Located in Craven Arms, the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is the perfect gateway to the Shropshire Hills—combining nature, history, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Gateway to the Shropshire Hills Explore, Discover, Connect Nature
Getting there & parking
For Walkers, Cyclists and Drivers
Easily reached by road, rail or bus from the West Midlands, South and Mid Wales and the North West.
The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is situated beside the A49 on the southern outskirts of Craven Arms – 20 miles south of Shrewsbury, 7 miles north of Ludlow (less than 1 mile from Stokesay Castle and 3.3 miles from Stokesay Court
Plenty of free parking on-site, including spaces for coaches and accessible bays.
Grid reference SO 435 825 SAT NAV via post code
Rail Users
Craven Arms train station is less than 10 minutes walk from the Discovery Centre. Why not hop on a train? Use the National Rail website to plan your route.
Bus Users
Buses are available (Service 435) throughout the day from Shrewsbury and Ludlow Monday-Saturday. There is no service on Sundays or Bank Holiday Mondays.
Opening times
Open 10am-5pm all year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day
The Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre is open daily, making it easy to plan your visit. There’s plenty of free parking on-site, including spaces for coaches and accessible bays. Inside, you’ll find toilets, baby-changing facilities, and a welcoming café serving locally sourced food. Dogs on leads are welcome in the outdoor areas, and the centre is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Things to see & do
Explore the Exhibition
Step back in time with life-size mammoth models and interactive displays about the Shropshire Hills’ geology, wildlife, and heritage.
Walk the Meadows
Enjoy 30 acres of riverside meadows with easy trails, wildflower areas, and birdwatching opportunities.
Family Fun
Try pond dipping, nature trails, and seasonal events designed for children and families.
Local Flavours
Relax in the café serving locally sourced food, and browse the shop for gifts and Shropshire produce.
Gallery
What's special about...
The Discovery Centre is more than a visitor attraction—it’s a hub for exploring the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its unique mix of interactive exhibits, wildlife-rich meadows, and educational activities, it brings the story of this remarkable landscape to life.
From Ice Age giants to modern conservation, the centre connects people with nature and heritage in an inspiring way. It’s also a starting point for walking routes into the Shropshire Hills, making it the ideal base for adventure.