Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Latest Reviews
We visited with friends on Sunday 7th May and enjoyed a beautiful circular walk guided walk led by Keith Pybus through the Woods to see the bluebells and wonderful countryside . The centre itself is well appointed with a good shop and with helpful staff
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
After setting this museum featured on a recent TV programme we visited and enjoyed learning about the ancient history and the bones of the mammoth found in Shropshire. The audio visual film was also very good.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited at the May bank holiday weekend and it was rather busy. We paid to see the mammoth my husband was disappointed that it was a replica, although it was fascinating to see. The part of the centre is catered more for children.
We both had a cream tea, although it was okay, I didn't like getting a buttered scone with cream and jam on top, (maybe this is a local thing).
I'm not sure what the cafe is trying to do, but it was like going into a nursing home with unironed table cloths. A lot of the tables had been reserved, we found one that had been used, but I think it should have been cleared as the table cloth was dirty. It would appear that the cafe is very popular with the elderly, although it is a canteen service. The service was slow and there didn't seem to be enough staff on duty.
The girl in the shop was friendly.
We had a wander around the meadows and down by the river. We did see a red kite, although the bird hide is closed for the time being to encourage the kites.
A pleasant place that is ideal for children.
We both had a cream tea, although it was okay, I didn't like getting a buttered scone with cream and jam on top, (maybe this is a local thing).
I'm not sure what the cafe is trying to do, but it was like going into a nursing home with unironed table cloths. A lot of the tables had been reserved, we found one that had been used, but I think it should have been cleared as the table cloth was dirty. It would appear that the cafe is very popular with the elderly, although it is a canteen service. The service was slow and there didn't seem to be enough staff on duty.
The girl in the shop was friendly.
We had a wander around the meadows and down by the river. We did see a red kite, although the bird hide is closed for the time being to encourage the kites.
A pleasant place that is ideal for children.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This would be ideal for kids, but I went as an adult and still had a blast. Doesn't take long to go around, but it's reasonably-priced and also good to do on a rainy day!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We paid £3.50 each to visit the exhibition which was OK. There were several boards to read about the local area and a short film to watch about a balloon flight over the hills.
We also had tea and cakes in their cafe, which were reasonably priced and tasty.
There are some quick easy walks around their grounds, many of which are on made-up paths.
We also had tea and cakes in their cafe, which were reasonably priced and tasty.
There are some quick easy walks around their grounds, many of which are on made-up paths.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Excellent all round , a very well versed and knowledgeable team are there to guide you and teach you about Shropshire and the are. They are keen to talk and interact, the food and especially the cakes were amazing. The walks are In a Beautiful are including parkland, woodland, riverside walks, marsh walk and a a pond dipping area also. Would recommend to everyone
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Had a amazing time here plenty to see and do we took a picnic there's plenty of benches etc we took our 14 year old autistic daughters and she managed well not too noisy or busy
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is a lovely small museum, cafe and gift shop located near to Ludlow and the Shopshire hills. The entry was £3.50 for adult entry to the exhibition, and includes a small yet fascinating look the history of the area.
It begins with a huge Mammoth skeleton and has many information boards giving an insight into the geology, history and folklore of the surrounding hills. The recreation of an iron age hut has very high quality theming, and there are a number of archaeological finds from Roman to Medieval. The museum finishes with a "hot air balloon" ride through the Shropshire hills, which is essentially a panoramic movie set within a darkened, circular seating gallery. Although the resolution on this movie was low by modern standards, the film was very enjoyable and the concept of a ride in a balloon works very well.
Upon exiting the museum, you find yourself in a cafe area which leads back into the gift shop and entrance to walks etc. I did not use the cafe myself, but it was busy and looked to be of good quality. The gift shop had a lovely mixture of local interest gift ideas, from plush woolly mammoths to books on the myths and legends of the hills.
I found this attraction to be unique and very interesting. If you are visiting the shopshire hills area I would highly recommend paying a visit, whether you wish to walk the hills or are merely passing by. Centres like this are hidden gems and are guaranteed to inspire.
It begins with a huge Mammoth skeleton and has many information boards giving an insight into the geology, history and folklore of the surrounding hills. The recreation of an iron age hut has very high quality theming, and there are a number of archaeological finds from Roman to Medieval. The museum finishes with a "hot air balloon" ride through the Shropshire hills, which is essentially a panoramic movie set within a darkened, circular seating gallery. Although the resolution on this movie was low by modern standards, the film was very enjoyable and the concept of a ride in a balloon works very well.
Upon exiting the museum, you find yourself in a cafe area which leads back into the gift shop and entrance to walks etc. I did not use the cafe myself, but it was busy and looked to be of good quality. The gift shop had a lovely mixture of local interest gift ideas, from plush woolly mammoths to books on the myths and legends of the hills.
