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Shrewsbury Tourist Information

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Shrewsbury, M54 then A5 west of Telford, A49 north from Ludlow
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ShropshireShrewsbury

Shrewsbury an ancient town dating back to the 5th century, it was given the name Scrobbesbyrig in the 8th century by Anglo-Saxon settlers.

Established in a great loop of the River Severn, the town stood virtually on an island. Lying in the Borderlands defence was very important to the town, as it was frequently involved in wars with the Welsh.

In 1403 the Battle of Shrewsbury, fought between the army of Henry IV and rebel army lead by 'Harry Hotspur' and other members of the Percy family of Northumberland, resulted in the death of 6,000 soldiers. One of the bloodest battles in English history, it is principally remembered today as the climax of Shakespeare's play, 'Henry IV Part One'.

In the 16th century Shrewsbury grew prospeous with trade in Welsh wool and flax. The wealthy Tudor and Elizabethan wool traders built many of the magpie black and white mansions that still line the streets of the town. Shrewsbury has been called 'England's finest Tudor Town'. 

Visiting today you can see over 660 listed properties including many timber-framed buildings, linked by ancient 'shuts' or passageways. 

Other important buildings include the 11th century Shrewsbury Abbey (home to Ellis Peter's fictional sleuth, Brother Cadefael), the medieval Castle and some fine Georgian crescents and churches. 

Many of the streets in Shrewsbury were given names describing what was sold there, such as Milk Street, Fish Street and Butcher Row.  The name 'Grope Lane' has always fired the imagination of visitors!  

The River Severn is never far away and along its banks are picturesque boathouses, ancient pastures, gardens and a 29 acre park known as The Quarry.  A cruise on the River King gives visitors a chance to admire these from the water.

Charles Darwin was born and went to school in Shrewsbury. His statue can be seen outside the main school building, now a library. 

Viist the The Museum and Art Gallery that illustrates the long history of the town.  Among the items on display are artifacts belonging to the Anglo-Saxon founders of the town.

The modern town has lots of independant shops, galleries, bars restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.  The famous Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place every August.

      Location Map of Shrewsbury
What To See -

Shrewsbury Tourist Attractions

 

Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury, orignally a wooden fortification built by the Anglo-Saxons, the standstone castle was built by Roger de Montgomery in around 1070.  Apart from the gateway very little of this Norman castle has survived.  In the late-18th century Thomas Telford remodelled the interior of the castle as a private house. In 1924 the castle was presented to Corporation of Shrewsbury. The castle was restored to its Edwardian condition and opened to the public in 1926.
Open 18 Feb-31 Mar: Wed-Sat 10:00-16:00; 1 Apr-29 May: Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00: 30 May-3 Oct: Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00 , Sun & Mon 10:00-16:00 Tel: 01743 358516. Admission Charge Free admission to castle grounds.

 

Shropshire Regimental Museum Trust, Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury, items on display from the four Shropshire regiments, from the 18th century to the present day including regimental colours, exotic uniforms and badges, medals (including 3 Victoria Crosses), and weapons from swords to the machine gun.Admission Charge

 

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Rowley's House, Barker Street, in two adjoining buildings: a 16th/17th century timber-framed former warehouse and a 1618 brick mansion owned by the merchant William Rowley.  Displays on geology, archaeology, natural history, local history, costume and Fine and Decorative Arts.  Changing temporary exhibitions. Open: Tue-Sat; 10:00-16:00, Sun and Bank Holidays 10:00 -16:00. July-Sept also open on Mon, 10:00-16:00.  Tel: 01743 361196.

