Free things to do in Shropshire

Check out the Shropshire Museums website for all the latest.

Toddler groups are run regularly at Shrewsbury Museum and are perfect for children aged 0-5. There are lots of fun activities to enjoy based on the museum collections. Tour the galleries and then take part in a craft activities. Family ticket of two toddlers and one adult £5. Free wifi is available in the museum.

The toddler group at Shrewsbury Castle allows you to visit the castle's grounds and ramparts free of charge. Outdoor educational activities themed around the castle are run on a regular basis.

The LGBTQ+ family group meets on the first Saturday of every month. This offers a relaxed opportunity for LGBTQ+ families  to meet and enjoy the museum from 10:30am - 11.30am. This activity is free of charge. 

Guided walks around Shrewsbury are £9 per person £3.50 for children. Pre booking is essential. 

Find out all you need to know from our Libraries in Shropshire pages.

Refugee community members and guests from Ukraine can join the Shropshire Library Service free of charge. No documents or proof of address are required in the first instance. This will allow you to borrow two items and have free access to the computer equipment. Once proof of address is available, more items can be borrowed. Join in branch or online. Books and other items in Ukrainian can be requested for loan. Ask at the counter for details.

A mobile library service is also available in more remote communities.

Members have free access to e-books and e-newspapers, some of which are in a variety of languages, including Ukrainian and Russian.

In order to provide members of the Ukrainian community with a range of free reading, listening, learning and entertainment opportunities, multimedia content provider Odilo  launched a free app for both Android and iOS in early April. Available across Europe, the app includes 3000 e-books and audiobooks in a variety of genres, including 1,700 Ukrainian titles and 500 in English. There is material for both children and adults.

Library members have free use of computers and scanners with access to the internet. Printing is available for a small charge. Free wifi is available in all libraries.

Free special events for all ages are hosted at Shropshire Libraries. These include adults' social groups and lots of free activities for young people.

Bookstart offers pre-school children support with dual language books, including Ukrainian and Russian. Contact bookstart@shropshire.gov.uk for details.

Library staff have a wide knowledge of the local area and will endeavour to answer questions or signpost to other council departments or partners. Meeting rooms are available free of charge.

All libraries are safe, free and welcoming places.

Shropshire has plenty of countryside to explore, including Country Parks with play grounds, easy access paths, toilets and refreshment kiosks. Parking fees apply at many of these sites.

Families will especially enjoy Severn Valley County Park with its riverside walks or The Mere at Ellesmere, where you can enjoy lakeside walks.

• Severn Valley Countryside Park
• The Mere at Ellesmere

Find out what's on in Shropshire:

Theatre Severn

The Old Market Hall

Ludlow Assembly Rooms

For details about leisure activities, use our Shropshire Leisure Time website.

Ukrainian guests and members of refugee communities can apply for a discounted concession membership at:

• Roman Road Sports Centre
• Much Wenlock Sports Centre
• Church Stretton Leisure Centre
• SpArc Bishops Castle
• Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre
• Severn Centre Highley
• Craven Arms Community Centre

To get this discount you should ask Amanda Jones at Shropshire Supports Refugees for a voucher. This should be presented at the centre when applying.

The application needs to be done at a leisure centre and can't be made online. Call before you visit to check details. Costs and terms and conditions vary at each centre.

Shropshire HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) is an exciting programme of holiday activities. Children and young people who are eligible for free school meals and their families will be able to access free activities and food provision during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

School children who are members of the refugee community or guests from Ukraine will be able to join this free programme during the main school holidays. The programme includes a range of fun activities and a nutritious meal for children. Activities are delivered at centres across Shropshire.