Local Reviews
In October 2016, 267kathyd267 said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In November 2016, redheadedraver said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In November 2016, Percy K said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In November 2016, JanF50 said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In November 2016, lazydaisydo said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In November 2016, youkillemwechillem said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In December 2016, Cynthia H said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In December 2016, beverley597 said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In December 2016, Cecil H said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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
In January 2017, Jessica L said about Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
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