William the Conqueror ordered Shrewsbury Castle shortly after he claimed England. The Grade I-listed, red sandstone building served as a vital strategic base for military operations into Wales—and has remained an iconic landmark for the Shropshire area for almost a thousand years.
Today, Shrewsbury Castle sits directly above the railway station (catch a direct train to Shrewsbury from Birmingham New Street). You can explore the castle grounds for free, climb up Laura’s Tower for sweeping views of the town, and step inside for the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum. But there’s more to this charming medieval town than its castle.
Why should I visit Shrewsbury?
Shrewsbury is most famous as the birthplace of Charles Darwin. Sadly, there’s little more to commemorate this fact than a few memorials in town and a plaque at The Mount House—although, every year, Shrewsbury does come together to celebrate Darwin’s legacy at the DarwIN Shrewsbury Festival in February.
But Shrewsbury has nearly 800 officially listed historic buildings to enjoy while you explore. While every Tuesday to Saturday, visit the multi-award-winning Shrewsbury Market Hall for over 60 independent traders serving an array of food and drink, alongside an eclectic mix of handcrafted items.
Visitors should also add Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery to their list (which is free to enter, so no excuse not to). You can discover everything from collections on Shropshire’s ceramics production to Prehistoric finds. A full programme of activities also includes regular courses, workshops, and one-off events.
Elsewhere, explore 29 acres of beautiful parkland, looped by the River Severn, in The Quarry—at its heart lies the Dingle, a stunning sunken garden renowned for its seasonal floral displays. Then, after dark, head to a show at the Theatre Severn or grab a bite at the Michelin Guide-approved The Walrus.
