Hawkstone Park Follies
- Jennifer Kozyra
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Caves, Bridges, Follies and Trolls at Hawkstone Follies Park
Tucked away in the scenic Shropshire countryside, Hawkstone Follies Park is a truly unique and unforgettable place to explore. With its mix of winding woodland paths, hidden caves, ancient ruins, and sweeping views, it feels like something out of a storybook. It is a lovely place for the whole family to enjoy a walk exploring the follies.
Built in the 18th century, the park is filled with fascinating features, towering cliffs, secret tunnels, crumbling arches, and picturesque bridges. It’s the perfect spot for a family day out, a peaceful walk, or a full-on adventure through one of England’s most enchanting historic landscapes.
Top Info
📅 Open Fri - Sun during term time
📅 Open daily during school holidays
⏰ 10am - 5pm
🥾 Full walk about 5km
⏰ Allow 2-3hiurs to explore
🔦 Caves to explore
⛰ Views over Shropshire
🚶♂ Bridges to cross
🥾 Tower to climb
🙊 Secret tunnels
🔦 Bring a torch
⏰ Full day out
🚗 FREE Car park
☕ Cafe by start
🥪 Pack a picnic
🐕 Dogs on a lead allowed
♿ NOT suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
🚻 Toilets at cafe & on Grotto Hill
🎁 Gift shop
🌎 Shrewsbury SY4 5JY
🎟 Prices (June 25)
General Admission - £10.50
4yrs & Under - Free
☕Food & Drinks
There’s ample parking near the entrance, where you’ll also find a small café and the main reception. You can grab a drink before you start or unwind with a snack at the end. I would recommend bringing a picnic as the place is a big area to explore and there is the perfect place to stop for a rest and refuel at the bottom of the tower.
Returning to the Magic
We’ve been wanting to come back to Hawkstone Follies for a while now—our last visit was when the girls were really little, and they couldn’t quite manage the longer walks. This time, with older kids and a bit more stamina all round, we finally made the trip—and it absolutely lived up to our memories and more.
One of the things I loved most was how the landscape constantly shifts. You start off in peaceful woodland, with leafy trails and dappled sunlight, and then suddenly, you’re emerging onto a cliff edge, staring out at the most incredible views. The park has this magical ability to make you feel like you're stepping into a different world at every turn.
Highlights from Our Day
⭐ Enchanted Trail Booklet £1
Perfect for keeping younger ones engaged. Plus you even get a certificate on completion Your mission is to rescue the Princess who has been locked away. Find the spell around park to free her and you will save the day! By completing all tasks on your walk you will break the spell. Remember to find the letters too - its the magic word to yell. On your quest you may come across Trolls, Fairies and even Dragons. Clamber through the natural climbing frame of tree roots, hop up the steps and scale the super tall monument if you dare!
⭐ The Monument Tower
The 150 step climb up the monument tower was a bit of a challenge, but the view from the top made it more than worth it. The monument is 100ft tall with a spiral stair case. Erected to commemorate Sir Rowland Hill, the first protestant Lord Mayor of London. On a clear day you can see up to thirteen counties from the top. If you’re brave enough to get your phone out at the top you can get some fab photos or just stop and take in this breathtaking moment.
⭐ Exploring the Caves
The caves are something else. We loved the feeling of exploring them—it was like stepping into a forgotten world. There are so many different paths and turns; we did get a little lost at one point, but that only made it more fun. One highlight was a gorgeous rainbow light shining on the cave wall, which made for an amazing photo. Cool, mysterious, and full of atmosphere, the caves brought out everyone’s inner adventurer.
⭐ Bridges and Walkways
The walkways and bridges made us feel like we were exploring a giant natural playground. We wandered across quirky old bridges, climbed rocky paths, and edged along narrow walkways carved into the cliffs. The Swiss Bridge is the star of the show—long, narrow, and breathtaking, with sweeping views and a dramatic drop below. It’s not for the faint of heart, but absolutely unforgettable.
📸 Picture-Perfect Views
Everywhere you turn, there’s a photo opportunity. From dramatic rock formations and lush forest trails to oversized wooden chairs and trolls you can pose beside. We must’ve stopped at least a dozen times just to take it all in.
🛝Play & Explore
At the start of the walk, you’ll find a small climbing frame, perfect for a quick play, but don’t let the kids tire themselves out before the adventure really begins! As you explore further, keep an eye out for the wooden games dotted around the woodland near the base of the monument, including classic favourites like noughts and crosses.
😃 Final Thoughts
This is a place where it’s easy to get kids exploring and walking without complaints. Around every corner, there’s something new and exciting to discover. It’s beautiful, wondrous, and breathtaking, as well as loads of fun. An incredible, family-friendly walk and day out—even if little legs get tired by the end.
Visit July 2025