Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Summary of Key Attractions in Shrewsbury

The Quarry Park
Shrewsbury Castle
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
Historic Town Centre
Shrewsbury Abbey
Sabrina Boat Trips
St Mary’s Church
Dana Prison
St Chad’s Church
Market Hall
Theatre Severn
Attingham Park
Battlefield Falconry Centre
Haughmond Hill
Hawkstone Park Follies

Encircled by a bend in the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a market town that captivates visitors with its Tudor architecture, Medieval fortifications, and picturesque riverside park.

The natural barrier of the Severn has preserved over 600 historic structures in Shrewsbury, in addition to its iconic “Shuts,” which are charming passageways hidden throughout the town.

Charles Darwin, a prominent historical figure, was born in Shrewsbury, and visitors can explore the very church where he was baptized.

This is merely one of the many intriguing narratives that this town has to share, with more stories to uncover during a summer boat trip along the Severn.

Northeast of the town, a significant event in English history occurred when the rebel nobleman Sir Harry Hotspur was killed at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Shrewsbury:

1. The Quarry Park

This stunning 29-acre park is located on the western curve of Shrewsbury’s loop in the River Severn, just a leisurely stroll from the town centre.

For a serene experience, visitors may choose to meander along its pathways or enjoy a picnic by the riverside.

The Quarry was landscaped in 1719 and features the Dingle, once a stone quarry from the 14th to the 16th century.

This ornamental sunken garden was initially cultivated in the 1870s, with a statue amidst the florals representing Sabrina, a mythological nymph drowned in the Severn.

The summer event calendar at the Quarry includes attractions such as the Shrewsbury Flower Show in mid-August, the Shrewsbury Regatta in May, the Shrewsbury Food Festival in June, and the Let’s Rock Music Festival in July.

2. Shrewsbury Castle

Overlooking the confluence of the River Severn, Shrewsbury Castle was constructed following the Norman conquest by Roger de Montgomery in 1070. The current red sandstone fortress was built during the reign of Edward I in the 13th century as part of his efforts to conquer Wales.

After a period of neglect following the English Civil War in the 17th century, the castle was restored in the 1790s by the renowned civil engineer and architect Thomas Telford.

The castle currently houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum, featuring a rich collection of paintings, uniforms, weapons, and regalia.

Thomas Telford’s Gothic Revival Laura’s Tower occupies the original site of the Norman motte (mound), providing a terrace with expansive views of the town and countryside.

3. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

This historical venue, established in 1835, has recently moved to the Music Hall, a magnificent Victorian structure located in central Shrewsbury.

Throughout its nearly two-century history, the museum has amassed a collection of approximately 300,000 artifacts, with more items being added annually.

A notable recent addition is the Shrewsbury Hoard, consisting of 9,315 Roman-era bronze coins discovered by a metal detectorist in 2009. This is a highlight in a robust archaeology department which also houses a Bronze Age hoard along with a Roman mirror and a Hadrianic forum inscription from the nearby Roman site of Wroxeter.

The museum also features an impressive collection of Caughley ware, porcelain produced at the Caughley China Works during the 18th century.

The “Maximo Mouse” trail throughout the museum is designed to engage young visitors.

4. Historic Town Centre

The oldest part of the town, edged by the Severn, presents an enchanting ambiance.

With around 660 listed buildings, a significant portion showcases the historic black and white half-timbered houses constructed during the flourishing wool trade of Tudor times.

Also from this period are the distinctive “Shuts,” quaint passageways with evocative names such as “Gullet Passage,” “Grope Lane,” and “Peacock Passage.” Walking tours often involve craning your neck to admire intricate woodwork and historical embellishments.

The Old Market Hall in the Square, dating back to the 16th century, now houses an independent cinema and café.

5. Shrewsbury Abbey

A former Benedictine monastery, Shrewsbury Abbey dates back to the 11th century and managed to survive the Dissolution of the Monasteries, converting into a parish church in 1540. While the monastic structures were dismantled, the church remained, retaining a significant portion of the original Norman architecture.

This can be observed in the transepts and the piers on the eastern side of the nave.

The enduring symbol of the Abbey is the 14th-century Decorated Gothic west window, which was completed around 1388. Wilfred Owen, arguably the most esteemed First World War poet from Britain, resided in the parish from 1910 to 1918 and is commemorated with a memorial tablet on the church’s west end.

6. Sabrina Boat Trips

Given the historical significance of the Severn to Shrewsbury, taking a river cruise is essential during a sunny visit.

The Sabrina departs from Victoria Quay daily; please check their website for schedule and pricing.

This 45-minute excursion provides ample photo opportunities before returning with a narrative commentary from the captain.

Aboard the vessel, a bar is available serving hot and cold refreshments, alongside special dinner cruises on Tuesday evenings, lunch cruises on Sundays, and a ghost-themed cruise on Monday nights.

7. St Mary’s Church

Shrewsbury’s largest church was deemed redundant in 1987 and is currently overseen by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The edifice features Norman and Gothic architecture and is believed to have been established by the Anglo-Saxon King Edgar in the 10th century.

St Mary’s Church remains the only intact Medieval church in Shrewsbury, offering numerous historical features for visitors to enjoy.

The stained glass is remarkable, particularly in the chancel’s east window, which depicts the Tree of Jesse from the 14th century, illustrating the lineage of Christ. The tower, showcasing varied shades of sandstone, features Norman windows on its lower levels, while the nave boasts a coffered oak ceiling crafted in the 15th century.

