Victorian Seaside Experience

This summer, from 26 July until 3 September, Blists Hill Victorian Town in landlocked Shropshire will be hosting its first Victorian Seaside Experience.

The 19th-century seaside is coming to Shropshire, with 22 tonnes of sand being brought in to make a 12m x 12m beach on the green at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Parents will be able to sit back and relax in deckchairs or compete in the knobbly knees competition while kids get sand between their toes or take a ride on the old-style carousel or a donkey.

On 29 and 30 July, the opening weekend, and 23 to 29 August, visitors will be able to see a special display featuring the swimming trunks worn by Captain Matthew Webb, a local lad who on 24 August 1875 became the first recorded person to swim the English Channel without artificial aid. The trunks will be displayed alongside other commemorative objects celebrating his feat.

The Victorian Seaside Experience event is included in the normal ticket price, except for donkey rides and carousel rides for which there is an additional fee. During their day out, visitors can also hitch a ride on the Horse Bus, enter the mine on a little train and change their money into old pounds, shillings and pence to spend on Victorian sweets and snacks, traditional fish and chips and a pulled pint. Kids will love the Madeley Wood Co. Outdoor Adventure with multi-level themed buildings and immersive play areas as well as a toddler zone with a faux mine-cart track, play buildings, a slide and miniature zip-line.

See more local events during the summer holidays here