
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
A vibrant hub in the Shropshire Hills, offering nature walks, interactive exhibits, and a welcoming cafe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Bluebells bloom beautifully

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Best Time
Bluebells bloom beautifully

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub in the Shropshire Hills, offering nature walks, interactive exhibits, and a welcoming cafe.
"Lovely place to visit, interesting and informative exhibition, good cafe, great staff, good walks."

🚗 Parking for All
Ample parking, including large spaces suitable for caravans, makes arrival easy . :car:
🐾 Doggy Dining Options
Cafe isn't dog-friendly, but a hatch serves food for you and your canine companion outside . :dog:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Riverside Meadows Walk
Onny Meadows
Explore 30 acres of tranquil meadows with accessible paths, ideal for wildlife spotting and peaceful strolls.

Mammoth Museum
Discovery Centre Building
Discover interactive exhibits about mammoths and local history, featuring an impressive skeleton.

Cafe & Local Delights
Onsite Cafe
Enjoy tasty meals, cakes, and drinks with good portions and friendly service in a spacious cafe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Family Fun & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking for All
Ample parking, including large spaces suitable for caravans, makes arrival easy. :car:
🐾 Doggy Dining Options
Cafe isn't dog-friendly, but a hatch serves food for you and your canine companion outside. :dog:
🚶♀️ Meadow Path Check
Meadow paths are great, but check conditions after rain as they can get muddy. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Free Meadow Access
Enjoy the meadows and facilities for free; only the carpark has a small fee. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking for All
Ample parking, including large spaces suitable for caravans, makes arrival easy. :car:
🐾 Doggy Dining Options
Cafe isn't dog-friendly, but a hatch serves food for you and your canine companion outside. :dog:
🚶♀️ Meadow Path Check
Meadow paths are great, but check conditions after rain as they can get muddy. :athletic_shoe:
💰 Free Meadow Access
Enjoy the meadows and facilities for free; only the carpark has a small fee. :moneybag:
✨ Interactive Fun
Kids love the mammoth exhibit and play areas; staff are very accommodating. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre for its beautiful riverside meadows, accessible walking paths, and family-friendly atmosphere. The interactive mammoth exhibit and accommodating staff are frequently highlighted as positives. Some guests noted the cafe's lack of dog-friendliness indoors, but appreciated the outdoor serving option.
"It was a lovely place to visit. There are several walks you can do from here. We did the meadow walk, which was beautiful. There are a lot of hard compact paths which are suitable for wheelchair users to explore the site. When we visited the mown grass paths through the meadow were hard and good for a wheelchair too, but this may not be the same after a period of rain. The information centre can advise further.
The only disappointment was that the cafe is not dog friendly unless you have assistance dog. There is a serving hatch around the back of the centre, which links with the side of the cafe, that you can order food and drinks through if you are with your canine buddy. There are outside picnic type tables, but not much shade when I was there."
Tracy Kelly
"Lovely place to visit , interesting and informative exhibition good cafe, great staff, good walks around the meadows. Nice gift shop."
Marianne Skinner
"We've been passing this place for years, on our trips to North Wales. The sign says coaches welcome, so caravan in tow, we decided to chance it for space. Low and behold it has three large and long parking spaces, amongst many more normal car size spaces. Easy to park if your confident in reverseing in.
Had a lovely cake and tea, then a relaxing walk around the paths. Large pond with lots of wild life. All paths accessable and easy to navigate.
Liked it so much we called in again on our way home.. Cheesy chips and a sausage sandwich this time. The ladies serving were very helpful and kind."
Mandy Cherry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is conveniently located just off the A49 in Craven Arms, Shropshire. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available, including larger spaces suitable for caravans. Public transport options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access to this beautiful area.
Yes, there is parking available at the centre. It includes several large, long spaces that can accommodate caravans, as well as standard car parking spaces. The carpark has a small fee.
While the centre is accessible via the A49, public transport options to Craven Arms might be limited. It's best to check local bus and train schedules. Many visitors opt for car travel to fully explore the surrounding Shropshire Hills.
The centre offers many hard, compact paths that are suitable for wheelchair users, including the meadow walk. However, it's advisable to check current conditions after periods of rain, as meadow paths can become softer.