Among St Mary’s many unique features is an epitaph on the tower commemorating Robert Cadman, an 18th-century tightrope walker who met his demise when his rope failed.

8. Dana Prison

After functioning for 220 years, HM Prison Shrewsbury, located at the apex of the town’s loop on the Severn, was closed in 2013. Plans are currently in development to convert this prominent Georgian structure into residential units, shops, and fitness facilities.

However, until renovations commence, visitors can explore the facility via a company known as Jailhouse Tours.

Visitors are welcomed seven days a week to explore the cells, governor’s office, Hanging Room, and communal areas, guided by an expert who will vividly recount the lives and routines of both inmates and prison staff.

Guests can also don hard hats and lamps to traverse the tunnels beneath the prison to visit historic cells where inmates were confined under dire circumstances two centuries ago.

9. St Chad’s Church

Perched atop the Quarry Park, the Grade I listed St Chad’s Church was established in 1792 to replace a 13th-century structure that was lost following a tower collapse.

Several features make this Neoclassical Georgian masterpiece exceptional.

Charles Darwin was baptized here in 1809 and attended the church during his formative years.

Moreover, St Chad’s lays claim to the largest circular nave in the nation.

This exquisite space, characterized by a gallery and slender Corinthian columns, is ideally suited for concerts and organ recitals.

It is advisable to attend on Fridays, when the free lunchtime concert has become a beloved local tradition.

10. Market Hall

Situated beneath Shrewsbury’s iconic clock tower, the Market Hall serves as a lively shopping destination, featuring stalls that offer meat, seafood, flowers, produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and candies.

In addition to fresh produce, visitors can explore arts and crafts, photography, vinyl records, and vintage apparel.

The Market Hall exhibits a chic and cosmopolitan ambiance, reflected in the diverse culinary offerings available within.

Options include tapas, oysters, Thai street food, a Chinese teahouse, and the ever-popular Bird’s Nest Cafe.

11. Theatre Severn

As Shrewsbury’s leading performing arts venue, Theatre Severn features a 635-seat Main Auditorium and a more intimate Walker Theatre, which seats 250 with a standing capacity of up to 500. The complex debuted in 2009 and draws audiences from across the West Midlands and mid-Wales.

Between 2009 and 2015, over a million guests attended performances at this venue.

For those seeking live entertainment, Theatre Severn offers a diverse array of performances.

Shrewsbury’s Symphony Orchestra showcases performances here, along with a series of gala concerts each July.

The venue also hosts renowned touring comedians, dance troupes, musicals, lectures from cultural figures, tribute bands, and numerous matinee shows designed for young audiences.

12. Attingham Park

This mansion was built for Noel Hill, a distinguished politician from the late 18th century who played a critical role in restructuring the East India Company under William Pitt the Younger.

During a tour, guests will learn about the Berwick family, view their furnishings and art collections, and discover the decline of their fortune.

The circular boudoir stands out, alongside the story of how the estate transitioned into an adult education institution from the 1940s onward.

Covering more than 4,000 acres, the estate is half the size it once was in the 18th century.

The park, designed by the notable 18th-century landscape architect Humphrey Repton, features wooded areas and a deer park for exploration.

A walled garden, gradually restored since 2008, now includes an orchard producing fruit for use in the estate’s tearooms.

13. Battlefield Falconry Centre

The former village of Battlefield has now effectively become a northern suburb of Shrewsbury, and it is here that visitors can explore this engaging bird of prey center.

With over 30 different species of owls, hawks, and falcons housed in spacious, humane aviaries, the Falconry Centre offers a variety of engaging experiences with these magnificent birds, including their popular “Hawks on Walks” program.

This initiative involves walking through the woodlands of the Albrighton Estate in Battlefield accompanied by a falconer and a Harris hawk. During this excursion, the bird will soar off into the trees and return to its handler’s glove.

Additionally, bird handling sessions are available, allowing you to spend an entire day learning the intricacies of falconry.

14. Haughmond Hill

Traveling east from Shrewsbury for a few miles will lead you to Haughmond Hill, a broad rise reaching a height of 150 meters.

This forested area serves as a country park for Shrewsbury, providing a stunning view of the town and surrounding countryside.

Geological enthusiasts will find Haughmond Hill particularly fascinating; it is composed of ancient Precambrian turbidite created by sediment deposited in an ocean subsequent to continental uplift.

Benches are strategically placed to allow visitors to contemplate the expansive views, which stretch for miles to the west, and one can wander into the woods to observe local deer.

15. Hawkstone Park Follies

Continuing past Battlefield, Hawkstone Park offers a landscape park previously associated with Hawkstone Hall nearby.

Spanning 100 acres and encompassing four steep hills, the park is renowned for its follies, which were initiated in the 18th century by Sir Rowland Hill, 1st Baronet Hill of Hawkstone.

This area shares a historical connection with the remains of a dilapidated Norman stronghold, known as Red Castle.

Exploring on foot is a thrilling experience: visitors will find attractions such as the Gingerbread Hall, Hermitage, Grotto, Gothic Arch, Swiss Bridge, White Tower, Urn, and Greenhouse.

Part of the allure of Hawkstone Park lies in its geological features, including the exposed sandstone cliffs used to create its follies.

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