 

River King Boat Trips, Victoria Quay, Welsh Bridge, Shrewsbury, 'The River King' cruises the loop of the River Severn that almost encircles the town of Shrewsbury. Along the banks of the river are boathouses, ancient pastures, gardens and a 29 acre park known as The Quarry. Admission Charge

 

Shrewsbury Abbey, the Bendictine Abbey of St Peter and St Paul was founded in 1083 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, and was built on the site of a wooden Saxon church.The home parish of the war poet Wilfred Owen, killed in 1918, aged 25, and in 1993 a sculpture by Paul de Monchaux was placed in the Abbey grounds to mark the centenary of Owen's birth. Famous as the home of the fictional monk Brother Cadfael and attracts visitors from all over the world.  Outside the west door is a herb garden in the shape of a cross, opened in 1987 by Edith Pargeter, better know as Ellis Peters, the creator of Brother Cadfael.
Open: daily 10:00-16:30 Tel: 01743 232723 

 

Haughmond Abbey, NE of Shrewsbury off B5062, an extensive Augustian monastery founded around 1100 AD. In the 18th century the ruined abbey was incorporated into the garden of Sundorne House, built in the 1740s and demolished in 1955.  Features include a fine Norman doorway in the chapter house, well-preserved lodgings and kitchens and some sculpture. Open: Apr-Sept: 10:00-17:00; Apr-May closed Tues & Wed; Jun-Aug open daily;Sept closed Tues&Wed Tel: 01743 709661 Admission Charge

 

Wroxeter Roman City, 4 miles east of Shrewsbury, the semi-excavated site of the Roman city of Viroconium (or Uriconium).  The city of 6,000 people was the 4th largest in Roman Britain.  The 200 acre site includes a dividing wall with a gateway and communual baths. Visitor Centre. 
Open: Nov-Feb: daily 10:00-18:00; Mar-May: daily 10:00-17:.00;  Jun-Aug: daily 10:00-18:.00;  Sept-Oct: daily 10:00-17:.00; Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan. Tel:  01743 761330 Admission Charge

 

Wroxeter Roman Vineyard, 4 miles east of Shrewsbury, standing alongside the site of the Roman city, the vineyard contains the remains of a man-made embankment that encircled the city. One of the world's most northerly winemakers, producing red, white and sparkling wines. Tours, lavender fields, wildflower meadows, herbarium, Rufain Flock of rare breed sheep. Farm shop. Open: Mon-Sat 10:00 -17:00, Sun 11:00-17:00 .  Closed 25 Dec.Tel: 01743 761888

 

Corbet Wood Countryside Heritage Site, west of A49 between Shrewsbury and Wem, on the slopes of the Grinshill sandstone ridge with views over south Shropshire and the Welsh Borders.  For centuries this area was the centre of a quarrying industry and Grinshill has a maze of quarried rock-faces. The rock edges are of geological importance and the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Tel: 01691 6244448.

 

Haughmond Hill, just off B5062 east of Shrewsbury, rising to 500 feet (152 m), this rocky outcrop has views across Shropshire. Red sandstone has been quarried here for centuries and Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Abbey and many local churches were built from this stone.  There is still a quarry here, the rest of the hill is covered by woodland - a great place for walks and apart from the views, there are some historical sites to explore including the remains of Haughmond Castle, an 18th century folly, a Saxon enclosure, and the remains of the 12th century Abbey of Haughmond. Car park.

 

Snailbeach Lead Mines, at Minsterley, south off the A488, 3 miles south of Pontesbury, the best preserved lead mine in the country, was first worked by the Romans but its heyday came between the late-18th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Snailbeach was considered to be one of Britain's most important lead mines.  As well as lead ore (galena), it also produced smaller quantities of barytes, calcite, flourspar, silver and zinc.  By 1911 the lead ore was exhausted but barytes continued to be extracted until 1955, when the mine closed.  The buildings are spread out on many levels around the site and are linked by a circular path - the going can be muddy. Guided tours, surface or underground, for a fee, can be arranged. Tel: 01743 791360

 

Hope Valley Nature Reserve, along west side of A488, 3 miles south of Minsterley, in the 1960s the ancient oak woodland in this valley was felled to make way for a conifer plantation. The oak stumps did not die and in 1981 the Shropshire Wildlife Trust recognised the wood's potential and purchased 17 ha of land. Now in late spring the wood is full of bluebells, with early purple orchids and yellow archangel also reappearing.  Blocks of conifers have been left as they are home to goldcrests and tree-creepers and provide good nesting sites. Paths through the wood and views over to the Stiperstones.

