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A Grand Easter Escape in Shropshire: Nature, Chocolate, and Architectural Wonder

By Things to do

Shropshire. A place of rolling hills, hidden valleys, and a landscape so untouched it feels as though time has politely stepped aside. Easter here is not just about chocolate eggs and bunny trails – it’s about something far greater. It’s about immersing yourself in the rhythm of nature, discovering the rich tapestry of history, and indulging in simple, joyful pleasures.

At Woodland Park Lodges, nestled within the idyllic heart of Shropshire, Easter is a season of transformation. The woods begin their great unfurling, the birds return with a symphony of optimism, and—if you pause long enough—you’ll hear the delicate crunch of twigs underfoot as deer weave through the trees at dusk.

If you’re planning an Easter getaway, this is the place. And these are the experiences that will make it truly unforgettable.

The Easter Adventure at Dudmaston Hall

April 13th – 27th (excluding Fridays & Saturdays)
Dudmaston Hall, Bridgnorth

Dudmaston Hall is what all great country houses should be—imposing, elegant, and yet somehow deeply personal. The National Trust has curated an Easter trail that will take you through ancient orchards and carefully manicured gardens, with playful stops for egg-and-spoon races, hill rolling, and the kind of simple fun that makes childhood memories so vivid.

£3.50 per trail (includes bunny ears, trail sheet, pencil & chocolate egg)
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Lambing Season at Frankly Farm

April 11th – 26th
Broseley, Shropshire

If Dudmaston is about refinement, Frankly Farm is about raw, unfiltered life. This is the kind of place where you’ll feel the warmth of a newborn lamb in your hands, where children’s laughter echoes as they get up close to the spring’s newest arrivals.

Frankly Farm is no polished petting zoo—it’s an authentic working farm. It’s a place that smells of damp earth and fresh hay, where boots get muddy, and you leave with a renewed appreciation for the cycle of life.

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Easter Bunny Grotto at the British Ironwork Centre

Easter Weekend 2025
British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry

Now, if you like your Easter with a side of spectacle, the British Ironwork Centre is where you’ll find it. Imagine a landscape punctuated with towering iron sculptures, where the Easter Bunny isn’t just a fluffy creature in a suit, but a character who exists in this world of creativity and craftsmanship.

This isn’t just a meet-and-greet—it’s an immersive experience. An Easter egg hunt set against a backdrop of giant metal stags, steam-breathing dragons, and beautifully bizarre artistic creations.

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The Easter Egg Hunt at Attingham Park

April 12th – April 20th
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury

There’s something deeply poetic about Attingham Park – a palatial estate built in the 18th century, its grounds whispering stories of scandal, grandeur, and reinvention. But at Easter, it’s all about childlike wonder and chocolate-fuelled adventure.

The Easter egg hunt leads you through sweeping lawns, ancient trees, and walled gardens that could easily be the setting for a Brontë novel. If Easter is about indulgence, then surely this is the most refined way to partake.


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Explore Historic Benthall Hall

Throughout April
Benthall Hall, Broseley

And finally, for those who want to step back in time, there’s Benthall Hall. A 16th-century masterpiece, a house that feels as though it’s been plucked straight from a historical drama. This isn’t a grand stately home built to impress—it’s a lived-in, intimate kind of beauty.

With oak panelled interiors, soft golden stonework, and views that stretch over the Severn Valley, it’s a place where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony. And that, in many ways, is what Easter in Shropshire is all about.

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Easter at Woodland Park Lodges: Your Perfect Escape

Of course, the real magic of Easter in Shropshire is not just about what you do, but where you retreat to afterward. At Woodland Park Lodges, you’ll find peace, space, and the simple joy of being surrounded by nature.

Imagine this: Mornings spent exploring historic estates, afternoons filled with Easter egg hunts and farm visits, and evenings curled up in a luxury lodge, watching the sun set over the trees.

This is Easter done properly.

Book your Easter escape now

A Time to Pause and Reconnect

In a world that moves too fast, Easter is a chance to pause, reconnect, and appreciate the small wonders – a perfectly preserved Tudor house, the first buds of spring, the taste of chocolate on a crisp April morning.

And really, what could be be better than that?

Why Mum Will Love a Woodland Park Lodges Stay This Mother’s Day

By Advice, Things to do

Looking for the perfect way to treat mum this Mother’s Day? A stay at Woodland Park Lodges offers everything she could want for a peaceful, relaxing, and unforgettable escape. Whether you’re planning a surprise or just looking for the ideal way to show her you care, here’s why mum will absolutely love spending Mother’s Day with us.

1. A Tranquil Escape She Deserves

Mum works hard all year long, and she deserves a break. Woodland Park Lodges is set in the heart of nature, immersed in peaceful woodlands – creating the perfect environment for relaxation and reflection. Whether she spends her time on the private elevated balcony of our treehouses with a warm cup of coffee, exploring nearby trails, or simply unwinding in the hot tub, mum will love the opportunity to recharge in the beauty and tranquillity of her surroundings.

2. Luxurious Comfort to Spoil Her

This Mother’s Day, treat mum to the comfort and luxury she truly deserves. Our lodges are designed with her in mind – stylish, spacious, and full of modern amenities. All lodges and treehouses feature private hot tubs, cozy lounges, fully equipped kitchens, and soft, comfortable bedding, so she’ll feel pampered and cared for in every way.

3. Quality Family Time

What better way to celebrate mum than by spending quality time together? At Woodland Park Lodges, there’s plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy each other’s company, our largest lodge ‘Oak’ sleeps 8. From cooking a family meal in the well-equipped kitchen to sharing laughs around the table, to exploring the great outdoors together, there’s no shortage of ways to bond and create lasting memories on this special weekend.

4. Activities for All Interests

Whether mum loves the great outdoors, relaxing afternoons, or exploring local attractions, Woodland Park Lodges has something for everyone. From our very own woodland walks to exploring nearby sights, there’s plenty to keep her entertained. For those days when she just wants to unwind, we also offer the perfect place to sit back, read, or enjoy a film. 

5. A Chance to Recharge Her Mind and Body

Let’s face it – mums often need a break to unwind and focus on their own wellbeing. Woodland Park Lodges provides the ultimate setting for a rejuvenating retreat. Whether it’s soaking in the hot tub under the stars, enjoying a quiet moment in nature, or indulging in a self-care routine, mum will leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world. It’s the perfect escape for her to recharge both physically and mentally.

6. A Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift

This Mother’s Day, go beyond flowers and chocolates and give mum an experience she’ll cherish forever. A stay at Woodland Park Lodges is more than just a getaway; it’s a chance to create lasting memories in a peaceful, beautiful environment. Whether it’s a surprise or a planned family getaway, she’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness of giving her a chance to relax and enjoy her special day in a way that’s truly meaningful. If you can’t make it for Mother’s Day weekend, a voucher towards a stay at Woodland Park Lodges would make the perfect gift for her to enjoy at her convenience.

7. Convenient and Stress-Free Booking

Planning the perfect Mother’s Day getaway doesn’t have to be stressful. Booking a stay at Woodland Park Lodges is simple and convenient, with flexible booking options and a variety of lodges to choose from. Whether you want a cozy, intimate retreat for mum or a spacious lodge for the whole family, we have the ideal option for every need. All you have to do is book and show up – leaving you more time to focus on celebrating mum!

This Mother’s Day, treat mum to something she’ll truly enjoy – a relaxing, rejuvenating break at Woodland Park Lodges. With stunning natural surroundings, luxurious comfort, quality family time, and plenty of activities to suit all tastes, she’ll love every moment of her stay. Book now to give mum the gift of relaxation and create memories you’ll all treasure.

Exploring Shropshire’s Castles with The Kids This Half-Term

By Places to visit, Things to do

A guide to Ludlow Castle, Stokesay Castle, and Whittington Castle

Half-term will soon be upon us. The children will be off school again, the house is will once again become a war zone, and you’ll be seconds away from Googling “Is it legal to sell children on eBay?”

Before you resign yourself to a week of endless snacks, Peppa Pig or The Next Step on repeat, there is a solution.

Castles.

Yes, instead of a half-term of boredom and destruction, why not book a stay at one of our holiday lodges or treehouses and from here set off in search of some proper medieval ruins? Shropshire, conveniently, is packed with castles.

So here’s where to take the kids for an adventure fit for a knight in Shropshire.

Ludlow Castle – The Big Daddy of Shropshire Castles

Ludlow Castle isn’t just a castle; it’s the castle in Shropshire. It’s big. It’s dramatic and it was once home to royalty, Ludlow Castle is a sprawling ruin where kids and even some adults can run wild, pretending they’re knights, princesses, or medieval warlords . There are towers to climb, dungeons to peer into, and enough crumbling walls to make a health and safety officer faint.

Need-to-Know Info:

Location: Castle Square, Ludlow SY8 1AY
Opening Times: Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm (check website for seasonal variations)
Entry Fee: Yes (see website)
Parking: Available nearby in Ludlow town centre
Nearby Eats: Ludlow is full of fantastic pubs, bakeries, and cafés. Go fancy with The Church Inn or grab a legendary sausage roll from The Ludlow Food Centre.

Stokesay Castle – The Fairy-Tale Fortress

If Ludlow Castle is the big, brooding warrior of the Shropshire castle scene, Stokesay Castle is its charming, polite younger cousin. Less of a fortress and more of a fortified manor house, it looks like something from a storybook.

The timber-framed gatehouse is ridiculously pretty, and inside the great hall, you half expect a medieval banquet to start (sadly, it doesn’t). The best part? It’s small enough that kids can explore without you losing them.

Need-to-Know Info:

Location: Nr Craven Arms, SY7 9AH
Opening Times: Open daily during half-term, 10 am – 4 pm
Entry Fee: Yes (see website)
Parking: On-site (small charge applies)
Nearby Eats: The Stokesay Inn in Craven Arms does excellent pub grub, and there’s a Costa if you need an emergency caffeine fix.

Whittington Castle – A Part- Restored Castle with a Proper Moat

Whittington Castle has one crucial feature that makes it an instant winner with children: a moat. Moats are brilliant. They make everything better. Just imagine if your house had a moat – you’d never have to worry about unwanted visitors again and your own pair of swans to gaze at.

The castle itself is smaller and more ruined than Ludlow or Stokesay, but what it lacks in intact walls, it makes up for in vibes. There’s a proper bridge to over the moat to walk across, towers to explore, and even local legends of ghosts and secret tunnels.

Need-to-Know Info:

Location: Castle Street, Whittington, Oswestry SY11 4DF
Opening Times: Open daily, 9 am – 4 pm
Entry Fee: Free! (Donations welcome)
Parking: On-site car park that charges but there are places to park free in the village.
Nearby Eats: The adjacent tea room serves cakes, snacks, and a proper pot of tea. Alternatively, The White Lion pub or the Boote inn are just a few minutes walk away.

So if you want a proper medieval adventure, Ludlow Castle is the one. If you prefer something a bit more refined (but still grand), go for Stokesay Castle. And if you’re after a fun, budget-friendly option with a moat, Whittington Castle is perfect.

So, pack up the kids, grab some snacks, and head out on a half-term adventure. Because, let’s be honest, anything is better than being stuck indoors listening to “Mummy, I’m boooored” on repeat.

The Best Places to Capture Instagram-Worthy Photos in Shropshire

By Places to visit, Things to do

Ah, Shropshire, a county so picturesque it’s like Mother Nature decided to show off after watching Countryfile. It’s the kind of place where even the most mediocre camera phone can produce shots worthy of an influencer’s giddy squeal. So, for those of you lugging around DSLRs the size of a small cow, or just armed with a smartphone and a dream of going viral, let’s dive into the most Instagram-worthy spots in this postcard-perfect slice of England.

1. The Wrekin: Nature’s Own Instagram Filter

If Shropshire were a rock band, the Wrekin would be its lead guitarist. This massive hill dominates the landscape and offers panoramic views that are so breathtaking, even your mum’s dodgy photography skills couldn’t ruin them.

Perfect for: “Hey, look at me, I climbed something!” posts. Bonus points if you time your visit for sunrise, when the sky turns a shade of pink.

2. Ludlow Castle: For Medieval Vibes (and Excellent Coffee)

Castles are basically the ancient equivalent of a selfie stick—built to grab attention and dominate the skyline. Ludlow Castle is no exception. Snap a photo of its towering ruins against a dramatic cloud-filled sky, and your followers will think you’ve wandered onto the set of Game of Thrones.

Tip: Head to the café inside the castle grounds. A flat white with a side of crumbling medieval architecture? Absolute gold for your story highlights.

3. Ironbridge Gorge: Where Engineering Meets Aesthetic Goals

Ironbridge isn’t just a bridge—it’s the bridge. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s basically Shropshire’s answer to the Eiffel Tower, only with fewer tourists and more charm. Take a wide shot from the riverside to get the full effect of its industrial grandeur. For an artsy twist, grab a close-up of the iron details and pretend you know about “composition.”

Hashtag it with: #HistoricVibes #IronAgeGoals.

4. Stiperstones: Rocks, Legends, and Drama

The Stiperstones ridge is wild, rugged, and unapologetically photogenic. The jagged quartz rocks have names like “Devil’s Chair,” which makes it even more Instagrammable because nothing screams engagement like a bit of folklore. Head up there during a moody overcast day for some dramatic photos.

5. Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park: Blooms and Bragging Rights

If your followers are the type who lose their minds over flowers and fountains, then Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park is your Mecca. The Dingle garden is an explosion of colour, designed by Percy Thrower, who was basically a gardening legend. It’s a haven for symmetry lovers and anyone who wants their feed to scream, “Look how cultured I am!”

6. Carding Mill Valley: All the Clichés, But in a Good Way

Mountains? Check. Waterfalls? Check. A stream where you can pose dramatically while pretending you’re pondering life? Oh, absolutely. Carding Mill Valley ticks every “nature retreat” cliché in the book, and that’s exactly why it works. The golden hour lighting here is so flattering you’ll wonder why you ever paid for studio shots.

7. Blists Hill Victorian Town: Steampunk Chic

This open-air museum isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an Instagram playground. Everything looks like it’s been dunked in sepia tone, so your photos will have that “olde worlde” vibe without needing a single filter. Pose in front of the vintage shops, or better yet, grab a top hat and a pint of ale for the full Victorian influencer experience.

8. Hawkstone Park Follies: For Fans of Hidden Wonders

This place is a labyrinth of quirky caves, bridges, and cliffs that look like they’ve been plucked from a fantasy novel. It’s so whimsical you half expect to bump into a wizard. Keep your camera ready for shots of the Swiss Bridge—a structure so precarious-looking it’ll have your followers questioning your life choices. It’s closed in the winter months but reopens again in the New Year.

9. Clun: Quaintness Overload

Clun is the kind of village that makes you want to quit your job, buy a cottage, and start selling homemade jam. Its stone bridge, riverside views, and ancient ruins are as charming as a Hugh Grant rom-com. A sunset shot here will have your feed drowning in heart emojis faster than you can say “countryside goals.”

10. Long Mynd: The ‘OMG, Are We in the Alps?’ Moment

Shropshire’s Long Mynd is so stunning it could make Switzerland jealous. Drive up to the top (yes, it’s cheating, but who cares?) for sweeping views that will make even the grumpiest of your followers pause their scrolling. Add a snap of your thermos perched on the bonnet of your car for maximum outdoorsy clout.

A Final Bit of Advice

Now, while all these spots are undeniably beautiful, remember this: your followers probably don’t care about the location. They care about you pretending to be deep and adventurous. So, slap on a hat, fake a wistful stare into the distance, and let Shropshire’s stunning scenery do all the heavy lifting.

