The Coates Farm

For a day out with a difference, take the kids to Acton Scott Historic Working Farm 10 minutes' drive from the farm, a recreation of a Victorian working farm with shire horses as well as wheelwrighting, farrier and blacksmithing demos (if you've ever seen UK telly's Victorian Farm series, this is where it was set). Another top day out for mini historians is Stokesay Castle, under half an hour away, with events such as medieval mayhem for mayhem-making kids. There's also Wroxeter Roman City (25 minutes), on the remains of a 2000-year-old metropolis, and with hands-on events, a museum and a reconstructed townhouse. After eating your fill a few times over in Ludlow, trek along to the picworthy or around its 500 or so listed buildings; this little place was acclaimed by John Betjeman as 'probably the loveliest town in England'. Or hail the Severn Valley Railway 25 minutes' drive away at Bridgnorth, for scenic chuffs as well as steam and diesel galas throughout the year. Other options include Attingham Park (30 minutes), a National Trust-owned 18th-century mansion and estate with acres of parkland to explore; the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford (40 minutes) and the West Midland Safari Park (40 minutes). The farm is 10 minutes' drive from Church Stretton and 15 from Much Wenlock.