I found this attraction to be unique and very interesting. If you are visiting the shopshire hills area I would highly recommend paying a visit, whether you wish to walk the hills or are merely passing by. Centres like this are hidden gems and are guaranteed to inspire.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A woolly mammoth, fossils and a ballon ride over the Shropshire hills, what excitement all in one afternoon
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stumbled on this Centre by accident and we were glad that we did. We received some great information about the surrounding areas and places to visit.
The coffe shop is good and worth a visit.
The coffe shop is good and worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Chose this place as a stop-over after driving for a couple of hours. It is a an exhibition showing the history of the Shropshire Hills with a replica of a Mammoth skeleton discovered some years ago. Have to pay to go in though. There is also a nice cafe where you can buy home made food at very reasonable prices. The food was really nice, freshly made and hot. A welcome break in my journey.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited on a really dull, dank day but thoroughly enjoyed walking across the fields following the River Onny. Had visited Craven Arms many times as a child so re-visited the woods and fields of my childhood. Loads of leaflets to pick up detailing all the different walks, their lengths and a rough idea of difficulty. Returned to the lovely cafe where we had a welcome coffee and a large slice of apricot cake which was delicious. Lunch had been available earlier but we were out too long! Parking was free but donations were invited. Will return when the weather improves and do it all again. A great place for walking.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went here twice over the Christmas period 2016, lovely place to walk the dog, plenty of waste bins too. Has a lovely café and an exhibition of life throughout the ages in Shropshire where you will find the skeleton of a woolly mammoth and things for the little ones to do, only cost a few quid so worth a visit. Food in the café is great and a reasonable price too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My boyfriend stopped off on our way home as we weren't sure what else to do in the area. It was raining so we couldn't make use of the outdoor area unfortunately.
I expected a little more from the place though - 'discovery' sounds very exciting and I was a little underwhelmed. Perhaps I was just there at the wrong time of day.
There is a shop with some nice items in; RSPB items, books, a few items of food etc. There is a good size cafe. There is also an exhibition part which you could enter with an admission fee but this isn't really for me. Looking around it looked a little like a library area next to the cafe, and I noticed several fliers with various workshops and activities.
I will have to visit at a more appropriate time of day (I visited Sunday at about 11:30 and it was very quiet).
I expected a little more from the place though - 'discovery' sounds very exciting and I was a little underwhelmed. Perhaps I was just there at the wrong time of day.
There is a shop with some nice items in; RSPB items, books, a few items of food etc. There is a good size cafe. There is also an exhibition part which you could enter with an admission fee but this isn't really for me. Looking around it looked a little like a library area next to the cafe, and I noticed several fliers with various workshops and activities.
I will have to visit at a more appropriate time of day (I visited Sunday at about 11:30 and it was very quiet).
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
I have been visiting the centre for many years since it first opened, but I have not been here for over 10 years. We called in with a group of us for lunch following a morning visit in the area.
Despite being February, the cafe and centre was packed out. The food was good with a useful selection for lunch, but I felt that there was a long wait and a very long queue on this occasion. I felt that the staff were doing a fantastic job getting all the orders out as quick as they could. Obviously the layout had changed from my previous visits and the centre has become extremely popular.
I must come back another time and check out all the other facilities now on offer.
Despite being February, the cafe and centre was packed out. The food was good with a useful selection for lunch, but I felt that there was a long wait and a very long queue on this occasion. I felt that the staff were doing a fantastic job getting all the orders out as quick as they could. Obviously the layout had changed from my previous visits and the centre has become extremely popular.
I must come back another time and check out all the other facilities now on offer.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As well as stocking information on what to do & where to go in Shropshire this center has a wide range of gifts, maps, books, toys & produce. The coffee shop is very good with a choice of snacks, cakes & light bites. The loo's are spotless & finally the staff went out of their way to help us & answer queries & questions we had.
Walks can be done from the center. Well worth a visit.
Walks can be done from the center. Well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
My Husband and I took my Grandson aged twelve here for the afternoon, I had been before about thirteen years ago with my Neice who was seven at the time, and my 85 year old Mother. We had thoroughly enjoyed the visit and expected the same again. It had all changed except for the Mammoth skeleton, the simulated hot air balloon ride with the film shown underneath had been replaced with a film show that was difficult to watch because of reflection and you had to stand to watch it. All the little doors that children could open and put their hands into to feel the contents had gone.There were some dressing up clothes a simulated fire and a shelter to play in. It was only suitable for younger children now, we were very disappointed and would not bother to go again.
The walk in the water meadows by the river Onny is free, and very pleasant, especially if you go on a warm sunny day.
The walk in the water meadows by the river Onny is free, and very pleasant, especially if you go on a warm sunny day.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Being local, I often walk along the river here.
It's level going and offers a few little interesting activities for younger people to enjoy in the lovely Shropshire countryside.
Also, watch for the red kite feeding in mid afternoon. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of these wonderful birds.
It's level going and offers a few little interesting activities for younger people to enjoy in the lovely Shropshire countryside.
