Shrewsbury

Travel Guide
Cosford Royal Air Force Museum which includes interior views and aircraft
Marvel at the architecture in Charles Darwin’s birth town. Consider the town’s role in the Theory of Evolution, Industrial Revolution and Welsh-English relations.

The River Severn forms a semi-loop that rings off Shrewsbury’s medieval district. Culturally and historically torn between England and Wales, the lively market town has an important place in the narrative of Britain. Amble through the historic center for a sense of the area’s rich history and proud traditions.

Notice the names and traditions from Wales, whose border is just 9 miles (14 kilometers) west. Admire quaint Tudor architecture, epitomized by the Old Market Hall. Today, this restored 16th-century structure shows art-house movies and puts on cultural events.

Explore the five sections of the adjacent Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. Alongside its Roman artifacts and artworks devoted to Darwin, the museum recalls the era of the woolly mammoth and the later development of Shropshire.

Take a river tour on the loop enclosing the historic center and follow the Shrewsbury Darwin Walk to learn about its favorite son. The trail begins with the modern art monument of Darwin Gate, whose lights mirror the effect of stained-glass windows.

See the real thing in the form of the 14th-century Jesse window in the opulent St. Mary’s Church, attended by Darwin as a schoolboy. Its spire is one of the tallest in the country, towering over Shrewsbury.

Nestled in the arch of the River Severn, the Quarry park provides the town center’s bucolic presence. Attend carnivals and regattas in the 29-acre (12-hectare) grounds, where the mesmerizing floral layout of The Dingle sunken gardens is quite impressive. Outside the town lies the Ironbridge Gorge, whose myriad museums illuminate its major role in the country’s Industrial Revolution.

Note that many pronounce the town’s name as “Shrowsbury.” In the heart of Shropshire, this village is a West Midlands stalwart just 48 miles (77 kilometers) northwest of Birmingham. Take a train to the Shrewsbury railway station or arrive at the nearby Birmingham Airport.

Darwin’s legacy embellishes the historic center within the river loop of Shrewsbury.

Where to stay in Shrewsbury

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Aston

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Aston and surrounding area, you can visit Wem Town Hall and Hawkstone Park Hotel Golf Course.

Aston
Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Sitka Drive Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, England
The price is ¥9,547 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥9,547
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"We needed to stay somewhere local to Shrewsbury School and this provided us with all we needed. Good accomodation, spacious room, lovely breakfast. Staff were all excellent. Can't fault it and would highly recommend."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury, an IHG Hotel
Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa
Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Ellesmere Road, Albrighton, Shrewsbury, England
The price is ¥11,138 per night from Apr 19 to Apr 20
¥11,138
per night
Apr 19 - Apr 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (652 reviews)
"Very much enjoyed the pool and gym while I was staying. I also had a lake view which was lovely. Spacious room and the staff were lovely."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall Hotel & Spa
Prince Rupert Hotel
Prince Rupert Hotel
4 out of 5
Butcher Row, Shrewsbury, England
The price is ¥14,903 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥14,903
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star historic hotel in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (868 reviews)
Old world comforts
"Very comfortable, traditional hotel, great reception and enjoyable breakfast. Only slight downside was thin walls and a snoring neighbour."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Prince Rupert Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Meadow Terrace
Meadow Terrace
3 out of 5
24 Meadow Terrace, Shrewsbury, England
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free parking, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Shrewsbury Castle and St. Mary's Church ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Simple , central and cheerful ."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023

Meadow Terrace
Cottage at Vennington, near Shrewsbury
Cottage at Vennington, near Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attraction Church of St Peter is located nearby. Discover ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (65 reviews)
Short break
"Fabulous cottage, a perfect place to relax and unwind."

Reviewed on Nov 23, 2023

Cottage at Vennington, near Shrewsbury
Long Mountain Centre
Long Mountain Centre
3 out of 5
Pleasant View, Rowley, Westbury, Shrewsbury, England
Stay at this 3-star golf cabin in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a terrace. Popular attractions Powis Castle and Garden and Glyndwr's ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"Lovely cabin, equipped with everything we needed for a couple of nights. No towels, but we knew that as communication beforehand was really good. The area is lovely, with horses on the premises and great walking around."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2023

Long Mountain Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Shrewsbury

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
9
" "5 - Excellent 45%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 2, 2019

Loved Avatar, the Indian restaurant in town. Great service and superb food (a little different from the usual menus in Indian restaurants).

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 17, 2019

We only had one day to explore my ancestral home. The information Center in town was very helpful. We were able to obtain a map of all the sites where "Christmas Carol" was filmed in 1984, which is very dear to our hearts.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 22, 2019

Downtown Shrewsbury has quite a bit today including shopping and sightseeing.

4/5 - Good

CB
Jun 21, 2019

Shrewsbury is super - but would not consider the "Darwin's Townhouse" again - far too expensive for such a B&B - it is not a hotel.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 1, 2018

A trip back thru the ages, just as we wanted.

4/5 - Good

Apirath
Sep 2, 2018

Quiet, beautiful, lovely, great and fresh foods

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