In the county of Shropshire, Shrewsbury is a well-known market town. Surrounded by a loop from the River Severn, with Medieval castles, towers, Tudor buildings, and gorgeous Riverside parks, this town has won over the heart of many.
Over 600 medieval structures have been preserved thanks to the river Severn acting as a water barrier to small passageways.
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Visiting these structures is just one of the numerous enjoyable activities available in Shrewsbury.
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, and you may visit the places where he resided, visited, worked, and was christened.
Historical museums, old landmarks of unique value, parks, hills, and many other attractions will keep you entertained. Here are the greatest things to do in Shrewsbury to make the most of your holiday.
Things to Do in Shrewsbury
Without wasting time, let’s jump into the fun things and places you can do in Shrewsbury!
1. Hawkstone Park
Hawkstone Park is a landscaped park located further away from Battlefield. It is 100 acres in size, was once connected to Hawkstone Hall nearby, and has four high hills.
The park, which was founded in the 18th century by Sir Rowland Hill (the 1st Baronet Hill of Hawkstone), is known for its gleaming follies.
All of them may be found on the site of the Norman Red Castle, which is now a crumbling stronghold. A Gingerbread Hall, Grotto, Hermitage, Swiss Bridge, Gothic Arch, Greenhouse, Urn, and White Tower can all be found on foot.
Hawkstone Park’s geology, as well as the vacant cliffs that supply the sandstone required for these follies, contribute to the park’s allure.
Check out the area. A visit to this park is one of the unique things to do in Shrewsbury.
2. Flax Mill in Ditherington
A flax mill in Shrewsbury is the Ditherington Flax Mill.
Despite having a maximum height of a modern-day five-story building, it is known as the world’s first iron-framed building and the world’s first skyscraper, affectionately known as “the grandpa of skyscrapers.”
Charles Bage, an architect, designed this building with an iron-framed structure. He was influenced by William Strutt and his work. It took a year to complete this project (1796-1997)
In the 1950s, Ditherington Flax Mill was designated as a Grade I structure. The site is currently being restored, and public access is limited. A tourist centre is available, as well as guided tours of the site.
3. The Shrewsbury Darwin Walk
You are cordially invited to visit the birthplace of Charles Robert Darwin, the great biologist, and explorer. He was born on February 12th, 1809, and lived in this town for the first 27 years of his life.
Fascinations and inquisitiveness about nature fueled his life, leading to his evolution theory.
The Darwin Town Trail takes you through the key locations in town that influenced a young Charles Darwin, transforming him into one of the world’s most well-known figures.
4. Climbing The Walls
A wonderful time at “Climbing The Walls” is one of the top things to do in Shrewsbury. This is a cutting-edge indoor climbing facility located near Shrewsbury.
The centre features a vast climbing area of nearly 8,000 square feet. You can choose from bouldering, climbing, or a combination of the two.
It was designed to accommodate people of all ages and capacities.
Experienced climbers can hone their abilities on the lead walls while strengthening their muscles on the Moon board. Regardless of age, amateur climbers can learn on the Action Walls. It’s a lot of fun and quite safe!
Showers, conference rooms and rooms, and a cafe are among the other amenities in the building, making this a great thing to do in Shrewsbury to add to your list.
5. Shropshire Regimental Museum
Shropshire Yeomanry, King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, 4th Bn King’s Shropshire Light Infantry TA, and Shropshire Royal Horse Artillery have a unique collection in the Shropshire Regimental Museum.
Since 1985, Shrewsbury Castle has been the home of this museum.
Treasures amassed over the years, through hard-won wars, yet wonderfully maintained in the museum, are on display. Uniforms, cutlery, paintings, weaponry, medals, and antiques dating back to the 18th century are among the items on display.
The ‘Modern Army’ display (revealing Rifles data), collections from the Lords Lieutenant of Shropshire, and the castle’s history are all worth seeing.
6. National Nature Reserve of Stiperstones
Here is a wild and moody region with a geology of national significance.
The Ordovician ‘Stiperstones Quartzite’ that makes up the ridge was fractured during the last ice age, resulting in the jagged landscape we see today.
The common frog and common lizard, as well as ravens, red grouse, skylarks, red kites, and stonechats, call this reserve home. Hairy wood ants, emperor moths, and extraordinary green hairstreak butterflies are among the invertebrates highlighted.
7. Attingham Park
This mansion was conceived and built for Noel Hill in the late 18th century. He aided William Pitt the Younger in the East India Company’s reformation.
Humphrey Repton, a Great landscape designer of the 18th century, designed the Attingham park, which includes a deer park and a woodland to explore.
You will learn about the Berwick family, view their beautiful painting collections and furniture, and hear the story of how they lost their riches while on a tour.
The circular boudoir is particularly noteworthy, and you’ll learn how the hall was repurposed into an adult education institution in the 1940s.
8. Haughmond Hill
Take a short journey east of Shrewsbury to find Haughmond Hill. A modest, 150-meter-high hill with a broad base and climb.
The Haughmond Hill serves as a form of country park for Shrewsbury, as it is close to the town and surrounded by trees. You may enjoy a great view of the town as well as the Shropshire countryside from here.
This hill would pique the interest of any geologist or aspirant geologist because it is made of very old Precambrian Turbidite that was deposited during the building of a continent and into the ocean.
You’ll find seats along the sides of the road where you may sit and rest while taking in the views to the west.
9. St Mary’s Church
A visit to St Mary’s Church is one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury. This church, which was once known as Shrewsbury’s largest, was declared redundant in 1987 and is now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.
This structure features a Norman and Gothic architectural architecture with stories claiming that it was built in the 10th century by Anglo-Saxon King Edgar.
St Mary’s Church is the only complete medieval church in Shrewsbury town, featuring both interior and external features to astonish tourists.
The stained glass, particularly in the east window of the chancel, is unusual. They have pictures from the 14th century illustrating the Tree of Jesse.
10. Market Place
Shrewsbury’s Market Hall is a charming shopping destination. It is located beneath the well-known clock tower and features stalls selling seafood, fruits and vegetables, meat, flowers, speciality cuisine, fine confectionery, and baked products.
Aside from the groceries and fresh food, the photography, art and crafts, and vintage and vinyl apparel sections are all worth checking out.
The cosmopolitan and sophisticated ethics are reflected in the food offered in the Market Hall. They feature oysters, tapas, Thai street cuisine, and the charming Bird’s Nest Cafe, as well as a Chinese teahouse.
11. Olivewood Farm
Olivewood Farm is one of the great things to do in Shrewsbury.
They specialize in turning the fleece from their alpaca herds into unique handcrafted items.
You’ll visit a farm with alpacas (which began in 2012) and a weaving studio on a 60-acre property. Hand-spinning, felting, and weaving are all possible with alpaca fibres.
Examine the farm’s alpacas, both stud males, and breeding ladies. Visitors are allowed to feed them, so if you’re looking for something to do in Shrewsbury with the kids, this is the place to go.
12. Shrewsbury Prisons Jail Break
Are you up for a one-of-a-kind challenge? Discover Shrewsbury Prisons Jail Break, a real-life opportunity to break out from a historic prison!
Put on your orange jumpsuit and prepare for the most difficult escape challenge you’ve ever faced.
After you’ve entered Shrewsbury Prison and confessed to your misdeeds, you’ll have 2.5 hours to escape away from your cell by solving a series of fascinating trials, puzzles, and clues!
You’ll get to collaborate with your fellow inmates to break out and prove your innocence across 4 acres of grounds, but don’t forget to keep an eye out for the obstructing prison authorities along the way!
13. Cineworld Shrewsbury
Do you want to go to the movies? Cineworld Shrewsbury is the greatest location to go to if you want to see the latest family-friendly films.
Any time of year, enjoy the enchantment of the big screen with your entire family at our fantastic 8-screen cinema on the outskirts of the ancient old town.
With HFR-RealD 3D technology, enjoy the newest cinematic technology and enjoy smoother action on screen without the strain on your eyes.
Before you start watching the movie, grab a bucket of popcorn and a delicious treat from Baskin Robbins; once the movie starts, you won’t want to get out of your seat!
14. Hollywood Bowl Shrewsbury
New VIP lanes, as well as a blockbuster cafe and bar, have been added to the Hollywood Bowl Shrewsbury.
Bowling is already a classic pastime, so why not bring back all the classics, like Pacman, slot machines, and more? At Hollywood Bowl, you may have a nice time with your family and friends.
Tenpin bowling is a terrific way to get the whole family engaged, from 7 to 70, whether you split up into teams or work together.
Plus, you don’t have to be particularly skilled; in fact, it’s almost more entertaining when every ball ends up in the gutters, causing everyone to burst out laughing.
When you’ve bowled all you can, relax with a game of pool, a racing game, or a few rounds on the slot machine.
15. Battlefield Falconry Centre
Visit the Battlefield Falconry Centre for a one-of-a-kind experience with its numerous birds of prey, including owls, falcons, and hawks.
The centre, which is set in a lovely setting, offers a range of possibilities to interact with falcons and learn more about the art of falconry.
Hawk on Walks, which takes visitors through the forest on the Albrighton Estate at Battlefield with a falconer and a Harris Hawk, is a popular activity among visitors.
