Located near the border of England and Wales, Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire.
With over 660 listed buildings, this market town has the longest river of the UK, the River Severn, flowing through it.
Shrewsbury is filled with stunning medieval structures, such as castles, churches, and beautiful riverside parks.
It was also the birthplace of naturalist Charles Darwin.
This delightful rural town is full of history and culture.
Here are some of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, England:
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Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery showcases the town’s history and culture.
It was established in 1835 and has five main galleries: Shropshire Gallery, Medieval Gallery, Stuart Gallery, Tudor Gallery, Roman Gallery, and Special Exhibition Gallery.
There’s also a cafe that serves delightful treats and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs to remember their time in Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is located in the town square.
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When in town, the Charles Darwin Statue is a must-see.
The English naturalist was born in Shrewsbury.
You’ve probably read his name in your science textbook; he gave the theory of evolution to the world.
The Charles Darwin statue, commissioned in 1897, is situated outside Shrewsbury Library in Castle Gates.
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Shrewsbury Castle was built in 1070 by Roger de Montgomery.
The Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council restored this redstone castle 1926 after years of decay.
Inside, the museum consists of a collection of the Shropshire Yeomanry and the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.
After viewing the fascinating artifacts inside Shrewsbury Castle, don’t forget to check out the grounds’ beautiful gardens.
You can find this magnificent attraction on Castle Street.
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Located in Dogpole, St. Mary’s Church is the largest church in Shrewsbury.
The church is a grade I-listed building under the National Heritage List for England and dates back to Saxon times.
Its spire is the tallest in England.
St. Mary’s Church is exquisite, with its beautiful medieval architecture and fine stained glass.
The church also has a lovely cafe where you can enjoy coffee and scones after your visit.
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Located in The Dana, Shrewsbury Prison was built in 1793 and served as a men’s prison until March 2013.
Also known as Dana Prison, it’s now a tourist attraction that showcases prisoners’ experiences and daily life.
The prison hosts the world’s most interactive prison tour.
Visitors can join guided tours, horror tours, educational days, and many other themed events.
If you believe in ghosts, one of the wings at Shrewsbury Prison is said to be haunted.
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Shrewsbury Abbey was founded in 1803 and was one of the most prestigious abbeys in England.
It’s been an important place of worship since Anglo-Saxon times.
Most of the abbey was destroyed in the 16th century during King Henry VIII’s reign.
The part of the building that survived serves as the parish church.
Shrewsbury Abbey is delightful inside and out.
Inside, you’ll see stunning Medieval architecture with heavenly stained glass.
Meanwhile, outside, there’s a beautiful garden filled with lush greens.
There’s also a cafe and a shop area you can visit after touring the abbey.
Almost 1,100 years old, St. Alkmund’s Church is located at the town’s highest point.
This neoclassical-style church is a Grade I-listed building.
It’s built with red sandstone ashlar and has stained and painted windows.
You can spend some time in the tranquil environment to contemplate or you can attend the church service.
The historical St. Alkmund’s Church is definitely worth visiting if you are in Shrewsbury.
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The Quarry Park is a 29-acre recreational park in Shrewsbury, near the Shrewsbury town center.
It’s the most used park in the town.
Edged by the River Severn, the Quarry Park has a breathtakingly aesthetic view with flowers and greenery all around.
It’s a perfect place to relax or take leisurely walks to enjoy the place.
You can also enjoy fishing and picnicking with your loved ones at this park.
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This historic Elizabethan building is situated in Shrewsbury’s town center.
The Old Market Hall was built in 1596 and was restored and reopened in 2004 as an arts venue with a contemporary cafe bar.
It annually hosts the Rainbow Film Festival, Shropshire’s Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.
The cafe is a favorite among locals to hang out with friends while enjoying quality coffee and food.
Be sure to catch a show at the Old Market Hall’s cinema while visiting Shrewsbury.
Sabrina is a modern passenger boat that operates on the River Severn.
This triple-deck boat can carry up to 60 passengers and offers day trips, evening cruises, and private hires.
Sabrina operates six 45-minute trips a day.
Passengers are also invited to dine on these trips.
Enjoy mouth-watering food surrounded by the gorgeous River Severn aboard Sabrina.
The boat tour agency is located at The Quarry.
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Built in 1792, St. Chad’s Church is a well-known Shrewsbury landmark.
The church has a high tower and a unique round shape.
Charles Darwin was baptized in this church in 1809.
You can attend famous organ recitals and other concerts at St. Chad’s Church.
With stunning architecture coupled with beautiful stained glass windows, this church is a treat to the eyes.
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Theatre Severn is a contemporary theater that’s been operating since 2009.
It’s located on Frankwell Quay.
This stunning riverside theater is a popular location to enjoy entertainment in Shrewsbury.
It has an auditorium that can accommodate 650 people and a theater with 250 seats.
Be sure to catch a show or two at Theatre Severn.
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Located in Atcham, Attingham Park was built back in 1785.
This 4,000-acre estate is a Grade I-listed property and the fourth most popular National Trust House.
It houses one of the most complete remaining collections of Regency Style.
The estate also has a delightful garden that has been listed as Grade II.
It has a deer garden where you can spot beautiful and gentle creatures.
There’s also a cafe where you can indulge yourself in delicious food.
