There’s plenty of family fun to be had in Shropshire this May half term holiday – find an event near you!
Nimrod tours are ready for half term take-off
As May half term fast approaches, organisers at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford are gearing up for a busy week of family tours on-board one of the RAF’s most sophisticated aircraft. From Saturday 28 May until Sunday 5 June, families can step inside the Hawker Siddeley Nimrod R.1 XV249 and learn about its intelligence gathering role in the Royal Air Force.
Tours will run throughout the day for groups of up to six people, lasting approximately 15 minutes. During the tour visitors will learn about the history of the aircraft, hear about the crews on board and view the sophisticated surveillance equipment up close. Perfect for any budding aviators, there will be plenty of opportunities for photos and tour guides will be on hand to answer any questions the inquisitive youngsters may have.
Families will discover why this aircraft and its missions were so secret that even the existence of 51 Squadron who operated it wasn’t mentioned in official documents until 1992, after the end of the Cold War. They will learn why the aircraft’s capabilities were such that even flying through friendly and allied nation airspace required diplomatic clearance. Mixed with a few light hearted stories of the crew stationed on board the Nimrod, including tales of the giant tea pot that could brew almost a gallon of tea, these fascinating tours led by museum staff will have visitors wondering what really goes on in the skies above us. Eagle eyed youngsters are challenged to see if they can find the Argos controls? This equipment was so secret that there was never any mention as to what it was or what it did even in the restricted crew manuals.
Nimrod tours are available daily throughout May half term week from 10am – 4pm and tickets cost £5.00 per person. Organisers are advising any interested visitors to pre-book their time-slot now via the museum’s website www.rafmuseum.org/cosford to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased on the day subject to availability. All children must be accompanied by an adult, tours are not recommended for children under the age of 5. For further information please call the museum on 01902 376200. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm and entry to the museum is FREE of charge.
Spring themed ceramic workshops Coalport China Museum
Drop-in to a family ceramic workshop at Coalport China Museum, near Ironbridge during the late May half-term between Monday, 30th May and Friday, 3rd June and paint a china flower, fridge magnet or money box with a summer theme and join in some paper activities that are included in the admission fee.
The hands-on activities will be held from 10am until 5pm; ceramic painting activities carry an additional charge from £1 per item and you can take them home with you.
Open 10am to 5pm Coalport is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing unlimited entry into all ten Museums costs £25 per adult, £20 for seniors, £15 for children under 18, £68 for a family of two adults and all their children and £50 for a family with one adult; under 5s free (terms and conditions apply); Passports can also be bought online in advance saving 10% and individual entry tickets are available at each museum. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge.
May Madness this half-term at Attingham Park
As the days get warmer and the park comes to life, get outside and get exploring around Attingham Park this May Half-term. Visitors to Attingham will be spoilt for choice with a packed programme of activities. Go on the hunt for wild animals on a Deer Safari ride, challenge the family at a game of archery or climb high into the trees with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company.
Kicking off the Shropshire school holidays on Saturday 28 May, Bowbrook Archers will be setting up their range in the Paddock. Budding Robin Hoods are invited to perfect their aim and have a go at hitting the gold. Anyone over 6 years old is welcome to have a go and its £2.50 for 6 arrows.
On Tuesday 31 May, families can find out all about Attingham’s fallow deer by going a tractor and trailer ride for Attingham Adventures: Deer Safari. Children will learn about tracking wild animals as they complete their wildlife tracker kit. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Rides are every hour between 10am and 4pm and its £5 per child which includes one accompanying adult.
For Sporty Wednesday it’s a super sporty day on the 1 June, with The Big Tree Climb and Get Geocaching. New to Attingham this year, The Great Big Tree Climbing Company will be ready to take visitors high up into some of Attingham’s tallest trees. With highly skilled and friendly instructors, there’ll be on hand teaching climbers how to enter a tree’s canopy using ropes and knots. It’s £20 for 40 minutes and families have to book in advance with The Great Big Tree Climbing Company through Attingham’s website or on 0800 055 6760.
Families looking to explore Attingham, can go on the hunt for hidden treasure with Get Geocaching. Explorers can borrow a device from Cotswold Outdoors specialists for £3.50, between 11am and 4pm.
On days where Attingham are not planning an event, why not create your own self-led adventure. See how many ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ activities you can tick off as part of the National Trust’s campaign to get children outdoors and closer to nature. The campaign relaunches ready for the school holidays, so look out for new scrapbooks and stickers.
To help you out with some of adventures, there’ll be a 50 things Family Trail to visitors to follow. It’s £2.50 a trail, which includes a prize for completing the adventures.
Attingham is open every day, from 8am to 6pm. Standard admission applies and for National Trust members and under 5’s, entry is free.
I-spy lots of half-term fun at Severn Valley Railway
Steam trains, treasure hunts and activities for eagle-eyed visitors are all on offer at the Severn Valley Railway this half-term.
The Railway’s collection of heritage steam locomotives will be steaming along, taking passengers for exciting trips along the line, from Saturday, May 28th to Sunday, June 5th.
Children can pick up an I-spy sheet from station booking offices and spot the items as they travel along the line.
