Preston Montford Activity Centre Shropshire

Field Studies Council Preston Montford is a leading activity centre in Shropshire, perfectly placed for outdoor learning adventures. Located just outside Shrewsbury and nestled on the banks of the River Severn Preston Montford is surrounded by rolling countryside with views into Wales, on a 12-hectare estate and offers an inspiring outdoor classroom for learners of all ages.

Explore rich habitats on the doorstep

The estate is home to an incredible variety of habitats, from semi-ancient woodland growing on glacial slopes to flower-rich meadows and freshwater ponds. As well as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) along the River Severn, the grounds include a traditional orchard, wildflower meadow, bee hotel, and even the remnants of an 18th-century walled garden. These diverse environments provide an ideal setting for hands-on exploration in biology, geography, and environmental science.

Access to Shropshire and a gateway to Wales

Easily accessible by road, Preston Montford makes a great base for exploring a wide range of landscapes across the region. Students and visitors can study the hills of the Long Mynd and Stiperstones, visit Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, or access contrasting urban environments in Shrewsbury or Birmingham and we are close enough to visit Eryri (Snowdonia) in a day.

Active learning through adventure

As a popular outdoor activity centre in Shropshire, Preston Montford also offers a variety of adventure and team-building activities designed to build confidence, resilience, and communication skills. From orienteering and bushcraft to problem-solving challenges and nature-based games, learners are encouraged to engage with the landscape in new ways.

Climbing Tower – A 7m mobile climbing wall with four auto-belay routes of varying difficulty, ideal for agility, and problem-solving.
Low Ropes Course – Ten sections built for balance, agility, and team-building—without the added height.
Peg Pole Challenge – Work as a team to navigate identical peg pole courses using strategy, and coordination.
Group Seesaw – A fun team challenge requiring balance, communication, and cooperation.
Climbing Traverse Wall – Climb horizontally at a low height with no harnesses, encouraging focus and and concentration.
Archery – Develop precision and mental focus before taking on team-based archery games.
Canoeing – Paddle along local waterways in rafted or individual canoes, promoting teamwork and outdoor exploration.

These activities add an adventurous element to your visit, making Preston Montford an ideal outdoor activity centre in Shropshire for schools and groups seeking hands-on learning through fun and personal growth within the stretch-zone.

Facilities

Bar: We have a licensed bar stocked with local ales and spirits, wines, soft drinks and snacks
Capacity: Altogether we can fit 132 beds separated between three blocks, the Main House, Darwin and Wenlock.
Car Parking: There are parking facilities available at the centre.
Children's Facilities: We have games and activities on-site for children aged 8+; however, younger children are welcome.
Common Room: Queen Anne Common Room, the Ante Room and Darwin Common Room.
Disabled Facilities: We have two disabled access rooms and other ground floor bedrooms available, with easy access.
Hot and Cold Drinks: We have hot and cold drinks making facilities accessible around the centre.
Kitchen: Fully catered services for most dietary needs are available, as well as packed lunch-making services.
Linen: All bedding is provided. Please strip your beds on departure.
Lounge: We have an adult lounge area with comfy sofas.
Outdoor Clothing: Outdoor clothing is available to hire but please note availability is limited.
Outdoor Facilities: Extensive range of on-site and off-site activities.
Self catering: Self catering is available.
Shop: Our shop sells drinks, snacks and souvenirs of your stay as well as a selection of Field Studies Council publications.
Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the centre.
Workrooms: We have six classrooms located around the centre. All have interactive televisions which can be linked to laptops. We also have one science lab which has a ceiling-mounted projector.

Accommodation

We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. Our residential centres offer a range of room sizes and layouts from single and twin up to larger dormitories. Note: not all centres have single/twin rooms. All rooms are subject to availability. Some rooms are en suite and others have shower and toilet facilities close by. Please contact us if you want to discuss your room requirements.

Each centre also has places to relax during any free time such as a lounge, games room and outdoor space.

Food

For one day visits you are usually asked to bring a packed lunch unless it is specified otherwise.

Residential visits include freshly prepared seasonal meals, with a hot breakfast, packed lunch and choice of evening meal. Food is sourced locally wherever possible and we can cater for most dietary requirements. All of our residential centres have been awarded the Soil Association’s Food for Life Served Here Bronze Award which recognises organisations which go the extra mile to make sure visitors are receiving healthy, nutritious and sustainable meals.

To get a better idea on what food we offer at our centres, please see our sample meals

Local area

The centre is close to the Long Mynd and Stiperstones in the South Shropshire Hills AONB, Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Ludlow and Snowdonia. Preston Montford is located 6 miles west of Shrewsbury. Within easy reach of the North Shropshire meres and mosses, and the Welsh and Shropshire Hills. Less than one hour from Birmingham. Less than 2 hours from Manchester and Liverpool, 3 hours from Central London.
Shrewsbury is a historic market town with a rich history and is the birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin.

Virtual tour Video tour of the area

Travel to Preston Montford

Navigate with:

As part of our environmental commitment we encourage all visitors to travel by coach, train or public transport.

By road – From the A5, take the roundabout exit signposted to Mid-Wales and Welshpool (A458). Half a mile along this road, turn right onto B4473, the centre is located on the left after approx. ½ mile. SAT NAV: SY4 1DX.

By train/bus – There is a bus from Shrewsbury bus station to Montford Bridge, which is then a 15-minute walk from Preston Montford. Shrewsbury Railway Station has a taxi rank outside and Preston Montford is a 10-minute journey.