16. Sabrina Boat Trip
A boat excursion along the River Severn is a fantastic way to see Shrewsbury.
As you glide around the local surroundings, a pleasant crew and skipper will keep you engaged with historical stories and intriguing facts about Shrewsbury’s landmarks.
If you’ve never been to Shrewsbury before, this is a terrific way to get a taste of everything the town has to offer, especially if you have a bottle of wine with you!
17. Bog Visitor Centre
The Bog Visitor Centre was previously a Victorian-style school, and it is one of the few remaining structures in a faded community known for lead and barite mining.
The Bog mine had 200 houses and a fantastic aerial ropeway at one time.
The institution, which is located in a historical geological terrain and is known for the heroics of Wild Edric, has a staff that is bolstered by local workers who are eager to share their expertise in the area.
The centre serves locally baked refreshments to about 23,000 guests each year. There is ample parking, making this a good starting place for exploring the Stiperstones National Nature Reserve. Pets are also welcome!
18. Shrewsbury’s Historic Quarter
Why not embark on a delightful journey to Shrewsbury’s historic quarter? It’s just one of Shrewsbury’s most enjoyable activities!
Shrewsbury is proud of its 660 listed structures, the majority of which are black and white. A few of these houses are half-timbered and were built during the heyday of the wool trade in Tudor England.
Shrewsbury’s “Shuts,” cosy alleyways with evocative names like Grope Lane, “Peacock Passage,” and “Gullet Passage,” all appeared during this period.
You’ll spend the majority of your time walking through this area leaning your head back to examine the carved and patterned timbers, ancient reliefs, and flourishes.
19. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
The Music Hall, which was opened in 1835, is a historic attraction. They recently relocated to this location, which is in the city centre of Shrewsbury and was created in a grand style architectural design.
Over the last 200 years, this museum has amassed a collection of more than 300,000 pieces, with more being added every year.
There’s also a lot of Caughley china on exhibit, which includes porcelain materials and ceramics made at the Caughley China Works in the 18th century.
The “Maximo Mouse” trail that runs through the museum is one thing that the youngsters will enjoy. It keeps kids informed about what’s going on but at their own pace.
20. Town Walls Tower
This defensive fortification, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, is an important element of Shrewsbury county.
The Town Walls Tower, officially known as Wingfield’s Tower, is a 9-meter-high sandstone defensive tower that has been preserved.
The terrain in the southern part of the town and as far as the River Severn may be seen from here.
The National Trust looks after the last of the medieval watchtowers that used to be part of the historic Shrewsbury town walls.
21. The Quarry Park
The Quarry Park is located on the River Severn on the western end of Shrewsbury’s loop. The park is 29 acres in size, and a leisure walk from the town centre is possible.
You may go on a picnic by the Severn or take a walk through its avenues if you want to unwind.
This sunken garden was first planted in the 1870s, and there is a statue of Sabrina, a mythological nymph who is said to have drowned in the Severn, situated among the flowerbed.
The summer calendar is peppered with events including the Shrewsbury Regatta in May, the Shewbury’s Food Festival in June, the Let’s Rock Music Festival in July, and the Quarry Festival in August.
22. Shrewsbury Abbey
Shrewsbury Abbey was founded in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery.
After being transformed into a parish church in 1540, this structure was fortunate enough to survive the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The church remained standing when other buildings with monastic overtones were demolished.
The majority of the original Norman construction is still visible. This history is preserved in the Gothic transepts and piers in the eastern half of the nave.
The 14th-century Decorated Gothic west window, which was glazed in 1388, is the focal point of the Abbey.
Wilfred Owen, Britain’s best-known First World War poet, lived in this parish between 1910 and 1918.
23. Shrewsbury Castle
Shrewsbury Castle was built around 1070 during Roger de Montgomery’s Norman conquest. It is a red sandstone fortification in Shrewsbury that guards the head of the River peninsula.
This existing relic dates from Edward I’s reign and invasion of Wales in the 13th century.
Following the English Civil War in the 17th century, the famed architect and civil engineer Thomas Telford reconstructed the monument in the 1790s.
The Shropshire Regimental Museum is now housed in Shrewsbury Castle and features artworks and weapons on display.
You’ll also witness Thomas Telford’s Gothic Revival Laura’s Tower, which is built on the exact site of the ancient Norman motte and has a terrace with a view of the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
Shrewsbury is full of intriguing and captivating sites that you will not be able to visit all in one visit.
So, take advantage of any opportunity to gain at least some experience while checking something off your to-do list.
Bring your loved one, as well as your children. They will undoubtedly enjoy the encounter and wish for more.
Why not plan ahead of time to get the most out of your vacation? I hope this article has proved to be helpful to you.
