13 Amazing Things to do in Shrewsbury, England

Embraced by the River Severn’s loop, Shrewsbury is more than just a small town. Popularly known as the market town, it has many riverside parks, medieval castles, etc. The watery surroundings and over 600 historic buildings make Shrewsbury a must-visit town. Additionally, it is the birthplace of well-known English naturalist, biologist, and geologist Charles Darwin. And yes, it is associated with so many popular names too. Lastly, you will find numerous great things to do in Shrewsbury (Shropshire, England) to make your trip memorable and full of beautiful moments.

So, let us help you learn more about the same.

1. The Quarry Park – Visit Shropshire

It is a glorious park that is expanded into an area of 29 acres. Situated on the western loop of the River Severn, you will enjoy a leisure walk to reach Quarry Park from the main town. This beautiful park was landscaped in the year 1719. When it comes to the activities and things that you can enjoy here, you can plan a picnic with your family or friends.

In addition to this, the ornamental sunken garden is also there that was established in the 1870s. A beautiful statue is also placed in this garden. This statue represents a mythological nymph named Sabrina who drowned in the River Severn. When it comes to the events that you can attend here, it includes the Shrewsbury Regatta (May), the Shrewsbury Food Festival (June), the Let’s Rock Music Festival (July), and the Shrewsbury Flower Show (August).

Address: Shrewsbury SY1 1JA, UK

2. Shrewsbury Castle – Shropshire Museum

Visiting Shrewsbury Castle is one of the best things to see in Shrewsbury. This castle used to protect the head of the river peninsula. Established in 1070 by Roger de Montgomery, this beautiful castle has amazing significance in the history of this town. 

This castle has also seen the 17th-century English Civil War. It was the time when a lot of damage was done to this castle. To make things better, the restoration work was done in the 1790s. It was done by the well-known architect and civil engineer Thomas Telford.

Today, this castle is open for history enthusiasts so that they can learn more about it. For this, there is a museum named Shropshire Regimental Museum. In this museum, you can see paintings, regalia, weapons, and uniforms. You can also go to the terrace to capture the panoramic views of the countryside and townscape.

Address: Castle St, Shrewsbury SY1 2AT, United Kingdom

3. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

This historic spot is one of the most popular places to visit in Shrewsbury. Established in the year 1835, you will see a huge Victorian building along with the music hall here. Around 200 years old, the museum has a collection of more than 300000 objects on display. The best thing is that they are adding more with each passing year.

In 2009, 9315 bronze coins of the Roman era were discovered and added to the collection of the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery. This place also consists of an archeology department. Here, you should go to gain detailed information about the roman era. While visiting Shrewsbury with your kids, you should not miss out on this museum as it has a Mouse Trail to keep them entertained. 

Address: The Sq, Shrewsbury SY1 1LH, United Kingdom

4. Historic Town Center

Encircled by the River Severn, the Historic Town Center is the oldest quarter in Shrewsbury. This spot has around 660 buildings. Most of the buildings are black & white with so many timbered houses. To explore this place at its best, you are advised to walk through the streets. By doing so, you can inspect the carved and patterned timbers.

If you think that the exploration of the Historic Town Center ends with the tour, then you are wrong. It is because when you move forward toward the square, you will find the 16th-century Old Market Hall. It houses a café as well as an independent cinema hall to enjoy a great time.

5. Shrewsbury Abbey – Historical Shropshire Guide

Dating back to the 11th century, Shrewsbury Abbey is a Benedictine Monastery. It has survived dissolutions as it was converted into a church in 1540. It was the time when the buildings were damaged but the parish church remained the same.

When you come here, you will get to learn more about the history, values, and culture of the town and the people living in the parish. It is such a beautiful historical site that you must visit while traveling to Shrewsbury.

Address: 25 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6BS, United Kingdom

6. Sabrina Boat Trips

When you need fun things to do in Shrewsbury, taking a riverboat trip is one of the greatest options. If you feel that what are the ways to do it, then do not worry. The boating facility is available 7 days a week but between March and October. Departing from the beautiful Victoria Quay, you can enjoy a boat ride of minutes. 

While enjoying the same, you can also click stunning pictures of the views. You will also be provided with a bar where cold and hot drinks are served to the tourists. Some cruises are also available to provide you with a luxurious experience.

