Local Attractions

Charles Darwin outside Shrewsbury Library © Shropshire Tourism

During your stay it is highly recommended to visit the medieval town of Shrewsbury, as it is only a few minutes walk away. The town is steeped in history and offers excellent sight seeing, museums, shopping facilities, nightlife, walking, the list is endless.

Shrewsbury is the birthplace of Charles Darwin (Charles Darwin House is just up the road from The Bucks Head), and the Brother Cadfael books by Ellis Peters are based on the real setting of the abbey founded in 1083 as Benedictine monastery.

You will find over 660 listed buildings in Shrewsbury including a Norman Abbey and Shrewsbury's medieval castle.

Shrewsbury Abbey © Shropshire Tourism

Shrewsbury offers several museums including Rowley House - Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, Shrewsbury Castle and Regimental Museum and Coleham Pumping Station Museum.

Churches of historic interest include The Abbey, St Chad's and St. Mary's.

Shopping in Shrewsbury can be an adventure along with the recognised chain store names it also offers a great deal of independent, original and above all interesting shops, with many local craftsmen plying their wares, hidden in the various passageways in Shrewsbury. Also look out for the numerous antique centres.

Shrewsbury Quarry & River Severn © Shropshire Tourism

Pick a direction - any direction - and start walking. It won't be long before you encounter the majestic River Severn.

Take in the view. For the Severn is Shrewsbury's glory, as well as its raison d'être. Along its banks lie gardens, meadows and the beautiful 29-acre parkland known as the Quarry. The Quarry is the perfect place to relax or let off steam, as it's been our most important site for recreation since the 16th century. Boats can be hired along the river during the summer months as well as a river tour from the Kings River Cruise Boat.

At the centre of The Quarry lies the Dingle, a formal floral masterpiece created by world-renowned gardener Percy Thrower - during his 28 years as the Park Superintendent. The world famous Flower Show takes place in The Quarry every August (it has been running since 1944).

Shrewsbury Castle © Shropshire Tourism

May sees the annual regatta take place along The River Severn. October and November offers the towns guided ghost tours. Shrewsbury is perfectly placed at the centre of Shropshire for exploring the county. There is such an extraordinary variety of countryside's that Shropshire is often described as being five counties in one. Church Stretton named 'Little Switzerland' is excellent walking country. Or why not follow the trail of the real King Arthur, as outlined by historians Phillips and Keatman, who reveal Arthur to be a Shropshire Lad.

The Ironbridge © Shropshire Tourism

Nearby Hawkstone Park follies offers scenery as well as grottos to explore. Don't forget novelist Mary Webb whose trail you can also follow.

Shropshire is awash with famous ruins, monuments, and stately homes. None of them are very far from Shrewsbury. No one should miss the Ironbridge Gorge and Blists Hill Museums. The cradle of the industrial revolution, it's a World Heritage Site. Industry may have moved on, but it remains a haunting, remarkable place.

Wroxeter Roman City © Shropshire Tourism

So too is the partially excavated Roman Site of Wroxeter, once the 4th largest city in Britain. Genuine Roman wine is still available from the adjacent vineyard. Nearby lies the Regency gem, which is Attingham Park. This magnificent National Trust property has fine gardens and regular open-air concerts.

Shropshire also offers a number of golf courses with Hawkstone Park and Condover being just a couple of examples of near-by courses.

With so much to discover the only way to find out is to come and visit Shrewsbury and find out for yourselves.