Family Friendly - Hawkstone Historic Park and Follies in Shrewsbury
Rather than spending their leisure time playing computer games or watching TV, what better way for children (and adults) to have fun and freedom exploring the great outdoors than a day out at Hawkstone Park & Follies, in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. This is a magical land of mystery, suspense and adventure! The landscape changes constantly between dark, spooky caves and ravines one minute and opens out to glorious sun-washed panoramas of Shropshire the next. The mysterious and magical atmosphere is created by intricate arches and passageways, hewn out of rock, and 100 acres of spectacular parkland.
Highlights include Grotto Hill, where you can explore a pitch dark labyrinth of ancient mines cut into a cliff (bring a torch or hire one!), the Swiss Bridge, a rustic wooden structure perched over an unnervingly deep chasm; the Cleft, a path that winds between two cliffs and a dark creepy tunnel; and the Monument, a 100ft high column which can be climbed to enjoy panoramic views of up to 13 counties!
There is a visitor centre and café, ample parking and plenty of picnic benches for families wanting to make it a full day out. The full walk can last around 3.5 exhilarating hours.
This great landscape was used as BBC TV's film location for 'Chronicles of Narnia', whilst gardening enthusiasts may recognise the park from the BBC's Curious Gardeners and Small Towns Gardens programmes, aired last year. Awards have included 'Adventure of the Year', 'Attraction of the Year' and in 2010 the park was voted the best daytime family attraction by local radio listeners.
It is worth noting that Hawkstone Park and Follies is not wholly suitable for pushchairs, the elderly and disabled due to its hilly terrain. However, free admission is given to wheelchair users because their access is limited to the Tearoom and Grand Valley. New for 2010/2011 is the "Silver Safari" every Thursday throughout the season - offering Landrover transport to take visitors to the key high points of the Park, therefore allowing access for those who are not able to walk the steep climbs.
Special events to be held in 2011 include:
- Easter Egg hunts (Easter)
- Myth & Magic week (July)
- Medieval Weekend (August)
- Halloween Terror Trail & Fireworks (October)
- Santa Safari and Christmas Grotto (December)
