Billingsley Park Lodges

You have lots of options for spending time out in the fresh country air, from fishing (15 minutes’ drive) to golfing or horse riding (both five minutes). Myriad cycling and walking routes wend their way through southern Shropshire, including marked trails through Severn Valley Country Park (35 minutes) and paths up to the bizarre rock arches at Nanny’s Rock (half an hour). Rent boats from River Severn Canoes (also half an hour) for fun on the river, or if you’re with young kids, start them off with kayaking along the calm waters of Kinver Canal (half an hour). For something a bit more speedy, be prepared to get good and muddy as you whizz across open fields and down forest tracks on quad bikes from Severn Valley Quad Trekking (35 minutes). For a family day out that doesn’t involve getting wet or muddy, take the kids to West Midlands Safari Park (25 minutes) to spot giraffes and rhinos in spacious enclosures. When an even-more sedate trip is required, chug through the Shropshire countryside aboard the Severn Valley Steam Railway from Bridgnorth (10 minutes).