For those who would like an extra train trip, the Coalyard Miniature Railway, at Kidderminster station, will be open for rides (£1 each) between 2.30pm and 5pm from May 29th to June 5th, weather permitting.
There’s treasure to be found at The Engine House Visitor Centre at Highley! Children can take part in a treasure hunt linked to the Railway’s newest exhibition, showcasing the work of famous railway artist Terence Cuneo.
Terence Cuneo – the Man and His Mouse, features paintings by the artist, plus footage of him at work. Youngsters can take on the challenge of spotting the mouse – a trademark of the artist, hidden in each of the paintings.
While at the Engine House, visitors can get hands-on with the many interactive exhibits on offer, including the Peter’s Railway Young Engineers Centre, a travelling post office and the SVR’s reserve collection of heritage steam engines. The outdoor, railway-themed play area will also keep children entertained.
Clare Gibbard, the SVR’s marketing and communications manager, said: “We’ve got steam trains great and small as well as some really fun competitions and challenges for youngsters this half-term.
“Our Terence Cuneo exhibition is a fascinating insight into the life and works of this talented artist and adults and children alike will love trying to spot the mouse, which he always added into his paintings.”
Discover the Civil War at Stokesay Castle this Bank Holiday weekend
This Bank Holiday weekend Stokesay Castle, near Ludlow, will be transported back in time to the age of the Civil War. On Sunday 29 and Monday 30 May a garrison of Civil War soldiers will be setting up camp at the picturesque castle – sleeping, eating, and preparing for battle over the two day event.
History hunters young and old can soak up the atmosphere as re-enactors from The Wardour Garrison take you back in time to the 17th century. See the castle come to life with the sights and smells of one of the most tumultuous times in English history. You can discover the crafts and skills of the time – as well as the cookery that kept the troops fuelled.
The Garrison will be on hand for live weapons demonstrations. See how they load and fire muskets, prepare the mighty cannon, and make use of hands weapons such as the pike and bill. Would-be warriors can even try out their skills in the sword school.
Alongside preparations for battle, visitors can discover the different sides of life away from the battlefield. Invite the whole family to take part in the board games of the period, or try your hand as a scribe. Look out for the 17th Century surgeon’s wife during the day- she’ll share tales of her husband’s bloody trade and grisly goings-on, and you can see how leeches were used in surgery.
There’s a feast of fun and games on offer for young time-travellers too. Take part in the Pike Drill and learn the skills necessary to defend yourself in battle. Also, hear stories of times gone by and the Battle of Naseby in our lively storytelling sessions and join in with our ‘Sally Forth!’ activity and learn how to attack and defend a castle – inside and out.
There’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy this Bank Holiday weekend. See the castle come alive with colourful characters from the past and find out more about this fascinating period in time and the drama and excitement of times gone by!
The Civil War Garrison will be taking over Stokesay Castle from 11am – 5pm on Sunday 29 & Monday 30 May. Entry is £8.30 for adult, £4.90 for children, and £21.50 for a family. English Heritage members can enjoy reduced price entry.
Half Term adventures at Dudmaston
Come rain or shine there’s plenty of things to do this Half Term at Dudmaston. From tiny muddy puddles to wide, glistening pools, every inch of Dudmaston promises endless adventures this May Half Term. Tick off some the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾’ on the garden trail where you’ll find out who built the very first den, track wild animals and explore inside a tree.
There’s also a chance to make and do in the activities tent. Cast bewitching spells with your very own willow wand, or hunt for natural materials to make a story stick. Attach feathers, pine cones, daisy chains or leaves and use each object to inspire your storytelling.
If you’re feeling super adventurous or on days when we aren’t running trails and crafts, pick up one of our free trails from reception and complete even more ‘50 things’ activities. Choose from the Explorer Trail where you can find the best spots at Dudmaston for kite flying, bug hunting and much more. Get closer to our wildlife on the Animal Tracks Trail, or take the Secret Tracks Trail to find out how to make different signs using sticks and stones.
There are plenty of other things at Dudmaston for everyone to enjoy including our brand new exhibition ‘Ancient Meets Modern’ in Gallery 2 which reveals everyday objects, owned by the people who previously lived on the estate.
Normal admission charge applies with a small additional charge for trail and crafts.
Dates: Sun 29, Mon 30 May & Wed 1 June from 12 noon.
Blists Hill Victorian Town celebrates Queen Victoria
Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge during the late May half-term week, 28th May – 5th June, when they will be celebrating the life and long reign of their much loved Queen Victoria with great pomp and pageantry.
Every day at 2pm during the school holiday, except for Sunday 29th May, visitors will be able to enjoy poetry readings and short stories, all about Queen Victoria. Other activities throughout the week including candle dipping workshops which use Victorian techniques to make multi-coloured candles to take home; a lesson in the school house at 12noon, a ride on the horse-drawn bus between 1.30pm and 3pm and a self-led trail to discover more about Queen Victoria and her Empire. There’s also a sing-a-long in the New Inn at lunchtime time and during the afternoon.
