Places to Visit from
Big Bear Lodge
There's lots to see and do when you stay in one of our glamping pods or luxury bell tents at Big Bear Lodge. To help you explore the wonderful Shropshire countryside, Shrewsbury, and other places of interest, here are some suggestions of what to do and see whilst you stay with us.
Relax
Enjoy your stay at Big Bear Lodge
There's lots to explore and do!
Things to do Shropshire
Melverly Church
Admiral Rodney's Pillar
Powys Castle
Lake Vyrnwy
Melverly Church
This is the oldest timber framed church in the country, it was established in 1401 and has a Saxon font. An extraordinary piece of history, that's not to be missed, and just a 10 minute walk away.
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Admiral Rodney's Pillar
​A pillar built on Breidden Hill in Powys, Wales. It was built in 1781–82 to commemorate the naval victories of Sir George Brydges Rodney, Admiral of the White. The pillar is of local stone, 54 feet (16 m) high, and topped with a drum and finial, which replaced the original gilded ball after a lightning strike in 1847.
Powys Castle
Built by Welsh Princes centuries ago, this medieval castle has been remodelled over time to become a grand home of the Herbert family. With Grade I listed gardens and terraces, it offers an array of unique features—including gigantic yews clipped in 17th century Italianate styles and Edwardian formal Garden.
Lake Vyrnwy
More beautiful than lake Annercy or lake Como combined. Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve and Estate is an area of land in Powys, Wales, surrounding the Victorian reservoir of Lake Vyrnwy. Its stone-built dam, built in the 1880s, was the first of its kind in the world. 40 minutes away.
Llanrhaeadr Waterfalls
Breidden Hills
Attingham Park
Hawkstone Follies
Llanrhaeadr Waterfalls
Placed amongst the seven wonders of Wales, the Afon Disgynfa waterfall has a 240 feet cliff-face from where it thunders down in three stages into the beautiful Afon Rhaeadr. Explore a breathtaking view of nature at the highest waterfall in either England or Wales. Whether you take a gentle hike up to the falls or take it easy and enjoy some coffee and cake at its base, you'll be mesmerized by the incredible rock formations.
Breidden Hills
Breidden Hills are a trio of peaks situated north-east of Welshpool, on the right bank of River Severn. This volcanic feature is 1,200 feet tall and is renowned for its isolation. It stands out distinctively from its surroundings and offers stunning views in the surrounding area. Walking up the footpath to the hilltop, visitors can enjoy breath taking views of Shropshire and Wales. Along the way is the old hill fort which is believed to be where Caractacus made his final stand.
Attingham Park
Elegant 18th –Century mansion set in an extensive deer park estate shaped by a story of love and neglect Built for the first Lord Berwick in 1785, Attingham Hall and its beautiful parkland were owned by one family for more than 160 years. 30 Minutes drive. Lovely big play area for children. Lovely walks around the deer park and plenty of off lead time for dogs. Shrub and tree landscaped area designed by Thomas Leggett between 1770-72. Includes Mile Walk, restoration of original planting plan is ongoing. SY4 4TP
Hawkstone Follies
Voted 2003 adventure of the year by the good Britain guide. Ravines, gingerbread bridges, arches and caves along with King Arthur. The Follies was landscaped over a hundred acres of Parkland and boasts dramatic sandstone hills, caves, towers, bridges and gullies. This is one of Britain's most popular tourist spots from the 19th century and still continues to be visited by many people today.
30 minutes away - SY4 5JY
Shrewsbury
Erddig Hall
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Chirk Castle
Park Hall Experience
Shrewsbury
The city of Shrewsbury is known for its timber-framed buildings, churches, and lush floral beauty. Sitting in the loop of the Severn Sound for over 1,000 years, it is a vibrant and lively town with a unique flavour that seeks to break away from structured norms. The town has over 650 listed buildings, great shops, bars, restaurants and theatre.
Erddig Hall
Erddig Hall is a late 17th-century country house that was saved from dereliction in the 1970s. It is a rare survivor of the working estate, which includes a unique and historic Joiners' Workshop, Smithy, Sawmill, and Stables. This 1,200-acre estate features beautiful meadows, lakes, ponds, rivers, veteran trees, and woodland, creating a range of habitats. The parkland is open and free to access, with a number of waymarked walks for everyone to enjoy. It also boasts a restored, Grade I listed, formal 18th-century walled garden with Dutch influence.
Chirk Castle
A 13th-century Marcher castle, which became the home of the Myddelton family from 1595 for over 400 years, boasts 5.5 acres of award-winning gardens, featuring manicured lawns, clipped yews, and stunning views over the Cheshire and Shropshire plains. The parkland and important nature habitats span 480 acres, featuring ancient veteran trees, wildflower meadows, and part of Offa’s Dyke. Located in the castle’s historic kitchens, the café serves hot and cold drinks, snacks, cream teas, and light meals.
Park Hall Experience
Kids don't often get the chance to come into contact with the many farm animals that make up our beautiful Shropshire countryside, so here is the perfect place to learn all about our furry friends! There is no better way to experience the countryside than to visit our beautiful animals in a safe and controlled environment. You can visit goats, sheep, alpacas, ponies, and more. Pig Racing is always a highlight and is held twice a day. Whether you’re a rabbit enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do, ‘Burrowland’ is the perfect place for you! Step into our world and experience rabbits like never before – we guarantee a truly unique and exciting experience!