Things To Do In Shropshire For Animal Lovers

It’s no surprise that there are a lot of things to do in Shropshire for animal lovers as the surroundings are perfect for any creature. Lush fields, mountains, forests and lakes, the county lends itself perfectly to creating experiences for animal lovers. 

The great thing about these days out, are that they are not your typical setting for an adventure as it’s not often you get to cuddle a cow or walk a sheep!

Cow Cuddling

Look no further than the "Meet The Mini Moos!" Cow Cuddling Experience in Shropshire, where you can get up close and personal with Dexter cows—Europe’s smallest and cutest—in a special holding area. 

Your cuddle-a-cow adventure begins with an introductory talk and safety briefing, before you spend 45 delightful minutes petting and feeding these charming mini moos.

You can groom them with special brushes to give them a cute hairstyle and even give them a cuddle and a tickle under the chin. Watch them frolic around the field, showing off their friendly, calm nature—these are some of the most placid and affectionate cattle you’ll ever meet!

Sheep Trekking

Imagine strolling through a scenic farm with a sheep by your side—yes, really! This idyllic destination is home to a delightful flock of male sheep who can be both endearingly gentle and adorably stubborn. There, you’ll be introduced to your new woolly companions and learn about the unique characteristics of their breed before the sheep trekking begins.

When your walk ends, you’ll get the chance to feed your fluffy friend and take a few unforgettable snapshots before returning to the courtyard. Not something you thought you might consider when searching up things to do in Shropshire!

Birds of Prey Encounter

Shropshire’s open countryside is the perfect habitat for birds of prey, and a falconry experience is an ideal way to see them up close. Expect to meet hawks, falcons, eagles or owls and watch them display their natural hunting instincts. 

It’s not just a spectator experience: you’ll typically have the chance to don a falconer’s glove and feel the thrill of a hawk or owl fluttering onto your arm. Local guides will share fascinating facts about each species’ history, habitats and training methods. There’s a wonderful peace in simply standing in a field while a bird of prey swoops past. 

Owl Handling

Owls hold a special place in British folklore and popular culture, captivating us with their wide eyes and ghostly silent flight. This Shropshire experience gives you an enchanting insight into these nocturnal wonders. These handling sessions involve you gently letting an owl perch on your glove while learning about their habitat and diet. 

Meet the Meerkats

There’s something irresistibly entertaining about meerkats: they always seem ready to pose for a family photo with their upright stance and inquisitive gaze. While they hail from the deserts of southern Africa, you can meet these clever creatures right here in Shropshire on this meerkat experience.

You’ll get to feed them and perhaps watch them scamper about your feet. They might hop onto your lap in search of a vantage point, using you as a lookout post. Keep your camera poised—between their playful antics and photogenic faces, you’ll end up with loads of snaps to show off.

Zookeeper for a Day

For those ready to roll up their sleeves, becoming a ‘zookeeper for a day’ at a local wildlife park is a dream come true. You’ll join the keepers behind the scenes, mucking out enclosures, preparing food and generally learning what it takes to look after a range of animals.

With the keeper experience, you can handle, feed and stroke a selection of animals including lemurs, meerkats, snakes and skunks.

Every day is different, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s hard work, but being involved in the animals’ daily routine can be incredibly rewarding. Plus, you’ll return home with a stack of stories, possibly a few muddy boot prints, and a profound appreciation for the dedicated teams who care for these creatures.

Making the Most of Your Shropshire Animal Adventure

If you fancy cuddling cows, walking sheep or getting up close with birds of prey, Shropshire has a surprisingly diverse range of animal-based activities. Whether you're looking for things to do in Shropshire for school holidays or searching for local gifts, there really is a great range of animal experiences to choose from.