Also, watch for the red kite feeding in mid afternoon. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of these wonderful birds.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stopped for lunch here on a visit to the area. The centre is easily accessible and has some pleasant walks outside. We did not go in the exhibition but enjoyed looking at the art work displayed there.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
If you get the Days Out leaflet you can get £1 off entry to the discovery centre!!
Also free tea/coffee voucher with their own leaflet!
Had a great visit, plenty to see and extensive easy walking. Particularly enjoyed the "balloon" ride, really felt like we were in the balloon. Good food in the cafe, all made on the premises.
Also free tea/coffee voucher with their own leaflet!
Had a great visit, plenty to see and extensive easy walking. Particularly enjoyed the "balloon" ride, really felt like we were in the balloon. Good food in the cafe, all made on the premises.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
The centre has a good selection of snacks and drinks, ideal for a quick break. It has an exhibition of local artists' work and a discovery centre giving information about the geology of the area, including a model of a mammoth skeleton found in the area. Walks can be done direct from the centre along the river and to the likes of Stokesay Castle which is only a short walk away.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We enjoy going to The Discovery zcentre mifweek when it is not crowded. The lunch is excellent, very unpretentious , the sitting place , which used to be the public library, is so comfortable as there newspapers and coffee or tea on hand. On Sunday we had the special Sunday lunch, which really needs booking in advance. This was a two course meal of a Sunday roast together with a pudding. It is served with elegance at a table beautifully laid with a cloth, cutlery and napkins, a joy to behold. Then outside there are lots of walks including some original C11 ridge and furrow which has somehow survived 1000 years, if you are interested of course. The grounds are extensive with plenty of room for children to run about. Inside there are regular exhibitions of paintings, ceramics and photographs. Something for many different people.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We (3 adults, 2 children and a dog!) were holidaying in the area and decided to visit here after reading a leaflet about it. We were particularly looking for dog friendly attractions, as we couldn't leave the dog unattended in the holiday cottage, and the leaflet stated dogs are welcome. The fact that there was no mention of an entrance fee on the leaflet was also a bonus.
When we arrived, however, we found out that although dogs are allowed in the grounds, they are not permitted in the centre itself. There is also a charge to enter the exhibition, £10 for a family ticket. The children had wanted to join in with the Halloween activities that we saw advertised, but we discovered that they were for children age 5 - 11 years. My children are too old at 12 and 13. So, we had a short walk around the meadows, the children went briefly on the play equipment and then we left. Having had certain expectations after reading the leaflet, we couldn't help but feel disappointed.
I do realise now that it was probably unrealistic of me really to expect a visitor centre with an exhibition and a cafe to allow dogs in and to be free. There were lots of positives about the place and plenty of people there who were clearly enjoying themselves, so before we wrote it off completely, we decided to give it a second chance and go back.
Our second visit was much better. We took the children's bikes and they cycled while we walked along a path from the centre to Stokesay Castle, further along the A49. Then we retraced our steps, going back into the centre's grounds to explore more of the paths there and to build dens in a wooded area. We particularly enjoyed the stroll along the river. We also tried the food at the cafe (ate outside with the dog!) which was absolutely delicious, obviously homemade and lovely and fresh. We had takeaway cakes as a treat too. Now I know what to expect, I would go back again!
When we arrived, however, we found out that although dogs are allowed in the grounds, they are not permitted in the centre itself. There is also a charge to enter the exhibition, £10 for a family ticket. The children had wanted to join in with the Halloween activities that we saw advertised, but we discovered that they were for children age 5 - 11 years. My children are too old at 12 and 13. So, we had a short walk around the meadows, the children went briefly on the play equipment and then we left. Having had certain expectations after reading the leaflet, we couldn't help but feel disappointed.
I do realise now that it was probably unrealistic of me really to expect a visitor centre with an exhibition and a cafe to allow dogs in and to be free. There were lots of positives about the place and plenty of people there who were clearly enjoying themselves, so before we wrote it off completely, we decided to give it a second chance and go back.
Our second visit was much better. We took the children's bikes and they cycled while we walked along a path from the centre to Stokesay Castle, further along the A49. Then we retraced our steps, going back into the centre's grounds to explore more of the paths there and to build dens in a wooded area. We particularly enjoyed the stroll along the river. We also tried the food at the cafe (ate outside with the dog!) which was absolutely delicious, obviously homemade and lovely and fresh. We had takeaway cakes as a treat too. Now I know what to expect, I would go back again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Lovely place to start your exploration of the area, maps, leaflets and advice are available here. Walk maps are available for 50p each, what a bargain, other information was given too about the surrounding area. Car parking is free although there is a box for donations.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Visited today on route to Ludlow. Great art and photography exhibition and very attentive staff. The walk around the site was nice but benches, gates and fences all had seen better days, looking worn and decaying. Cafe was nice serving a variety of foods. More for children with the interactive exhibition.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
