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County town of Shropshire, England
Photo: Own public domain work by Sam, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Shrewsbury (Welsh: Amwythig) is the county town of Shropshire in England. It is a very traditional market town, with a lot of mediaeval architecture and feel to the town. Historically, Shrewsbury was a vital town in the wool trade with Wales. Due to its extremely good strategic geography, it was used as a garrison town and was part of the "Ring of Iron" of Edward Longshanks. It was the birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin.
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Shrewsbury Castle was built in the eleventh century. The castle now belongs to Shropshire Council, and houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum, and an exhibition about the history of the castle. The grounds are also pleasant to walk in and explore. Also site for outdoor drama productions and other events in the summer.
Municipal art gallery and museum. The museum charts the development of Shrewsbury as a city from pre-historic times to the modern day in an interesting series of exhibitions.
A powerful and immersive dark tourism attraction, offering visitors the chance to walk in the footsteps of an 18th-century prison.
Pugin church - notable for its fine stained glass by Margaret Rope.
Anglican church dating from 1792, has a unique circular nave.
Stained glass windows dating from 14th-19th century.
Large park next to the river. The local swimming baths are located in the park. There is a children's play area and the Dingle, a landscaped sunken garden. Many events take place in the Quarry throughout the year, most notably the Shrewsbury Flower Show in mid-August. It is advisable to avoid the area at night.
Home to many of Shrewsbury’s independent eateries and shops.
1100-year-old church in an enviable location. Offers a wide programme of events throughout the year. Nearby Fish Street and the former church of St Julian are worth a look.
This 17th-century house on Barker Street houses was the municipal art gallery and museum, is now used by the University.
Looking like a non-conformist chapel to industry, this pumphouse completed in 1901 has two massive beam engines to move the city's sewage. They're steamed into motion on selected summer open days.
At one stage, Viroconium Cornoviorum was the fourth-largest city in Roman Britain. The main attractions today are the remains of the bath house and a tall section of free-standing wall, as well as reconstructed town house, an impressive piece of experimental archaeology using only methods and materials available to Roman Britons.
Eighteenth century estate and classical style house, under National Trust ownership, and close to Roman Wroxeter.
Films usually show at approx 2:30PM, 5:30PM and 8PM daily. It was opened in 1596 as a market hall in the centre of Shrewsbury. This Elizabethan building is now a performing arts venue showing touring or amateur dramatics productions. There is also an arts cinema showing foreign-language and artistic films of considerable variety. There is also a cafe-bar and digital arts exhibition. Film screenings before 5PM £8-9, concessions (children, full-time students and persons of State Pension age) £7-8, evening showings £9-10, concessions £8-9. Free for Digital Arts exhibitions and cafe-bar.
The town's own delicacy is a classic English dessert. They are made from dough that contains sugar, flour, egg, butter and lemon zest; dried fruit is also often added.
Classic basic road side cafe. Serves bacon sandwiches.
Mexican restaurant and music cafe/cocktail bar.
In Old Market Hall - a nice cafe and free wifi in the centre of town.
Particularly rustic boozer with creaking wooden panels, various rooms and corridors and little to remind you of the 21st century. Also sells a good range of real ales.
Mock-Tudor inn with deck terrace on river bank next to suspension footbridge. Good grills.
Wetherspoons hotel.
Not to be confused with The Lion further up the street, this is a 16th-century coaching inn with atmospheric bar, 22 comfy rooms and great dining. No dogs in rooms.
Splendid B&B in a 17th-century village pub, good dining.
A historic country pub with hotel accommodation, a restaurant and a beer garden overlooking the River Severn.
Sells a variety of craft and gift items from around the world, cards, Fairtrade food & drink.
By car
Access via the M54 from the West Midlands conurbation, then the A5 from Telford.
By bus
Shrewsbury is served by the London - Aberystwyth (route 409) and the London - Shrewsbury (routes 410 and 420) coach services (operated by National Express).
There are Park and Ride services from Oxon, Harlescott and Meole Brace to the town centre and back (see above).
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