3 days in Shropshire with the kids
3 days For families Built from visitor-rated places
Three days, six stops and a rhythm built around little legs: a calmer morning, then something livelier after lunch. Day one pairs Dudmaston Hall, a National Trust property, with Safari Park Theme Park just 8.8 miles away, so time in the car stays short. Day two is the castle day. Powis Castle, also National Trust, comes first, then Dolforwyn Castle only 8.1 miles on, which gives plenty of material for knights-and-dragons imaginations.
Be ready for two longer hops: 41 miles to Powis Castle on day two and 50.8 miles to Chateau Impney Hotel on day three, so pack snacks and plan a stop. The trip finishes with a short 2.3-mile hop to Aztec Aquaglide Aqua Park, where dogs are welcome too. Coming by train? Shrewsbury is the nearest station, and Holiday Inn Telford Ironbridge is 0.7 miles from Telford Central. Bigger groups should look at Home Farm House, which sleeps 14.
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Day 1
Start gently at Dudmaston Hall, then it's just 8.8 miles to Safari Park Theme Park, so the big excitement comes after lunch when energy needs burning off. If you're based at Holiday Inn Telford Ironbridge, note that the River Severn at Ironbridge beach (3.5 miles away) is rated Poor by the Environment Agency, so admire the river rather than plan a dip.
Day 2
Today opens with a 41-mile drive to Powis Castle, so load up the snack bag and build in a comfort stop on the way. After the morning there, Dolforwyn Castle is a short 8.1 miles away, which keeps the afternoon relaxed for younger ones.
Day 3
The longest leg of the trip comes first, with 50.8 miles to Chateau Impney Hotel, so set off in good time with drinks and games to hand. Afterwards it's only 2.3 miles to Aztec Aquaglide Aqua Park, where dogs are welcome. Pack towels and a change of clothes for the journey home.
🛏️ Where to base yourself
Stays in Shropshire that put this whole plan within easy reach.
Stoney Acres Luxury Holiday Park - Manor Lodge
Shrewsbury, Central England
Sleeps 4
£557 per break
Check availability🎪 What's on in Shropshire
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Sat 14 Nov · 14:30
Bridgerton Inspired Concert - Bridgnorth
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Sat 14 Nov · 19:45
The Denotones 60s show
Brewood Jubilee Hall, Stafford · 24.2 mi
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Sat 14 Nov · 12:00
Shrewsbury Audio Tour: Bridges, Belfries & Riverside Reverie...
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Sat 14 Nov · 12:00
Holborn Audio Tour: Inns of Court, Diamonds and the Viaduct
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🗺️ Getting to Shropshire
Plan the drive with service stations, food stops and fuel or charging costs along the way.
Plan my journey →🚆 Or come by train
- Shrewsbury 4.3 miles
- Church Stretton 8.1 miles
- Wellington (Shropshire) 10.4 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page