Shrewsbury

Travel Guide

Cosford Royal Air Force Museum featuring aircraft and interior views
Cosford Royal Air Force Museum featuring aircraft and interior views
Cosford Royal Air Force Museum which includes aircraft, interior views and heritage elements
Cosford Royal Air Force Museum showing interior views and aircraft
Cosford Royal Air Force Museum featuring 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 centre 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 kilometres) 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 artefacts 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 centre and follow the Shrewsbury Darwin Walk to learn about its favourite 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 centre’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 kilometres) northwest of Birmingham. Take a train to the Shrewsbury railway station or arrive at the nearby Birmingham Airport.

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

Where to stay in Shrewsbury

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Aston

When in Aston, you can plan a visit to Hawkstone Park Hotel Golf Course and Hawkstone Park Follies, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Aston
The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury

The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury

3 out of 5
Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, England
Stay at this 3-star inn in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Henry Tudor House and Old Market Hall ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Staff were very helpful"

Reviewed on 9 Sep 2025

The Lion Hotel Shrewsbury
Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals

Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals

4 out of 5
Ellesmere Road, Albrighton, Shrewsbury, England
The price is €88 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
€88
5 Oct - 6 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very old building so appreciate that it can’t be as spotless as new hotels but there were old dead flies on the windowsill in the dining area and huge spider dead in the swimming area. Tiles in the pool cracked and jacuzzi not working was a bit disappointing. We were upgraded to a suite at the very ..."

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2025

Albrighton Hall Hotel and Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals
Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury by IHG

3 out of 5
Sitka Drive Shrewsbury Business Park, Shrewsbury, England
The price is €83 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
€83
12 Oct - 13 Oct
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
Great value for money.
"Excellent value, breakfast average."

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2025

Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury by IHG
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.
Shrewsbury Creations

Shrewsbury Creations

Shrewsbury
Stay at this vacation home in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions AMF Bowling and Battlefield Falconry Centre ...
"The house is in a great location. The house is very comfortable and spacious. The kitchen is well equipped and everything was there that we needed. Great value for money."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2025

Shrewsbury Creations
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 garden. Popular attractions The Flash and Powysland Museum are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Peaceful
"Was the perfect romantic last minute get away will be going back again"

Reviewed on 11 May 2025

Long Mountain Centre
Historic townhouse with secure parking

Historic townhouse with secure parking

Shrewsbury
Stay at this vacation home in Shrewsbury. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Old Market Hall and Shrewsbury ...
"Came down to Shrewsbury for a family reunion, we booked this place as it was very fair priced for every it had to offer. We had a lovely time, the house is in an amazing location, basically in the town centre! The interior was clean and tidy. I can happily recommend booking with this host!"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Historic townhouse with secure parking
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
123
5 - Excellent 53%
4 - Good
92
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
17
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful town with great history and good market.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A little jewel of a town, we liked it immensely. If you are interested in English history at all you must visit, particularly the new museum.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Loved the Tudor buildings

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good shopping and restaurants

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Christmas lights are beuautiful

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great little market town with loads of pubs and independent shops plus all your mainstream ones. Big 3 floor shopping centre in town. Great antique/collector book shop just across the Welsh bridge from town.