Plan your perfect summer holiday in Shropshire
Make the most of your summer in Shropshire with our guide to the county’s top events, family activities and seasonal things to do. From festivals and food fairs to scenic walks and days out, discover what’s happening locally and plan the perfect summer break with The Barns.
The Mere
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
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
Oswestry
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
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
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.
Whitchurch
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.
British Ironwork Centre
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Powis Castle
Powis Castle is a striking medieval fortress set above beautifully terraced gardens in the Welsh countryside. Known for its rich history, dramatic architecture, and world‑class collection of art and artefacts, it offers visitors a blend of grandeur, heritage, and breathtaking views. Whether exploring its opulent interiors or wandering the vibrant gardens, Powis Castle delivers an unforgettable experience.
Erddig Hall
Erddig Hall is one of Britain’s finest historic homes, celebrated for its beautifully preserved interiors, stunning gardens, and unique stories of the family and servants who lived there. A visit offers a rich blend of heritage, character, and immersive social history.
Carding Mill Valley & the Long Mynd
Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd offer sweeping Shropshire landscapes, dramatic hills, and peaceful walking trails. Known for their wildlife, open moorland, and far‑reaching views, they’re a favourite destination for outdoor adventure, relaxation, and exploring one of Britain’s most beautiful natural areas.
Oteley Hall Gardens & Farm Shop
Oteley in Ellesmere is a picturesque estate overlooking the Mere, known for its beautiful grounds, artisan farm shop, and locally produced food and drink. It’s a peaceful countryside destination offering quality produce, scenic walks, and a warm, rural welcome.





Ellesmere Town
The Barns is the perfect place, both to retreat and relax and to find new adventures.
Just a short walk from the Shropshire ,Wildlife Centre at the Mere and local visitor hot spot, the Boathouse Restaurant. Next to one of the Llangollen canal’s largest marinas and only a short stroll from the town centre, there is so much to discover on the doorstep.

Escape the Ordinary
Book your stay today
Our carefully curated lodges immerse you in serene landscapes and exquisite comfort. Whether you're here to relax, explore, or escape, our team is dedicated to making every moment truly unforgettable. Explore our luxurious lodges and begin planning your perfect staycation today.