 

Poles Coppice, half a mile south of Pontesbury on minor road, an area of ancient oak woodland, with disused quarry workings, has colonies of orchids and ancient woodland plants. Circular walks provide views across Pontesbury and the Rea Valley. Public rights of way lead from here to the Stiperstones and Earls Hill.  

 
Nesscliffe Country Park, north of the A5 halfway between Shrewsbury and Oswestry, on two wooded hills and part of a heath-covered ridge ('ness' is the Old English word for ridge).  The disused quarries once supplied sandstone for some of Shropshire's castles and churches. Nesscliffe was the haunt of 'Wild' Humphrey Kynaston, a highwayman known as 'Shropshire's Robin Hood'.  Born in Myddle Castle in 1474, Kynaston was found guilty of murder in 1491 and declared an outlaw by Henry VII.  He took refuge on Nesscliffe Rock and often hid in Kynaston Caves with his horse Beelzebub.  In 1518 he was pardoned by Henry VIII and lived peacefully until 1534.  Walks up the paths to Kynaston's Caves, footpath to an Iron Age hill fort (over 2000 years old), views towards Wales. Colour-coded paths and trails for cyclists, horses and walkers. Tel: 01691 624448
 
Stiperstones National Nature Reserve, Minsterley, near the Welsh border, the Nature Reserve, managed by English Nature, encompasses the major part of a ridge.  Rising to 536 m, the heather covered moorland has outcrops of harder quartzite forming tors, crests and boulders.  The tors , with names such as the Devil's Chair and Cranberry Rock, are visible for miles around. This is a popular walking area and there are magnificent views from the ridge. Footpaths are of varying steepness but along the ridge tend to be rocky. Car park adjacent to Reserve at the southern end of the site.        
 
Acton Burnell Castle, south-east of Shrewsbury, off A49,the Burnell family held the manor in Shropshire for a hundred years and it became a grand estate.In 1420 the male line of the Burnell family died out and the castle was abandoned.  More On the Castle
 
Moreton Corbet Castle, on the outskirts of Shawbury, on A53 north of Shrewsbury. From Shawbury follow signs for Wem, signposted 1 mile outside Shawbury. There are two ruins - a 13th century keep and an Elizabethan mansion The eerie ruins of of the castle are said to be haunted by a ghost. An English Heritage site.    More On the Castle
 
Hawkstone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle, SY4 5UY, 12 miles north-east of Shrewsbury off A49, between Shrewsbury and Whitchurch, is a fantasy world of follies and walks created in the 18th century, hidden paths, secret tunnels and concealed grottos.Features include the White tower, the Red Castle, a death-defying Swiss Bridge, an Indian rock passage, the magnificent Serpentine Tunnel and Gingerbread Hall. Lots of steps and precipious edges.Open: Jan-20th Mar: 3rd January plus sat/sun 10:00-15:00; 21st Mar-10th Apr: daily 10:00-16:00; 13th Apr-22nd May; Wed-Sun, plus open Mon 2nd May, 10:00-16:00; 25th May-11th Sept: daily 10:00-16:00; 14th Sept-23rd Oct: Wed-Sun 10:00-15;30; 24th-30th Oct: daily 10:00-15:30; Nov-Dec Closed except Santa’s Grotto trips (pre-book essential) Tel: 01939 200611 Admission Charge More Information
 
Hawkstone Hall and Gardens, at Marchamley, I mile north of Hodnet on A442 Hawkstone Hall is a splendid Grade I listed mansion owned by the Redemptorists who use the building as a pastoral centre. Terraces, lawns, Courtyard Garden and a Winter Garden, as well as Victorian Rose gardens in front of a lily-pool. Woodland walks. Open: 14th-31st August from 13:00-17:00 Check by telephoning Tel: 01630 685242 Admission Charge More Information
 
Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP, 4 miles south-east off A5, the imposing mansion of Attingham Park is one of the great houses of the Midlands. The house was designed in 1782 by George Steuart for Noel Hill, later 1st Lord Berwick. The house contains 80 rooms,with impressive interiors. 3,826 acres of parkland - largely as was in the late 18th century when it was landscaped. Open: House: 4 Mar–30 Oct; Mon, Tue, Fri-Sun 12:00-17:00. Deer Park; 1 Mar–30 Oct: daily 10:00-20:00; 5Nov-26Feb: Sat-Sun 10:00-17:00 Tel: 01743 708123 Admission Charge More Information
 