Address: Victoria House Victoria Quay, Victoria Ave, Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury SY1 1HH, United Kingdom

7. St. Mary’s Church

It is the largest church in Shrewsbury. But now, it is monitored and cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. When you see this church closely, you will notice that it has a perfect combination of Gothic and Norman architecture. Founded in the 10th century by Edgar, the Anglo-Saxon king, this place attracts more visitors every year.

The stained glasses are quite amazing and most of them can be seen on the chancel windows. The main tower building has different shades and types of sandstones. It is a beautiful example of historic architectural excellence.

Address: St Mary’s Pl, Dogpole, Shrewsbury SY1 1DX, United Kingdom

8. Dana Prison

Incepted 220 years ago, the Dana Prison was closed in 2013. However, it is still one of the most visited Shrewsbury tourist attractions. Now, authorities and the local government are planning to turn this place into a gym, a shopping complex, and a housing project. However, it is not clear when this will start.

Before work starts, you can take a tour of this place. Jailhouse Tours is a company that organizes the same for visitors. During your tour, you can see the governor’s house, prison cells, communal areas, and a hanging room. 

Address: The Dana, Shrewsbury SY1 2HP, United Kingdom

9. St. Chad’s Church

If you are exploring Quarry Park or around this location, then do not forget to visit St. Chad’s Church. Raised in 1792, this place was destroyed and restored many times. But even after such a tragic era, you will be able to see various things.

This church is known as the Neoclassical Georgian masterpiece for many reasons. It is said that the baptism of Charles Darwin was done in this church in 1809. He also attended many prayers in this church when he was a child. This church holds great significance in the history of Shrewsbury. To let the people know the same, it now has a gallery and many concerts are conducted.

Address: 1 St Chad’s Terrace, Shrewsbury SY1 1JX, United Kingdom

10. The Market Hall – All You Need to Know

Located under the famous clock tower of Shrewsbury, the Market Hall is a popular shopping attraction. It is a favorite sociable shopping spot for locals as well as visitors. When you come here, you will find shops of baked items, confectionery, local cuisines, flowers, seafood, meat, vegetables, and fruits.

If you think that only provisions and fresh produce are the only items you can shop for, then you are wrong. You can also witness crafts, arts, vintage clothing, vinyl, and photography. It is a perfect spot that has cosmopolitan and stylish vibes along with countless options to try Chinese and Thai foods.

Also read:

• Things To Do in Filey, England
• Things To Do in Skegness, Lincolnshire (England)
• Things to do in Chichester

11. Theater Severn

It is a performing art center with a capacity of 635 seats. Here, there is one more auditorium named Walker Theater which is 250-seater with 500 standing capacity. The Theater Severn was opened in 2009 and from day one, it is attracting more people, particularly from mid-Wales and West Midlands.

In the last few years, it has already managed to entertain millions of audiences. This is a perfect place to visit if you are searching for some live entertainment. You can enjoy live orchestra, gala concerts, dance shows, musical events, and so on in the Theater Severn.

Address: Frankwell Quay, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT, United Kingdom

12. Attingham Park

Originally built for Noel Hill, Attingham Park is a popular site to take a tour to learn more about its political significance. While visiting this place, make sure you opt for the tour. This will help you see and understand the Berwick Family. Moreover, you can capture fantastic furniture, painting collections, and several other stuff of the family.

Expanded across an area of over 4000 acres, some part of this place was converted into an education college in 1940. It is one of the top places to visit in Shrewsbury as it contains a deer park, a designer landscape of the 18th century, and a walled garden filled with flowers and fruits.

Address: Attingham Park, Atcham, Shrewsbury SY4 4TP, United Kingdom

13. Battlefield Falconry Center

When you want to see and capture different birds, you are advised to plan your trip to the Battlefield Falconry Center. Here, you will get to see over 30 types of owls, falcons, and hawks. This beautifully managed and preserved center provides visitors with a unique experience with these amazing creatures. 

You can also take a walk to explore this center better. The center also conducts special ‘bird handling’ sessions to help you know the ways to deal with these birds in the safest way.

Address: Battlefield 1403, Shrewsbury SY4 3DB, United Kingdom

Closing remarks

These are just a few places to go and things to do in Shrewsbury. And yes, you should always do your own online research to have a better perspective on things. In addition to this, you should also check the weather, peak and low seasons, local rules (if any), availability, and costs of flight tickets and hotels. These will help you double the fun.