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 to 'Green travel' 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 afield
It's great to travel further afield 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 just under an hour. 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 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 The Centre for Alternative Technology which offers 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.
The Market hall is open Mon - Sat 11am- 5pm, with additional stalls outside the hall every Saturday. A farmers market takes place on the first and third Saturday of every month along North Parade with additional Summer, Winter and European markets taking place throughout the year.
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.
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!
You can find details of the rail rambles planned for the next few months by following the link to the rail rambles website.