Looking for places to visit in Shropshire? The River Severn runs through Shropshire after its inception 60 miles upstream from the Plynlimon mountain range. Passing through Montford to Shrewsbury, Atcham to Cressage and onwards to Ironbridge before winding through Coalport and Bridgnorth.
Other bodies of water include Ellesmere lake and it’s 9 other meres, dubbed the Shropshire Lake District. An oasis for anglers who enjoy time to park up and watch the world go by or sailors enjoying the mere on those sunshine and windy days.
As it winds its way down it passes through the Quarry Park in Shrewsbury where you can enjoy a boat trip or just sit back and relax as you watch the swans go by.
Further downstream the River Severn passes through the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge. Here you can book a trip with Shropshire Raft Tours who provide canoe and kayak hire, mini-raft hire, mega stand up paddle board hire and coracle hire.
Their canoe and kayak hire starts up river in the small village of Atcham, famous for its two bridges which are side by side and also home to Attingham Park. Winding through lots of open Shropshire countryside as you paddle down river you’ll pass under the bridge at Cressage, where you may see their mini-rafts and giant paddle boards setting off.
The waterways are peaceful and quiet so you can enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Pass through the Leighton Meanders and down river to Ironbridge with the river running straight through it. A great way to see the first ever cast iron bridge as you paddle your canoe or raft underneath, looking up to see the impressive structure and waving at people on the bridge.
You can also try your hand paddling a coracle in the village of Jackfield, down river from Ironbridge. These circular bamboo boats can fit 2-4 people and are a great way to have a potter around on the river. Just past this point is the only piece of whitewater in the area. Jackfield Rapids runs for only 100 meters and is over before you know it before passing through Coalport with its China museum before disappearing into the raw Shropshire countryside.
The Severn Railway sits proud by the River Severn in the low town of Bridgnorth waiting to transport people as far as Kidderminster and Worcestershire as the river flows by the Severn Park, a perfect place for a kick around or picnic.
Whether you want to sit back and let someone else to do the driving on a barge on the Shropshire Union Canal or take part in your own mini adventure paddling a canoe, raft or coracle on the river Severn or sail your heart out on the beautiful meres of Ellesmere, Shropshire has the lot!
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