The postcode for the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is SY7 9BF. This will help you navigate directly to the location using GPS devices or mapping apps.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can explore the 30 acres of riverside meadows and use the facilities for free. There is a small charge for parking. If you wish to visit the mammoth museum and other indoor exhibits, there is a reasonable admission fee.
The riverside meadows are open 24/7 and are entirely free to access. The indoor centre, including the cafe and museum, typically operates during standard daytime hours. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times for the indoor facilities.
Yes, the centre hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal walks like the Bluebell Walk and Birdsong Walk. They also hold family fun days and other community gatherings.
The museum admission is described as very reasonable. While specific prices can vary, it's a cost-effective way to experience the interactive exhibits, including the impressive mammoth skeleton.
The centre welcomes coaches and group visits. It's advisable to contact them in advance to arrange group bookings, discuss facilities, and ensure a smooth visit for your party.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walks through 30 acres of riverside meadows, spot wildlife, and explore interactive exhibits like the mammoth museum. There's also a cafe, gift shop, and often special events like guided walks.
Absolutely! The centre boasts 30 acres of riverside meadows with accessible paths perfect for walks. They also offer guided walks, such as the Bluebell Walk and Birdsong Walk, during specific seasons.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids enjoy the mammoth museum, play equipment, and the open spaces for running around. Staff are known to be accommodating to families.
The riverside meadows are a haven for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching and observing various creatures in their natural habitat. There's also a large pond with wildlife.
Yes, there is a gift shop that offers a range of lovely items with a great price range, including unique finds like glow stars and rocks of gold.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The centre has a cafe offering a tasty menu with good portions. You can find cakes, tea, cheesy chips, and sausage sandwiches. There's also an outdoor serving hatch for ordering food and drinks to enjoy outside.
Unfortunately, the cafe itself is not dog-friendly, unless you have an assistance dog. However, you can order food and drinks through a serving hatch at the back of the centre to enjoy with your dog at the outdoor picnic tables.
Yes, there are outdoor picnic-type tables available. These are a good option if you're visiting with a dog or prefer to dine al fresco.
The cafe is described as having good portions and reasonable prices. One reviewer mentioned around £10 for a plate, which seems to be in line with typical cafe pricing for a meal.
While there are picnic tables, it's not explicitly stated if outside food is permitted. However, given the cafe facilities, it's likely encouraged to support their services. You can certainly enjoy the grounds with your own snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The 30 acres of riverside meadows offer beautiful natural scenery, especially during spring with bluebells. The large pond with wildlife and the general landscape of the Shropshire Hills provide excellent opportunities for nature photography.
The impressive mammoth skeleton in the museum is a unique and striking subject for photos. The interactive nature of the exhibits can also lead to fun and engaging shots, especially for families.
Yes, the meadows are a great place for wildlife photography. Keep an eye out for birds and other small creatures that inhabit the area.
Absolutely. The Discovery Centre is situated within the stunning Shropshire Hills, offering picturesque views and rolling landscapes that are perfect for landscape photographers.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is permitted. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage within the indoor exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Meadows and Wildlife
While the mown grass paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for wheelchairs, it's worth noting that after periods of rain, the meadow paths can become softer. The centre provides a tranquil environment, perfect for quiet contemplation or a gentle stroll. Keep an eye out for seasonal blooms, such as the bluebells that grace the meadows in spring, making for particularly picturesque walks.
Family Adventures and Interactive Learning
Beyond the museum, there's play equipment and ample open space for kids to explore and burn energy. The centre also hosts special events like 'Family Fun Days' and 'Muddy Church' sessions, ensuring there's always something new and exciting happening. The combination of learning and play makes it a memorable outing for visitors of all ages.
Culinary Delights and Visitor Comfort
For those with canine companions, a practical solution exists: the cafe is not dog-friendly indoors, but a serving hatch around the back allows you to order food and drinks to enjoy at the outdoor picnic tables. This thoughtful provision ensures that visitors with dogs can still partake in the cafe's offerings while enjoying the surrounding grounds. While there isn't much shade at the outdoor tables, they provide a pleasant spot to relax and refuel.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit