Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Latest Reviews
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
This is the first time we have stopped on our travels to use the Discovery Centre to break our journey for lunch and loo break. Very nice lunch with good fresh veg, obviously popular as it was quite busy but still plenty of seating. Clean toilets, interesting shop with unusual items. Next time if we have longer to stay we will visit the Woolly Mammoth and take a stroll around the area.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This was a good place to stop for lunch on a long journey. There were hot meals, sandwiches and cakes. All tasted good and were suitably priced. There was a bookstore, gift shop and clean toilets. We would definitely use this cafe again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This is worth a visit with a charge only to see the main display. Coffee/cake/food/wifi etc is available.
Staff were friendly and helpful, watching an art exhibition being prepared was "entertaining"
There is much to do but the car parking is limited especially for disabled visitors.
We had coffee (pretty average) but declined the cake etc.
There is outside space but for us one visit was enough.
Staff were friendly and helpful, watching an art exhibition being prepared was "entertaining"
There is much to do but the car parking is limited especially for disabled visitors.
We had coffee (pretty average) but declined the cake etc.
There is outside space but for us one visit was enough.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Went in today for food and toilet break. Omg! I had the best home made chicken pie with actual fresh cooked veg (inc cabbage) it included such tasty carrots and buttery potatoes. Totally worth the £7 odd and me and my parents ordered a pot of tea between the 3 of us and it was massive! We had about 3 cups each!
Highly recommended for a pit stop, especially the food. Such friendly service too.
I didn't go around the exhibition but it was certainly popular! (Great for kids too)
They have a small gift shop with some nice quirky gifts from Jams to precious stones/gems, children's activity books to crockery.
Will stop on my travels again!
Highly recommended for a pit stop, especially the food. Such friendly service too.
I didn't go around the exhibition but it was certainly popular! (Great for kids too)
They have a small gift shop with some nice quirky gifts from Jams to precious stones/gems, children's activity books to crockery.
Will stop on my travels again!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
As we were staying next door, we thought we'd pop in. There were lots of leaflets for surrounding attractions, a good small café, lovely seating area (called library - I saw newspapers but few books).
The exhibition was interesting and we were lucky to see it on a free weekend. I might have been disappointed if I'd had to pay. The mammoth was smaller than I thought it would be.
We did wander round the grounds, which filled in the time before tea.
The exhibition was interesting and we were lucky to see it on a free weekend. I might have been disappointed if I'd had to pay. The mammoth was smaller than I thought it would be.
We did wander round the grounds, which filled in the time before tea.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
A lovely place with a mammoth experience. Very modern building with a lovely feel to it.
Pleasant staff too
Pleasant staff too
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We combined a walk of 2 miles to the River Onny with a visit to the Lost Content Museum. The centre is interesting with helpful staff who know the area and advise on circular walks between 2 and 10 miles. The Centre has much to offer and is surrounded by beautiful countryside. Excellent day out!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This place has something for everyone. There is a quiet area for reading, an area for children, an exhibit which includes a mammoth skeleton, an excellent gift shop, an outdoor area (and there are several walks to choose from), and a cafe which serves hot food and sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream. A great place to visit. That being said, some members of staff would be well advised to keep their voices down - one woman, in particular, was the loudest person in the place by far!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited with our 3 small dogs who can be Devils around wildlife so we like to walk them in controlled areas. This was perfect for them - lots of space to run around and even a shallow river to swim in!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
This centre is aimed largely at schoolchildren, but we adults enjoyed our visit.
The café is good, although can get too warm - if that is the case you can take your meal out to the courtyard or reception area. Be sure to cut out the voucher in the booklet to get a free drink with a cake purchase.
The shop has some useful items of local interest, so we had to buy a 2017 calendar of Shropshire hills - will bring back pleasant memories.
The café is good, although can get too warm - if that is the case you can take your meal out to the courtyard or reception area. Be sure to cut out the voucher in the booklet to get a free drink with a cake purchase.
The shop has some useful items of local interest, so we had to buy a 2017 calendar of Shropshire hills - will bring back pleasant memories.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We called in on our way to Ludlow for a drink and a snack, and were tempted by the toasted sandwiches, which were excellent.
The hot food looked excellent in the heated cabinets as did the homemade cakes.
Staff were friendly and professional despite being busy.
There was a shop which we didn't patronise, and clean loos, which we did.
The hot food looked excellent in the heated cabinets as did the homemade cakes.
Staff were friendly and professional despite being busy.
There was a shop which we didn't patronise, and clean loos, which we did.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We had found a leaflet about this centre at our accommodation. The weather was good so we thought we'd pop along. It was a bit confusing when we first went in. I saw boxes saying that the centre was run by volunteers and asking for donations, so I put some money in the box then found out that the attraction giving you info on the Shropshire area is separate and you have to pay to go in, it wasn't too expensive. There's lots of interesting boards giving lots of info. there's also a Mammoth skeleton (not real). The video giving aerial views over Stokesay & Ludlow castles and surrounding hills is great. After the display we went for a walk around the grounds. quite disappointed with this, as in parts it looks like waste land. I was following the map we were given and it looks like part of the walk is missing and we couldn't find the Holly hedge, the orchard had a few trees in it but overall felt the place was lacking. I'm sure it takes a lot to maintain something of this size especially if it is run by volunteers.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Great place to walk the dogs very clean with plenty of bins and also free poo bags
A good centre also with a nice cafe serving good coffee and cakes
A good centre also with a nice cafe serving good coffee and cakes
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Very very interesting, I wanted to check this out for a while, more so recently because I think I read somewhere that it is closing down.
The mammoth isn't made from the real bones they found but it is still interesting to see, especially if you have young children. Four Mammoths were found in a quarry in Shropshire! - found that fascinating... as was info about the Hill forts in Shropshire as I know the Wrekin was one.
Food was expensive but awesome, definitely exceeded my expectations there. They accepted card.
I think the Shropshire Discovery Centre is closing down so I'll it's fair enough that there is lots of room for improvement, if it wasn't then I'd be happier if there was:
• Less litter
• Contactless payment in the shop/diner
• Free WiFi
• Less Nettles around the playing areas
I recommend it if you're into local history. My kids enjoyed it.
The mammoth isn't made from the real bones they found but it is still interesting to see, especially if you have young children. Four Mammoths were found in a quarry in Shropshire! - found that fascinating... as was info about the Hill forts in Shropshire as I know the Wrekin was one.
Food was expensive but awesome, definitely exceeded my expectations there. They accepted card.
I think the Shropshire Discovery Centre is closing down so I'll it's fair enough that there is lots of room for improvement, if it wasn't then I'd be happier if there was:
• Less litter
• Contactless payment in the shop/diner
• Free WiFi
• Less Nettles around the playing areas
I recommend it if you're into local history. My kids enjoyed it.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We have visited this attraction a good few years ago and were excited about returning today. Sadly, we were left a little disappointed. There was plenty of parking and the facilities and staff were welcoming. The Woolly Mammoth was exciting, and my son loved standing next to it and having his photo taken next to his huge tusks. But unfortunately the excitement ended there. There were several other exhibits, but the information wasn't inspiring and didn't hold the attention of my son (and no, he isn't one of those children!) We were particularly disappointed by the visual presentation which has been changed and was quite dull and again uninspiring. We had lunch in the cafe which was tasty and then explored the grounds. There were some excellent paths and bits and pieces to explore. Playing on the playground and crashing around outside the centre saved the day for my little one. The lounge, gallery and craft areas were nice and well appointed and all free. The only paid-for part of the attraction was the disappointing bit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We visited here at the start of our holiday in Shropshire. Very friendly helpful staff and plenty of parking. We enjoyed the display with the Woolly Mammoth. And really enjoyed walking the grounds, well worth a visit.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
We stopped here for a walk around and a drink - beautiful grounds and a children's playground. Also, a woolly mammoth out the front!
Very interesting building and very welcoming and comfortable inside. My husband was happy - he found a seat so comfy he fell asleep and the staff didn't mind! There was a craft play area, which kept the kids entertained, and plenty of space to relax and find out what was going on in the local area. Wish we could have stayed longer!
Very interesting building and very welcoming and comfortable inside. My husband was happy - he found a seat so comfy he fell asleep and the staff didn't mind! There was a craft play area, which kept the kids entertained, and plenty of space to relax and find out what was going on in the local area. Wish we could have stayed longer!
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
Impressive building and plenty of car parking to greet us. The staff in the main were very helpful and the location perfect to start a walk and mini adventure. The shop and learning centre is excellent and there's enough for kids to be engaged with for a short time while you plan your day.
On returning to the centre for a late breakfast or early lunch we went to the cafe. Again looking reasonably impressive. Plenty of seating areas. How've apparently I was five mins too early for toasted sandwiches. Frustrating as the menu is very much cake orientated. Instead I ordered cheese and ham sandwiches. Tired and underwhelmed at the food options I waited 15 mins for them, despite only three other people in the cafe. I was expecting some locally produced generous helping of cheese and freshly cut bread with thick cut ham. Instead, stale, torn bread with cheap packaged ham. The gentleman serving them made it obvious he didn't want to be there. The salad that came with the meal was garbage. The place was then invaded by about 20 pensioners which were in good mood. They proceeded to start moving furniture around to cater for them all sitting together. They had politely asked the staff could they move the tables, but the staff left them do it themselves. After helping them I went back the sandwich but now realised that there was actually no cheese included in the morning thing. With 20 pensioners ordering coffees etc I had to wait until could catch the attention of a member of staff. When I explained I have just paid over the odds for under the odds sandwich without half the ingredients I paid for in it, his response was . . . . . Wouldn't you like the cheese now? 90% of the sandwich had gone. No refund offered and no apology forthcoming.
On returning to the centre for a late breakfast or early lunch we went to the cafe. Again looking reasonably impressive. Plenty of seating areas. How've apparently I was five mins too early for toasted sandwiches. Frustrating as the menu is very much cake orientated. Instead I ordered cheese and ham sandwiches. Tired and underwhelmed at the food options I waited 15 mins for them, despite only three other people in the cafe. I was expecting some locally produced generous helping of cheese and freshly cut bread with thick cut ham. Instead, stale, torn bread with cheap packaged ham. The gentleman serving them made it obvious he didn't want to be there. The salad that came with the meal was garbage. The place was then invaded by about 20 pensioners which were in good mood. They proceeded to start moving furniture around to cater for them all sitting together. They had politely asked the staff could they move the tables, but the staff left them do it themselves. After helping them I went back the sandwich but now realised that there was actually no cheese included in the morning thing. With 20 pensioners ordering coffees etc I had to wait until could catch the attention of a member of staff. When I explained I have just paid over the odds for under the odds sandwich without half the ingredients I paid for in it, his response was . . . . . Wouldn't you like the cheese now? 90% of the sandwich had gone. No refund offered and no apology forthcoming.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