Adcote School 7 miles north west of Shewbury at Little Ness to east of A5 Shrewsbury - Llangollen road. Adcote is one of the finest houses built by Norman Shaw, the celebrated late-19th century English domestic architect, built in 1876 - 81 for Mrs Rebecca Darby, the widow of a descendant of Abraham Darby. Today, the Grade I listed building is a school and is noted for its stained glass by Morris & Co. Parkland and landscaped gardens. Open Gardens, as part of the National Gardens Scheme www.ngs.org.uk Admission Charge More Information
 

Where To Stay in Shrewsbury

Call our Hotel Telephone Reservations Line: 0870 4786316

Hotels


Mercure Albrighton Hall & Spa Ellesmere Road Albrighton Shrewsbury SY4 3AG  MAP
Standing in 15 acres of secluded grounds, five minutes drive from the centre of Shrewsbury. Excellent leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, squash court, gymnasium, snooker room.

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Albright Hussey Ellesmere Road Broad Oak Shrewsbury SY4 3AF  MAP
16th century privately run moated manor house. Four poster rooms, spa baths, award winning food.

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The Wroxeter Hotel Wroxeter near Shrewsbury SY5 6PH  MAP
Set in beautiful countryside halfway between Telford and Shrewsbury, The Wroxeter Hotel has easy access from the A5 and M54.

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Guest Houses Bed & Breakfasts Inns and Other Hotels


Sandford House Hotel St Julians Friars Shrewsbury SY1 1XL  MAP
Grade II listed town house close to the river, with pleasant walks and access to good fishing.

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Drapers Hall Restaurant & Boutique Rooms St Marys Place Shrewsbury SY1 1DZ  MAP
Drapers Hall offers 5-star, luxury rooms and a contemporary restaurant within a historic, 16th-century building. Stylish rooms or luxurious suites offer bathrobes and heated towel rails.

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The Vaults 16 Castle Gates Shrewsbury SY1 2AB  MAP
In the heart of historic Shrewsbury, The Vaults is a traditional pub with a beer garden, cosy rooms and a lively bar with resident DJs. Shrewsbury Railway Station is just a 2-minute walk away.

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Holiday Cottages


Plealey Country Cottages Spencer Lodge Plealey Pontesbury Plealey near Shrewsbury SY5 0UY Tel: 0844 847 1200  MAP
Dating back to 1600 and bursting with character and charm these tastefully converted barns retain many of their original features whilst offering all modern comforts in their smartly furnished interiors. Lovely country walks can be enjoyed from the doorst...
Sleeps 6-8

Phone Bookings & Enquiries: 0844 847 1200
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The Old Sheep Shed (Ref 3853) Alberbury near Shrewsbury SY5 9AG Tel: 01244 357717  MAP
With very well finished and equipped accommodation set on the ground floor, this semi detached property on the owners’ 220 acre arable farm in Alberbury village in Shropshire is perfect for some rest and relaxation....
Sleeps up to 6 in 3 bedrooms
. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 335.00-895.00

Phone Bookings & Enquiries: 01244 357717
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The Callow Lodge (Ref 4057) Beaconsfield Holiday Park near Shrewsbury SY4 4AA Tel: 01244 357717  MAP
The Callow Lodge is a luxury detached timber lodge, exclusively for adults of 25 and over on the multi award winning Beaconsfield Farm Holiday Park in Shropshire....
Sleeps up to 4 in 2 bedrooms
. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 325.00-740.00

Phone Bookings & Enquiries: 01244 357717
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Days Out in and around Shrewsbury


Towns near Shrewsbury To Visit - straight line distance:

Wem Tourist Information (10.28 miles) Much Wenlock Tourist Information (11.09 miles) Church Stretton Tourist Information (11.93 miles) Ironbridge Tourist Information (12.35 miles)

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