Half-term – what’s on and where: Shropshire Council attractions and activities

The half-term holiday and the change to the seasons can be a challenge to keep everyone entertained and active – but there is loads to discover with Shropshire Council.

Halloween-themed activities, from swimming in blood red pools to ghost walks and pumpkin trails, are topping the list this half-term break.

Here are some ideas of Shropshire Council’s free and low-cost activities you can enjoy around our beautiful county:-

Libraries – Explore our libraries where, as well as borrowing books, using library computers (or wi-fi), there are all sorts of free events and activities including Halloween-themed crafts and treasure hunts and the opportunity to ‘meet the author’ at Oswestry Library. Plus, there are free e-books and e-magazines available online.

The Wizard of Oswestry, at Oswestry Library

Museums – It is free to visit our museums and with a busy schedule of exhibitions there’s always something new to discover. This half-term there are some spooky goings on in Shrewsbury with walking ghost tours, set to thrill anyone aged 8 and over too. Why not add the Museums Collection Centre in Ludlow, Much Wenlock Museum, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery and Shrewsbury Castle to your itinerary?

Ghost Tours at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

Archives – Our archives team have everything you need to explore local history, your family tree or the history of your home at Shropshire Archives.

Theatre and cinema – we have to fabulous sites to enjoy the arts. Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury has a varied programme throughout the year and stages everything from musicals, stage shows, comedy and dance.

You can also enjoy popular movies and livestreaming of opera and theatre at the Old Market Hall in Shrewsbury – there’s also a licensed bar and café serving delicious meals and snacks.

Peppa Pig will be entertaining younger theatre audiences on Wednesday 1 November and Thursday 2 November 2023, and the U-rated Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie has a number of half-term screenings at the Old Market Hall.

Leisure – Zumba, spin classes, swimming, splash sessions, soft play, golf, yoga, pilates and gyms, it’s safe to say we have everything covered at our leisure centres. The Leisure Time app can help you choose and book your activities too. There are more Halloween themed activities and holiday clubs running throughout the week.

Check out the ‘Other leisure centres’ tab to see what our partner operators are offering.

Halloween Spectacular at Much Wenlock Leisure Centre

Shropshire’s Great Outdoors – is the place to go for walking, cycling and other outdoor experiences.

Shropshire has plenty of countryside to explore, including country parks with playgrounds, easy access paths, toilets and refreshment kiosks. Parking fees apply at many of these sites.

Families will especially enjoy Severn Valley County Park near Alveley with its riverside walks, pumpkin trails and spooky potion scavenger hunts, or The Mere at Ellesmere, where you can enjoy lakeside walks.

Consider becoming a member of Shropshire’s Great Outdoors membership scheme and support the country parks and sites across the county. Not only will you be helping to protect the future of Shropshire’s beautiful countryside, but you will also receive some member discounts and benefits.