.nationaltrust.org.uk or on (01743) 708162.

A moon machines drawing competition will run at RAF Cosford Museum from Monday to Friday, in which children can design a machine fit for a trip across the surface of the moon. Details are at www.rafmuseum.org.uk or by calling (01902) 376200.

A taste of yesteryear is on offer at Acton Scott Historic Working Museum, near Church Stretton, where people can step back in time to learn about 18th century farming. Details are at www.actonscott.com or on (01694) 781307.

Techno terrors workshops are planned at Enginuity, in Ironbridge, at which people can learn how to pull a 10-ton locomotive by hand, generate electricity from flowing water or build an earthquake proof tower. Details are available at www.ironbridge.org.uk or by calling (01952) 433424.

Recreations of Victorian life with shops, cottages and workplaces, as well as traditional fish and chips, are on offer at Blists Hill Victorian Town. People can explore Canal Street with its parade of new shops, including a sweet shop, drapers and photographers. Details are at www.ironbridge.org.uk or by calling (01952) 433424.

The Broseley Clay Tobacco Pipe Works has been preserved to look just as it did when the doors closed behind the last pipe maker in 1957 and details are at www.ironbridge.org.uk or by calling (01952) 433424.

Stunning views across Shropshire countryside are in store for visitors to Hawstone Park and Follies, which was created in the 18th century by the Hill family. It was a former Adventure of the Year winner in the Good Britain Guide an details are at www.hawstone.co.uk or on (01948) 841700.

Wroxeter Roman City was once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain and visitors can take a tour around fascinating ruins and explore the new Roman Town House, constructed as part of Channel 4’s Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day. For details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or call (01743) 761330.

People can learn pottery skills during courses at Wenlock Pottery and Craft Centre, in Sheinton Street, Much Wenlock, and details are at www.wenlock pottery.co.uk or by calling (01952) 727600.

One of Shropshire’s most historic buildings, Buildwas Abbey, was founded in 1135 and is open to the public. Details are at www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Wildlife:

Visitors to Ray’s Farm, near Bridgnorth, can handle farmyard animals and take part in a series of events, including wood carvings, Excalibur, gold rush and more. Further details are at www.raysfarm.com or by calling (01299) 841255.

Nature enthusiasts can visit 38 reserves in Shropshire that are managed by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and further details are at www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

Hooting owls and woodland wonders will be the star of the show during an event at Shrewsbury Visitor Centre on Friday from 10.30am and details are at www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk or by calling (01743) 284280.

Food and drink:

Moor Farm Shop, at Baschurch, has opened a new tea room, which is open daily. Details are at www.moorfarmshop.co.uk or by calling (01939) 260360.

Ludlow Food Centre, at Bromfield, in Ludlow, showcases the best of regional produce and also has a Conservatory Barn Cafe. Details are at www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk or on (01584) 856000.

Food and drink from across Shropshire is on offer at the Shropshire Food Enterprise Centre, at the Heart of England Fine Foods headquarters, in Shrewsbury, at Battlefield Enterprise Park. Details are at www.heff.co.uk or on (01743) 452818.

Traditional afternoon teas are on offer at the Rocke Cottage Tearooms, at Abcott, in Clungunford, Craven Arms and details are at www.rockecottagetearoom.co.uk or by calling (01588) 660631.

Farm trails, a picnic area and a farm shop will be open throughout the week at Fordhall Farm, in Ternhill Road, Market Drayton, which is owned by a staggering 8,000 people. Details are available at www.fordhallfarm.com or by calling (01630) 638696.

The finest ingredients from Shropshire are available at the Apley Farm Shop, Cafe and Playbarn, at Stockton Buildings, in Norton, near Shinfal, and details are available at www.apleyfarmshop.co.uk or by calling (01952) 730345.

One of the UK’s most successful tea rooms will be serving afternoon tea all next week. DeGreys, in Ludlow, dates back to 1570 and has won numerous awards. Details are at www.degreys.co.uk or by calling (01584) 872764.

Live entertainment:

Mid Wales Opera will join forces with the Mid Wales Chamber Orchestra at Theatre Severn, in Shrewsbury, on Wednesday, for a performance of Don Giovanni, from 7.30pm. Details are on www.theatresevern.co.uk or by calling (01743) 281281.

Abbey Foregate Drama Group will perform Calendar Girls at the Walker Theatre, in Shrewsbury, from Thursday to Saturday, with performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Details are on www.theatresevern.co.uk or by calling (01743) 281281.

Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo will read War Horse, with songs from John Tams and Barry Coope, at Theatre Severn, in Shrewsbury, on Saturday from 7pm, in a performance suitable for children aged 10 and over. Details are on www.theatresevern.co.uk or by calling (01743) 281281.

A special schools edition of Miss Saigon will be presented by the Musical Theatre Production Company at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place on Saturday from 7.30pm and tickets are available at www.theplacetelford.com or by calling (01952) 382382.

Zumba classes for people of all ages are planned at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with Monday’s session at 10am and the remainder at 6pm. For details visit www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk or call (01584) 878141.

An urban dance workshop for youngsters aged seven to 11 is planned by 2FacedDanceCo at Ludlow Assembly Rooms from 11am on Wednesday for two hours. For details visit www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk or call (01584) 878141.

The Paul Parker duo will be headlining at Ashley’s Cafe Wine Bar, in Shrewsbury, on Thursday from 9pm and admission is free. Details are at www.ashleys bar.co.uk or by calling (01743) 245006.

A half-term Halloween animation workshop is planned for youngsters at The Hive, in Belmont, Shrewsbury, on Tuesday, from 10am until 3.30pm and details are available from www.hiveonline.org.uk or at (01743) 234970. There will also be an open mic night for local musicians at the same venue on Thursday.

Best of the rest:

Six puddings will be dished up at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Wednesday from 7pm and people will be able to vote for their favourite. Tickets are £16.95 and main meals will also be served. Details are at www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk or call (01584) 878141.

An art exhibition featuring recent works by Jenny Holm is planned at Millard and Lancaster in 8 St Mary’s Street, Shrewsbury, until Wednesday and details are at www.millardandlancaster.co.uk or by calling (01743) 289866.

New paintings from Joan Baker will be on display alongside ceramics by Dennis Farrell and jewellery by Catherine Tutt at the Twenty Twenty Gallery at 3-4 High Street, Much Wenlock, throughout the week and details are at www.twenty-twenty.co.uk  or by calling (01952) 727952.

A presentation on green energy is planned during an event called Taste of Renewables at Oswestry Fire Station, in Mount Road, Oswestry, and details are available from the venue or by calling (01782) 659594.

An exhibition of paintings is planned at the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, in School Lane, Craven Arms, featuring sky, sea, landscapes and more, and details are at www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshirehills.nsf or on (01588) 676060. There will also be an event for youngsters called Dragon Detectives.

An exhibition called Mr Watt, Grumpy Man of Metal, is planned at Enginuity, The Museum of Iron, at Coalbrookdale, in Ironbridge Gorge, featuring work by blacksmith artist Jon Mills. Details are at www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk/shropshire_news/mr-watt.shtml or by calling (01952) 433424.

A winter craft fair is planned at Bailey Head, in Oswestry, on Tuesday, and details are available from www.oswestrymarket.co.uk  or by calling (01691) 680222.

An autumn craft fair is planned at Rushbury Village Hall, at Wall-Under-Heywood, near Church Stretton, on Wednesday from 11am to 4pm and details are available by calling (01694) 771597.

A joint concert featuring the Abraham Darby Bands and Tredegar Brass Band is planned at the New Auditorium, at the Abraham Darby Academy, in Ironbridge Road, Madeley, Telford, on Wednesday, from 7.30pm to 10.30pm and details are at www.abrahamdarbymusic.co.uk  or on 07798 843458.

Indoor play activities are available at Playpit Pirate Adventure and the Wacky Warehouse, which are both in Telford, and at Fuzzy Eds Funhouse, in Shrewsbury. Details are at www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk.

Residents are welcome to an independent book shop, in Oswestry, where there is also a cafe. The Booka Bookshop and Cafe is based in the heart of the town. Details are at www.bookabookshop.co.uk or on (01691) 662244.

Countryside activities are on offer at the Green Wood Centre, in Coalbrookdale, and a full programme of activities are available at www.greenwood centre.org.uk or by calling (01952) 432769.

Telford Tigers will take to the ice in a fixture against Brackell Bees on Saturday and details are available at www.telfordtigers.co.uk.

A lead mine that was once one of the most productive in the country is open to the public at Snailbeach, near Shrewsbury, and details are available at (01691) 624448.

A collection of uniforms, arms, artefacts and memorabilia, which depict 'the life in the Welsh Guards' since its formation in 1915 can be viewed at The Welsh Guards Collection, at Park Hall, in Oswestry, and details are at www.thewelshguardscollec tion.com or by calling (01606) 593953.