Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, Shrewsbury is a medieval English market town that oozes history and charm. With almost 800 listed buildings, medieval streets full of timber buildings and the River Severn wrapping around the town, a few miles from the Welsh border, Shrewsbury offers visitors a unique blend of the past and present. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a picturesque escape, this town has something for everyone. Why visit Shrewsbury? Here are the 10 things to do in Shrewsbury Shropshire.
10 Fun Things To Do in Shrewsbury Shropshire
1. Explore Shrewsbury Castle
Leaving Shrewsbury station turn right past the library with its statue of Shrewsbury’s most famous son Charles Darwin, who was born here in 1809 and you will find Shrewsbury Castle on your left. A striking red sandstone fortress, it has stood guard over the town since the 11th century. Built for Roger de Montgomery, the Earl of Shrewsbury, and a right-hand man of William the Conqueror, the castle now houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum, filled with military memorabilia from centuries of British history. The free to enter castle’s lush grounds are perfect for a relaxing stroll, and the views from the battlements give you a sweeping panorama of the town below.
2. Visit Shrewsbury Abbey
Our second place to visit in Shrewsbury was also built for Roger de Montgomey in 1083. Benedictine Shrewsbury Abbey is famed as the setting of Ellis Peters’ “Cadfael” novels, and packed with history. Once one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country, it fell victim to Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. Today, visitors can wander through its historic interior and imagine the daily lives of the monks who lived here centuries ago. Try to time your visit for a concert, like we did. It is an unforgettable experience.
3. Wander Through the Quarry Park
No visit to Shrewsbury would be complete without a stop at The Quarry, a beautiful 29-acre park that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll. Created out of an old stone quarry in 1719, at its centre lies the more recent (1879) The Dingle, a sunken garden filled with vibrant flower beds and a charming pond where Sabrina, the Celtic goddess who lived in the river now resides. Percy Thrower, used to be the Parks Superintendent for Shrewsbury and his house is at the top of the park next to the glorious St Chad’s Church. Thrower was largely responsible for the revival of the Shrewsbury Flower Show, which is one of the longest running horticultural shows in the world.
4. Take a Walk Along the River Severn
Shrewsbury is almost entirely encircled by the River Severn, so taking a walk along the riverside paths is a must. Whether you’re strolling by the riverbanks or hopping aboard a boat tour, the scenic views and historic bridges, like the 18th-century English Bridge, make for a relaxing and picturesque experience.
5. Shrewsbury Prison (The Dana)
For something a little out of the ordinary, head over to Shrewsbury Prison, also known as The Dana. This former jail, operational from 1793 to 2013, now offers guided tours, escape room experiences, and even the opportunity to spend a night in a cell. It’s one of the most immersive ways to step back in time, learning about the history of the prison and the grim stories of those who were once confined within its walls. When it closed it was the second most overcrowded in the country, after Liverpool. One of its most famous inmates in Ricky Tomlinson who was imprisoned here before becoming a member of the Royle family.
6. Discover the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
Located in the Victorian Shrewsbury Music Hall and 13th century mansion, this museum offers fascinating exhibits about the town’s long heritage, from prehistoric artefacts to the story of Charles Darwin. The Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery also has temporary art exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover.
7. Charles Darwin’s Birthplace
Speaking of Charles Darwin, no visit to Shrewsbury is complete without paying homage to the man who changed the way we understand life on Earth. While Darwin’s house, The Mount, is now a private residence, you can still walk around the town that shaped his formative years. Take a Darwin-themed walking tour to see his old school, statues and other landmarks connected to the great naturalist.
8. Shrewsbury Market Hall
If you fancy a bit of shopping, head to the Shrewsbury Market Hall, voted the country’s favourite market in 2024. The new market is located in a 1965 modernist building while the now closed Old Market Hall is located just around the corner and dates back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth – the first that is. The market has wonderful fresh vegetables and a great wet fish stall, as well as plenty of places to eat and drink including Thai, Indian and Moroccan street food. There’s also lots of vintage stall, as well as second hand book and vinyl stores. This is a place you can spend hours.
9. Try Falconry at Hawkstone Park
Just a short drive from Shrewsbury, Hawkstone Park offers a chance to experience falconry in the stunning Shropshire countryside. Whether you’re a novice or have some experience, the park’s experts will guide you in handling these majestic birds of prey. You’ll learn about their history, habits, and get to watch them soar above the rolling hills. An exhilarating and unique experience for any visitor.
10. Sample a Local Pub
As befits such an old town, Shrewsbury has a plethora of pubs steeped in history, and at least during our visit, full of friendly bar staff and punters. The Three Fishes is located on Fish Street near to the old fish market and has scooped many a CAMRA award. The Armoury is a great place to go for food, while the Boat House has a beautiful setting just across the river from The Quarry. This is perfect for supping a pint on a late sunny afternoon. The oldest pub in Shrewsbury is the Loggerheads and it has a lovely snug if you wish to have a bit of space to yourself, while The Nag’s Head on the main Wyle Cop (‘top of the hill’), has a great beer garden.
More Things to Do in Shrewsbury Shropshire
For further inspiration on the things to see and do in Shrewsbury try the official tourism guide website Original Shrewsbury.
All images by Mark Bibby Jackson.