You can best explore Attingham Park by taking a walk around the estate.
The residence offers a fantastic view of flowers and greenery.
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Haughmond Hill is a small hill that is located on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.
It’s mostly covered by forest with a small quarry on one part of the hill.
The hill is a popular place for families to take walks or bike across set paths.
Dogs are welcome here, too.
There’s a cafe on the premise that serves delightful cakes and coffee.
Haughmond Hill has a very peaceful environment where you can enjoy an incredible view of the whole town.
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Shrewsbury offers a wide variety of delectable dishes for you to try.
The town’s cafes and restaurants will definitely fulfill your cravings for good food.
In the area, you’ll find places that serve flavorsome French, Italian, Indian, and traditional English cuisines, along with vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Some of the town’s most renowned cafes and restaurants are The Loopy Shrew, Papi’s, Peaberry Cafe Bar, ASK Italian, Okra, and Ginger and Co Coffee Shop.
Don’t forget to visit any of these places when you visit Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury is also famous for its own delicacy, the Shrewsbury biscuit—a classic English dessert named after the town.
You can find these delicious biscuits in bakeries and farmers’ markets all over town.
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Shrewsbury is known for its traditional English pubs that serve different types of beers.
You can also find Shropshire-brewed beer all over the town if you want to sample the area’s specialty.
Some of the most famous pubs and bars in town are Tap and Can, Platform, Tanners Wine, The Bull Inn, The Wheatsheaf, The Old Post Office, Blind Tiger, The Armoury, and Montgomery’s Tower.
Quench your thirst at one of these places after exploring Shrewsbury.
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Once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain, Wroxter used to be the same size as Pompeii in Italy.
It was founded in AD 55 and is one of the first archaeological sites to be regularly opened for visitors.
This excavated city is well-preserved, and tourists from around the world come to see the Municipal baths and walls.
The site has a recreated townhouse and a museum.
There’s also a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
Wroxter is located 5 miles east of Shrewsbury central area.
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The best way to get to know any town is by walking, and Shrewsbury us perfect for exploring on foot.
This way, you can discover the town’s little-known secrets.
As you walk the streets of Shrewsbury, you can discover and gaze at its many medieval works of architecture.
Stroll around, take in the picturesque town’s scenic glory, and find out what else it has to offer.
You may even stumble upon underrated cafes, shops, and restaurants along the way.
Long leisurely walks around this splendid town will surely refresh your mind and body.
At Battlefield Falconry Centre, you can see more than 30 different types of birds of prey, including some fascinating species of falcons, hawks, and owls.
The center also has several activities for you to participate in, like photography sessions, children’s parties, and bird handling sessions.
The most popular activity is Hawks on Walks.
Visit Battlefield Falconry Centre and admire these beautiful creatures in an equally beautiful environment.
This attraction is located in Upper Battlefield.
The Belle Vue Arts Festival is one of Shrewsbury’s longest-running festivals.
Every year, there’s a different theme, and various activities and competitions are planned around it.
The festivities include a photography competition, poetry competition, craft fair, and many more.
The Belle Vue Arts Festival is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Shrewsbury’s local culture.
The West Mid Showground is a family-friendly campground and event venue on Gravel Hill Lane, only minutes from the historic town center.
This 100-acre showground offers electric hook-ups, BBQs, shower facilities, and toilets for camping enthusiasts.
It has been designed to meet your camping needs and can accommodate vans, touring caravans, and tents for those nights when you want to get away from it all.
The West Midlands Agricultural Society hosts the West Mid Showground, run by the charity-focused Rural Charitable Trust.
This charity supports farming communities within the rural areas within and near Shrewsbury while also providing support to organizations involved with agriculture.
Every year, Shrewsbury holds a four-day traditional dance and folk and world music event called Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
It usually takes place on the last weekend in August, around the UK’s Late Summer bank holiday weekend.
This festival was the successor to an annual event called the Bridgnorth Folk Festival, which was first celebrated in 1997.
When the first Shrewsbury Folk Festival took place in 2006, The Quarry was the venue.
After that year, the event was moved to the larger West Mid Showground.
The festival features an excellent array of acts, activities for children, workshops for instruments and voices, drinks, food, shops, and a cocktail bar double-decker bus.
Located on Henley Way, Jump In Trampoline Parks will have you bouncing, tumbling, and jumping to your heart’s content, no matter how old or young you are.
Their Shrewsbury center offers an incredible range of activities, including open/royal court access, trampoline dodgeball, skywalking basketball, and much more.
Toddler Time is a great way for your little one’s first steps into this exciting activity.
Younger participants are given a chance to try things out under supervision by trained staff members in a safe environment before joining in with older jumpers.
The fun facility also offers jumping fitness trampoline classes.
Other indoor activities include Soft Play, Friday Night Takeover, and Clip & Climb.
Jump In Trampoline Parks also provides special offers such as After School Deal, Sunset Trampoline Offer, Rebound Therapy, Gift Cards, and Summer Pass.
If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then you’ll love Shrewsbury.
This quaint town is very close to the River Severn, with stunning views and easy access to charming cottages and lovely woodland areas.
Take some time to get to know this special part of England, which displays much diversity at every turn.
Consider it your next getaway destination, whether for a weekend with friends or a romantic escape.
Use this list of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, England for your travel adventure!
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