History
Wander through Shrewsbury and you'll pass timber-framed Tudor buildings, grand medieval castles and elegant Georgian facades. For history buffs, Shrewsbury is a town like no other, where a short walk can cover thousands of years of history. Originally the ancient Briton capital of the Kingdom of Powys, Shrewsbury can trace its history back to 901AD and contains a staggering 660 different listed buildings.
Originally built in 1070 by Roger de Montgomery, Shrewsbury Castle is one of the town's most impressive buildings and well worth a visit during your stay. You'll find the castle's unmistakable red sandstone structure directly above Shrewsbury railway station. Another key historical building in Shrewsbury is Shrewsbury Abbey, also founded by Roger de Montgomery, in 1083. A great deal of the abbey was destroyed following the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, but what remains is an impressive sight to behold and today carries on life as a Parish Church.
To go back to the roots of Shrewsbury as a human settlement you'll want to visit the Roman City of Wroxeter. Set on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, Wroxeter was once the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. All that remains are ruins but these are a treat to explore and a great way to learn about the Roman period. The site also features a reconstructed Roman Town House.
Art and shopping
The most comprehensive account of Shrewsbury's rich historical and cultural heritage can be found at the Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. The museum encompasses five different exhibitions that include Roman artefacts, objects owned by Charles Darwin and a collection of works from artists such as Francis Bacon and Auguste Rodin.
Shopping in Shrewsbury is an historical affair, with big brands housed in Tudor buildings and connected by networks of narrow alleys. Darwin, Pride Hill and Riverside are the three main shopping centres in Shrewsbury, all based in the centre of the town and featuring a collection of well-known outlets and boutique, independent shops. These areas are also home to a wide-ranging variety of cafés, restaurants and pubs.
Outdoors
Shrewsbury is surrounded on nearly all sides by the River Severn. One of the nicest ways to explore the town is to follow the river around the perimeter of the town, either on foot or on a gentle ferry cruise. Shrewsbury also has some beautiful parks to enjoy, including the large Quarry Park that occupies the southwest corner of the town centre.
Further afield
Head outside of Shrewsbury and you'll come across a number of natural and historical attractions. To the south of the town lie the Shropshire Hills, a vast Area of Natural Beauty where you'll find a range of walks and bike paths to explore. Head east from Shrewsbury and you'll soon reach the town of Shrewsbury and the historical market town of Shifnal.
