The most wonderful time of the year is almost here! Mince pies are fast appearing on the Supermarket shelves, and Santa’s elves are hard at work creating toys and trinkets. Christmas lights are being switched on and markets are setting up for the festive season.
There’s nothing more magical than Shropshire at Christmas time! Our beautiful county truly comes alive at Christmas, with many local attractions and areas truly encapsulating the festive spirit. Visit local markets and indulge in mince pies and mulled wine, discover independent shops and choose some gorgeous gifts, or go out partying and celebrate this wonderful season.
Here are just some of the ways you can feel festive in Shropshire this Christmas…
Take a Trip on the Llanfair Railway with Santa
Santa’s Special Steam Trains are back and better than ever in 2021! Get into the festive spirit with a magical train ride through the idyllic mid Welsh countryside to meet the one and only Santa Claus. Step onto their heated carriages and enjoy the amazing steam locomotive ride through a Welsh wonderland. Once you have travelled halfway, Santa will greet you at your carriage and give each child a special Christmas gift to make their day even more magical.
Journey on the Follies Safari at Hawkstone Park
Embark upon Hawkstone Park Follies’ magical Land Rover adventure to meet Santa in his hillside grotto. Upon your arrival, you will be gifted with a warming festive drink, before buckling into a safari Land Rover and travelling across the park. Pass under the Wishing Arch and journey up the steep hill to reach Santa’s enchanted caves. Wander around the fairy-lit caverns and tunnels at your leisure, before meeting Santa in his magical grotto and receiving your child’s gift.
Visit the Tinsel Tuesdays Market in Ludlow
This traditional annual Christmas market is due to take place on selected Tuesdays throughout December. Ludlow’s market square is transformed into a festive wonderland, jam-packed full of arts, crafts, Christmas music, artisan gifts, mulled wine, and hot festive food. Experience a fun family day out in one of the UK’s loveliest market towns and support local independent businesses during the festive season. Ludlow is also famous for it’s foodie following so if you enjoy your food maybe plan ahead and book in at one of the highly recommended restaurants, pubs and cakes in the town.
Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea at Kerry Vale Vineyard
Tuck into a delicious afternoon tea at the wonderful Kerry Vale Vineyard – with a special festive twist. Satisfy your Christmas food cravings with their chocolate covered strawberries, mini-Christmas puddings, meringue trees with peppermint cream, macarons, orange and cranberry scones and sparkling red English wine Jell-O shots; as well as festive sandwiches and savoury tarts. You can also upgrade to mulled wine or sparkling wine. A truly delicious festive afternoon and only a short drive away from the lodges!
Enjoy a Christmas Carol Guided Tour in Shrewsbury
Discover the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future on a Christmas Carol guided tour of Shropshire this Christmas. Organised by the Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre, you can visit some of A Christmas Carol’s most memorable filming locations – including the medieval Town Square, the cobbled Fish Street and Bear Steps, and the picturesque Parade Shopping Centre. You may even stumble across Ebeneeer Scrooge’s ‘gravestone’ in St. Chad’s Church! Shrewsbury has the best independent shopping two so get ready to shop until you drop! I love shopping in Shrewsbury there is so much to see and there is an award winning indoor market for those really unusual gifts too.
Luxury Holiday Lodges in the Heart of Shropshire
Our two luxury holiday lodges are set on a family farm in the Shropshire Hills: an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They each have their own private hot tub and fire pit making them the best place to enjoy a break during the colder months. We still have availability for mid-week and weekend staycations this December – click here to book your winter break in stunning Shropshire today or learn more about our lodges here.
