Craven Arms
Much more than just a pub name
Key Events
Children's Activities
During school holidays, there are lots of activities for children to enjoy at the Discovery Centre. For more information and to book, please call 01588 676010.
Art Walk
September - outdoor arty extravaganza around the town.
Heritage Open Days
September - a chance to explore local heritage sites for free.
Arriving by road or rail, Craven Arms is not to be missed. It’s a crossroads, a stopping point. It has now become a focus of exploration, where, through discovery all The Shropshire Hills comes alive.
The Shropshire Hills lend this simple Victorian town a magnificent frame. Sheep and the railway created the town. At the crossroads there was only the Craven Arms, an inn named after the Earls of Craven. Then came the first locomotive puffing its way from Shrewsbury to Ludlow. Drovers brought hundreds of sheep down from the hills to one of the largest stockyards in the country. But times change and in Craven Arms it has brought exciting new
developments.
Nostalgia is not a thing of the past
The Land of Lost Content (The National Museum of Popular British Culture) is another ‘must’. Stella Mitchell claims her collection is a shrine to everyday life in Britain. Tens of thousands of items provide a monument to the throwaway society.
“Everything you, your parents, your grandparents, your sons and daughters owned, used, played with and threw away.” Man, woman or child, our lives are contained in the three floors of the Old Market Hall. Twentieth century social history comes to life as room after room reveals its glorious clutter. Thousands of items bring back wartime memories. Children will love the old toys. Revel in the nostalgia of costume, film and pop culture, food and drink, shopping, sport or travel. If you ever wondered what happened to Blighty, Reveille or Tit-bits, they’re here waiting to transport you back to a more innocent age. At the old fashioned kiosk, the homely feeling of this rare collection is immediately captured by Stella’s warm welcome.
How to get lost
Few people plan to get lost on holiday but from mid July until mid September there’s eight and a half acres of Oakfield Farm [on the B4368 to Clun] and over five miles of walking paths devoted to getting you lost. This Maize Maze has a different theme each year. There are bridges from which to view the surrounding countryside and to see just how lost you are. Close by is Mickey Miller’s Playbarn, an all weather attraction providing family entertainment all year round. Test your nerve on the thrilling 21’ ‘death drop’ slide or for those of a more tender disposition, travel the three lane astra slide. The very young can enjoy hours of fun in the kiddies corner.
Craven Arms Visitor Information
Visitor Information Point - located at Secret Hills - Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre - www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk or 01588 676000.
Information on Craven Arms - www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/craven-arms
Stokesay Castle - For general information visit www.shropshiretourism.co.uk/castles/stokesay
For events and re-enactments - www.english-heritage.org.uk or Tel: 01588 672544
Secret Hills - Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre - www.shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk or Tel: 01588 676000
Land of Lost Content - www.lolc.org.uk or Tel: 01588 676176
Mickey Miller's Playbarn & Crazy Maize Maze - www.mickeymillers.com or Tel: 01588 640403
Four Secret Hills Walks - Riverside Ramble, Wart Hill Wander, Hills & Dales Hike, Three Woods Walk and cycle routes. (Leaflets available from Secret Hills Discovery Centre).
For guided walks advance booking on Tel: 01588 676011 is recommended.
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm - www.actonscottmuseum.co.uk or Tel: 01694 781306/781307
Wednesday is traditionally early closing day.
Shropshire Hills Shuttle Bus - a green and easy way to access the countryside - www.shropshirehillsshuttles.co.uk
Passport - Look out for this discount voucher at participating attractions.
Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk
For more information about Shropshire, including Accommodation, Atrractions and Activities, visit Shropshire Tourism