On Sunday 29th May, the Townsfolk will also be honouring their Queen’s birthday with extra special activities, Punch and Judy and a patriotic parade through the streets, which will be brightly dressed with flags and bunting for the entire week. The not-to-be missed birthday parade on Sunday starts at 2pm followed by fun and festivities including street games and live entertainment.
Crossbar lining up exciting half term for Shropshire children
Shropshire youngsters have an exciting half term to look forward to with county company Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport running a number of popular courses next week.
Hundreds of local youngsters have already booked to enjoy the soccer schools, multi-sports, dance camps and school holiday clubs taking place.
Gavin Cowan, the Director of Crossbar, said there is plenty of room for more boys and girls, aged between five and 13, to join in the fun and stay active during their break from school.
“We’ve got lots of fun activities lined up across Shropshire,” he added. “Our coaches always enjoy delivering the school holiday courses, coming up with new ideas, and we are delighted with the number of youngsters who join us as their parents continue to see the value in what we do.
“We’ve got another packed programme for half term and it’s a taste of what children can expect ahead of what promises to be our biggest and best ever summer holidays when we will be running lots of courses throughout the six weeks.”
Shrewsbury’s London Road Sports Centre will be hosting soccer schools and dance camps next week from Tuesday, May 31 to Thursday, June 2, while there will also be multi-sports courses held at the venue between May 31 and June 3.
Telford youngsters will be kept entertained through a soccer school at Lawley Primary School from May 31 to June 2 and street dance sessions at Hollinswood Primary School between the same dates.
Holiday clubs which combine sports, arts and craft and a host of other activities are taking place at Shrewsbury’s Greenfields Primary School, Pontesbury Primary School, Oakmeadow Primary School at Bayston Hill, Broseley C of E Primary School, Moorfield Primary School in Newport and Telford’s Old Park and Redhill Primary Schools.
For more details and prices, which start from £7.50 per day for the holiday clubs, email admin@crossbarcoaching.com or call (01743) 362368.
Courses run from 9am-3pm each day with early and late pick ups available for an hour either side for an additional £2.50 each.
Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport is Ofsted registered and also accept childcare vouchers.
Pirates set sail for half term fun at Appletree
Appletree in Ludlow has planned a whole week of Pirate fun to keep the children busy this half term.
They even have their very own pirate boat so go along and sail the seas! The week’s activities begin on Sunday 29 May with a hip-hop adventure Pesky Pirates! This high-energy, interactive production from Let’s All Dance is full of action, giggles and fantastic hip hop dancing the children will be able to clap along and join in with the piratey moves, a terrific treat for 2-9 year olds and their families. Tickets are priced at just £5 per person and we they also offer the children a fantastic after show workshop with the pirates for just an extra £3. Performances are at 1pm and 3pm and booking is advised on 0845 548 5449 as places are limited.
Tuesday 31st sees Captain Morgan entertaining the kids with magic, stories fun and games with a dance or two thrown in too! Smiles and laughs are guaranteed. There are two sessions, one for under 5’s at 11am and a livelier session for over 5’s at 2pm. Places cost £4 and again please book on 0845 548 5449.
Junk model galleons, and mini cork pirate rafts are being made on Wednesday 1st June. Just drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm to take part in this FREE activity. We will be sailing them so do please wear old clothes and bring a change as may get splashed!
Ludlow Library will be sending a storyteller on Thursday 2 June at 11am. Join them in our story boat for tales of daring deeds, treasure and the high seas! You can stay on and make a pirate puppet – again this free activity will run from 10am – 4pm.
Paint The Rainbow return to Appletree to run craft sessions on Friday 3 June. After their very successful sell out sessions over Easter these 2 lovely ladies return with a host of pirate makes, information and games. Again we have 2 sessions a shorter one at 10.30am for under 5’s at £6 per child and a longer session at 2.30pm for over 5’s or confident 4 year olds at £7. Please do book your place as these sell out very quickly on 0845 548 5449.
Throughout the week our family café is open and will be serving lots of pirate grub which you can eat in our very own pirate boat! Adults can relax and enjoy a cuppa and a snack or cake whilst the children have fun!
Full details can also be found at www.the-appletree.org.
Spring themed tile decorating workshops at Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge
Design your own spring themed ceramic tiles at family drop-in tile decorating workshops during the late May half-term holidays at Jackfield Tile Museum in Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge.
Designs can be as colourful and original as your imagination allows, perhaps some farm animals, bright spring flowers or a sunny day by the sea. The fun and informal sessions will take place on Saturday, 28th May and between Monday, 30th May and Saturday, 4th June.
The Victorian tube lining technique will be used to decorate the tiles, which are priced from £5 per tile (p&p extra to have your tile sent home after firing) plus the museum admission fee. Workshops start from 10am, but allowing up to 1½ hours to decorate your tile, last admission is at 3.15pm.
Open 10am to 5pm Jackfield Tile Museum is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing unlimited entry into all ten museums costs £25 per adult, £20 for seniors, £15 for children under 18, £68 for a family of two adults and all their children and £50 for a family with one adult; under 5s free (terms and conditions apply); Passports can also be bought online in advance saving 10% and individual entry tickets are available at each museum. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge.
Dates: Half-term 28th and 30th May – 4th June
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