Woodland Park Treehouses

Rainy Day Activities: Making the Most of Your Lodge Stay

By Things to do

Right, so you’ve booked yourself a lovely stay at Woodland Park Lodges, and what do you get? Rain. A steady, unending, wet blanket of drizzle to test the patience of even the most zen of Zen masters. But, let’s not throw in the towel just yet (though you may want to grab one). Because, as luck would have it, there are still plenty of ways to have a cracking good time indoors in your lodge without needing the sunshine.

Lounge Like a Legend

First off, you’re in a lodge – not some soulless, plastic city hotel. This place is built for rainy days! So, embrace the weather and sink into that armchair by the window with the sort of fervor usually reserved for wrestling with a stubborn shopping cart. Pop open a book you’ve been meaning to read or, if you’re like most of us, pretend to read while actually having a little nap. Because nothing says ‘making the best of things’ quite like a lodge nap to the soundtrack of a gentle downpour.

Cooking Up a Storm

If lounging’s not your thing, turn up the heat in the kitchen. You’re surrounded by the best of British countryside produce, so why not channel your inner culinary god? Whip up a batch of scones – and if they turn out like hockey pucks, no one’s judging. Or, for something even more heroic, go for a homemade stew. I’m talking thick, meaty, and served in a bowl the size of a hat. Remember, we’re not going for Michelin stars here; we’re going for warmth, comfort, and calories. Because there’s something magnificent about stirring a pot of stew while the heavens unload outside. It’s practically primal.

Game Time: Board Games, Cards, and Everything in Between

Now, you may be tempted to suggest an all-family Monopoly session. Don’t. Monopoly on a rainy day in a lodge could lead to the kind of arguments that make Brexit look like a minor disagreement. Instead, opt for something a bit more forgiving. Cards are good – a nice game of Uno or Crazy Eights. Or try something cooperative like a puzzle. By the end, you’ll have either bonded as a family or have enough silent resentment to fuel the next day’s activities. Either way, it’s entertainment.

DIY Spa Day

Let’s face it, you’re not braving the elements for a proper spa, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the spa to you. Pop some cucumbers on your eyes, splash around with some hot towels, and give yourself the sort of self-care treatment you’d pay far too much for in the city. The bonus here? No strangers telling you to ‘breathe deeply’ while slathering you in questionable oils. Just you, the rain outside, and a bottle of lotion you’d never normally bother with.

Catch Up on Nature Documentaries (Without Leaving the Lodge)

Ah, the wonders of television. What could be better than watching David Attenborough on the telly talk about the Amazon rainforest while the British drizzle pounds down outside? Throw on a nature documentary, and feel better about not hiking. Plus, you’ll get all the charm of the natural world without the actual slog of, you know, going out in it. Just think of it as “exploring” from the comfort of your sofa. Genius.

Local Attractions Worth Braving the Rain For

If you do feel a surge of bravery, put on your best waterproofs and head out. Shropshire’s not going to shy away from a bit of wet weather, so neither should you! There’s the local Ironbridge Gorge Museum if you’re into a bit of history. Or Ludlow Castle, which is probably as soaked as you’ll be, but still grand. The key here is grit – because these sorts of places look even better in the rain. And you’ll feel like a proper British adventurer, not some fair-weather tourist.

Warm Up with a Decadent Hot Chocolate (Or Something Stronger)

After all this, reward yourself with a proper hot drink. A hot chocolate with a mountain of whipped cream, marshmallows, and possibly a little extra splash of something ‘warming’ from the cupboard – just as a treat. This isn’t any old instant nonsense, mind you. No, take your time with it; froth the milk, stir the chocolate like you’re in some fancy café. Then, sit back and savor the taste of pure comfort as you realize that, maybe, rainy days aren’t so bad after all.

So, there you have it. A day full of splendidly British rainy day activities, no wellies required. And by the time you’ve worked through all of these, the rain may have finally stopped – or it may not. Either way, you’ve got a lodge, you’ve got the comforts of indoor life, and you’ve beaten the British weather at its own game.