Plan your perfect summer holiday in Shropshire 

The Mere in Ellesmere, Shropshire is a stunning natural lake surrounded by gardens, woodland, and wildlife. One of England’s largest glacial meres, it’s perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and birdwatching.
Enjoy a bite at The Boathouse, the lakeside café, or let children play in the nearby park. With sculpture trails, seasonal events, and boat rides, The Mere offers relaxation and recreation for all—making it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
 

Ellesmere is a picturesque town in North Shropshire, known for its peaceful charm, rich history, and scenic surroundings. At its heart lies The Mere—a beautiful glacial lake perfect for walks, wildlife spotting, and boat rides.
The town features historic streets, independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs, all set amid rolling countryside. With links to the canal network and Thomas Telford’s legacy, Ellesmere offers a relaxed blend of nature, heritage, and community spirit

Set on the Welsh border in North Shropshire, Oswestry is a lively market town rich in history, culture, and countryside charm. From the ancient Old Oswestry Hillfort to medieval streets and a thriving arts scene, the town blends heritage with creativity.
Explore independent shops, cafés, and galleries, or venture into the surrounding hills and trails for outdoor adventure. Whether you're walking Offa’s Dyke or relaxing in a cosy pub, Oswestry offers a warm welcome and a chance to unwind.
 

Llangollen is a charming town in North Wales, set along the River Dee and surrounded by hills. It’s home to the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Llangollen Railway, offering heritage steam rides through stunning countryside.
With independent shops, cosy cafés, and canal-side walks, Llangollen blends natural beauty with rich history and culture.

Shrewsbury is a charming market town in Shropshire, set in a loop of the River Severn. Known for its medieval architecture, Shrewsbury Castle, and links to Charles Darwin, it blends heritage with vibrant culture.
Enjoy riverside walks, independent shops, and events like the famous Flower Show—all in a town full of character and charm.

Set in the rolling countryside of North Shropshire, Whitchurch is England’s oldest market town, known for its clock-making heritage, charming streets, and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, browse antique shops, and enjoy local cafés and pubs.
Just outside town lies Alderford Lake—a scenic spot for wild swimming, paddleboarding, lakeside walks, and seasonal events. With its café, water activities, and open-air experiences, Alderford Lake adds a splash of adventure to Whitchurch’s timeless charm.

AlderFest 2026 brings a full weekend of live music, great food and family‑friendly entertainment to the heart of Shropshire. Set on the beautiful Alderford Lake, the festival features headline performances, local bands, artisan stalls, water‑based activities and plenty to keep kids busy. Whether you’re visiting for the day or making it part of your summer break, AlderFest offers a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere and a perfect way to enjoy long, sunny Shropshire days.

The Rotary Bell Regatta brings a day of exciting boat races, family entertainment and community fun to Ellesmere’s scenic Mere. Enjoy waterside activities, local stalls and a lively summer atmosphere.

The Battle of Shrewsbury Medieval Festival brings history to life with dramatic re‑enactments, living‑history camps and family‑friendly activities. Held on the historic battlefield, the event showcases medieval combat displays, traditional crafts, storytelling, food stalls and hands‑on experiences for all ages. It’s one of Shropshire’s most popular summer events, offering a unique way to explore local history while enjoying a lively festival atmosphere.

Ellesmere Carnival is one of Shropshire’s most vibrant summer events, filling the town with colourful floats, live entertainment and family‑friendly activities. The parade winds through the centre of Ellesmere, followed by music, stalls, games and community celebrations on the Mere. It’s a lively day out for all ages and a highlight of the local summer calendar, attracting visitors from across Shropshire and beyond.

The Oswestry Balloon Carnival is one of Shropshire’s most spectacular summer events, bringing colourful hot air balloons, live entertainment and family activities to the town centre. Visitors can enjoy balloon launches, tethered displays, music, stalls, food vendors and a vibrant festival atmosphere throughout the weekend. Set against the backdrop of Cae Glas Park, the event attracts thousands each year and offers a unique, unforgettable highlight for anyone visiting Oswestry during the summer.

Shrewsbury Steam Rally is a major Shropshire summer event, celebrating the heritage of steam power with an impressive display of vintage engines, classic vehicles and working machinery. Held at Onslow Park, the rally features arena demonstrations, trade stands, craft stalls, food vendors and plenty of family‑friendly entertainment. Visitors can explore historic tractors, steam rollers, fairground organs and beautifully restored vehicles while enjoying a lively festival atmosphere. It’s a must‑see event for enthusiasts and a great day out for families visiting Shrewsbury in the summer.

The British Ironwork Centre is one of Shropshire’s most distinctive attractions, combining a vast sculpture park with artisan metalwork, family activities and unique exhibitions. Visitors can explore hundreds of creative installations, browse the showroom, enjoy workshops, meet the resident craftsmen and relax in the on‑site café. Known for iconic pieces like the Knife Angel, the centre offers an inspiring and educational day out for families, art lovers and tourists visiting Oswestry and the wider Shropshire area.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, carrying the Llangollen Canal high above the Dee Valley. Visitors can walk across the aqueduct, enjoy peaceful towpath routes, take a narrowboat trip and soak in spectacular views of the surrounding Welsh countryside. Its impressive engineering and dramatic height make it a must‑see attraction for walkers, families, photographers and anyone exploring North Wales and the Shropshire border.

Chirk Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress set on the Welsh–English border, offering centuries of history, beautiful gardens and family‑friendly walks. Managed by the National Trust, the castle features grand state rooms, a medieval tower, award‑winning gardens and sweeping views across the Ceiriog Valley. Visitors can explore woodland trails, enjoy seasonal events, discover the castle’s rich heritage and relax in the on‑site café. Perfect for families, history lovers and day‑trippers, Chirk Castle is one of North Wales’ most impressive and memorable historic attractions.

Park Hall Countryside Experience is one of Oswestry’s best family attractions, offering hands‑on farm fun, animal encounters and engaging indoor and outdoor play. Families can meet friendly farm animals, enjoy tractor rides, explore adventure play areas, discover the Victorian school and Welsh Guards museums, and take part in daily interactive activities. With seasonal events, soft play, countryside walks and plenty to do in all weather, Park Hall is a must‑visit day out for families visiting Shropshire and the Welsh border.

Ness Botanic Gardens is a beautiful horticultural attraction on the Wirral, known for its rare plants, colourful borders and peaceful walking trails. Set overlooking the Dee Estuary, the gardens feature glasshouses, seasonal displays, wildlife‑rich habitats and family‑friendly outdoor spaces. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy year‑round events, join guided tours and relax in the café. Perfect for gardeners, families, photographers and nature lovers, Ness Botanic Gardens is one of the North West’s most inspiring and tranquil days out.

Attingham Park is one of Shropshire’s most popular National Trust attractions, featuring a grand 18th‑century mansion, a vast deer park and miles of scenic walking trails. Visitors can explore beautifully restored rooms, enjoy seasonal exhibitions, wander through walled gardens and spot the resident fallow deer grazing across the estate. With a large play field, family trails, a café and year‑round events, Attingham Park offers a perfect day out for families, walkers and history lovers visiting Shrewsbury and the surrounding area.

Chester Zoo is one of the UK’s most famous and beloved attractions, home to over 20,000 animals and world‑class conservation projects. Visitors can explore immersive habitats, from the Asian Forest to the African Savannah, enjoy daily animal talks, discover rare species and wander through beautifully landscaped gardens. With play areas, themed zones, cafés and year‑round events, Chester Zoo offers a full day of adventure for families, wildlife lovers and tourists. Its commitment to conservation and education makes it a must‑visit destination in the North West.