Leisure days out without your car

It's much nicer to explore without your car: there is no need to drive around looking for a car park, it's more relaxing and less stressful, you can get a bit of exercise, and it’s good for the environment and enables you to get to the hidden, unspoilt areas that are not possible by car.

Follow the links on this page for details of care free, car free days out in Shropshire . There are details of things to do without your car in North Shropshire, South Shropshire and Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth.

Further a field

It's great to travel further a field by train. Many attractions offer discounts for those with current rail tickets making rail travel excellent value.

Here are a few ideas for convenient days out from Shrewsbury railway station:

Chester by train:

The journey from Shrewsbury to Chester takes 55 minutes. A free bus service runs between Chester railway station and the heart of the shopping centre. For further information on the Chester to Shrewsbury line visit the Scenic Wales by Rail website link on this page.

Birmingham:

Visit two of the newest attractions at Birmingham's Millennium Point: the IMAX theatre and Thinktank, the interactive science and discovery museum. Buy your admission tickets at the same time as your train tickets from Shrewsbury station and you can make big savings.

Machynlleth:

The journey from Shrewsbury to Machynlleth takes just over an hour. At Machynlleth see Celtica: Centre for Celtic life or The Centre for Alternative Technology. Both offer half price admission for those with rail tickets.

Aberystwyth:

Have a day out at the seaside by train. The journey from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth takes two hours. Aberystwyth is a Victorian university town and lively seaside resort. Market days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with a farmers market every third Friday of the month.

The Heart of Wales Line:

One of the most scenic lines in the United Kingdom. The train travels through stunning countryside, including the beautiful Loughor estuary near Llanelli, the meandering river Tywi between Llandeilo and Llandovery, the Radnor Forest between Llandrindod Wells and Knighton, and the remote borderlands of the English Marches.

Cardiff:

The journey from Shrewsbury to Cardiff takes two hours. Visit Cardiff Bay which has visitor attractions, bars, shops and restaurants all situated around the freshwater lake. Many attractions offer discounts for those with valid rail tickets.

Rail Rambles

Guided walks from railways stations in Mid Wales and the Marches

• If you want to walk in the beautiful countryside but aren’t sure where to go…
• If you haven’t got a car or would rather not use it at weekends…
• If you enjoy the company of like-minded people but don’t want to 'join anything'…
• If you think rural railways are a thing of the past…

...then Rail Rambles are for you!

Rail Rambles started in 1989 and since then have enabled thousands of people to enjoy walking in Mid Wales and the Marches without the need to use their cars. Experienced guides have been taking people like you to lovely places you might otherwise never have known about. Parties are usually a moderate size of 15-25 with companions friendly but not intrusive.

All walk leaders are insured; booking is not necessary, and you do not need to be a member of any organisation. All you need is a strong pair of boots or shoes, food, drink and a waterproof. And (apart from your train fare), it’s all absolutely free!

Why not give Rail Rambles a try, or if you just want to know more, ring Chris Jenkins on 01691 654066. You can find details of the rail rambles planned for January - July 2010 by following the link to the rail rambles website.

Back to top