What To Do When You Visit Shrewsbury

The market town of Shrewsbury is situated in the County of Shropshire in England close to the Welsh border. It still has many of its original black and white timber framed buildings that date back to medieval times. 

Not counting the castle and abbey, Shrewsbury has more than 600 listed buildings within the town. Charles Darwin was born and educated in the town. As you wander around the town you will see reminders of how closely associated Charles Darwin is to this beautiful market town.

If you want to explore Shrewsbury it is worth taking a walk along the banks of the River Severn which almost circles the town. The other choice is to actually take a trip down the river on one of the pleasure boats. Whatever you choose, there are lots of things to do and see when you visit Shrewsbury. Below we take a look at just a few attractions in and around Shrewsbury that are worth visiting.

1.     Acton Burnell Castle – Here you will find the remains of a thirteenth Century fortified manor house that was built by Robert Burnell. Burnell was Chancellor of England and a close friend of King Edward the First. The king visited the house regularly and he convened one of the first English parliaments here in 1263.

2.    Attingham Park – This park was designed by Humphrey Repton in 1797 and it surrounds the manor house here that was designed by George Stuart in 1785. It was home to the first Lord Berwick and is situated just 4 miles to the southeast of Shrewsbury town. As you wander around the house itself you will see that it is beautifully furnished with furniture and silver from the Regency period. As for the park wander around the grounds and enjoy some peace and tranquility.

3.    Abbey Church – The abbey church is all that remains of the Benedictine Monastery founded here in 1083. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. As you approach the church by coming across the English Bridge you will see the very striking west tower which is of an early Gothic design and on it you will see a statue of Edward the Third. The west window of the church has a coat of arms on it dating back to the reign of Richard the Second. Then there is the altar of 1888 designed by James Pearson to be admired and why not explore the many tombs with some dating back to the 1300's.

When you next stay in Shrewsbury, choose your Shrewbury hotel here.