Maesmawr Farm Resort - Fun Days Out

Clun Castle is a ruined Welsh border castle on a rocky mound beside the River Clun, on the edge of the small, picturesque town of Clun. Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, it still has its tall 13th century keep, which unusually sits on the side of the mound, along with extensive earthworks to wander around.

Bring a picnic and let the children run around and explore. It is also a good spot for dogs, though Hemlock and Hemlock water dropwort grow around the site and in the river, so keep dogs on leads and children closely supervised. The village is a short walk away for food, shops and pubs. Stokesay Castle, Wigmore Castle and Acton Burnell Castle are all nearby if you fancy a castle-hopping day.

Tip: Wear sturdy footwear as the grounds have steep slopes and uneven ground; there is a free car park next to the castle, with toilets, reached by a footbridge with steps.

Stokesay is a moated, walled manor house near Craven Arms. Though it looks like a castle, it was really a lightly defended mansion, with work completed by 1291. The stone hall and solar block sit behind two stone towers, and the hall keeps its 13th-century wooden-beamed ceiling. The timber and plaster gatehouse at the entrance dates from the 17th century.

You can explore the Great Hall, climb the North Tower, look inside the Solar and take the walled garden and moat walk. There is an audio tour, and families can follow a puzzle quest inspired by local giants. The playground is themed on the castle's towers and gatehouse. The dog-friendly cottage tearoom outside the castle has a log burner and outdoor seating with views of the Shropshire Hills.

Tip: Book advance tickets online through English Heritage, and finish with a break in the tearoom, which is open to all and welcomes dogs.

Ludlow Castle is a partly ruined medieval fortress in the Shropshire market town of Ludlow, standing on a high promontory above the River Teme. Probably founded around 1075, it was one of the first stone castles built in England and later became the seat of the Council of Wales and the Marches.

You can walk through the castle grounds and explore the ruined lodgings of kings, queens, princes, judges and nobility, a glimpse into medieval and Tudor life. Highlights include the Great Tower, the Great Hall and a rare circular chapel modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The views over the Shropshire countryside are superb. The castle covers almost five acres, and a guide book is available if you want the full story. There is a cafe and a gift shop on site.

Tip: There is no parking at the castle itself, so plan to park in the town and walk in.

Whittington Castle stands in the village of Whittington in northern Shropshire, close to the Welsh border and the old fort of Old Oswestry. It began as a motte-and-bailey castle and was rebuilt in the 13th century, with buildings along a curtain wall, five towers on a raised platform, a moat and an outer gatehouse or barbican.

There is plenty of history to take in, from the Norman and FitzWarin families to attacks by Welsh princes. A 2003 investigation found that the outer bailey held two elaborate gardens surrounded by water in the 14th century, with a viewing mound in the centre that may be the oldest of its type found in England. The castle is now cared for by a community trust after a major renovation, and a re-enactment group gathers here each year to stage battles.

Tip: Look for the viewing mound in the centre of the site, which may be the oldest of its kind found in England.

Shrewsbury Castle is a Grade I listed red sandstone castle standing on a hill in the neck of the River Severn's meander. Ordered by William I around 1067, it was extended as a base for operations into Wales. Parts of the original medieval structure remain, including the inner bailey.

Inside, the museum tells the story of the county's regimental past, from the King's Shropshire Light Infantry to the 53rd and 85th regiments. Collections include a lock of Napoleon Bonaparte's hair, Karl Dönitz's Grand Admiral's Baton and several Victoria Crosses. Laura's Tower overlooks the townscape and countryside. History fans and anyone curious about military heritage will enjoy it, and the grounds make a pleasant stop in the middle of town.

Tip: Access to the castle grounds is free, so you can look around them even if you don't go into the museum.