Visit Shrewsbury
Visit this stunning Salopian town for a wonderful winter weekend full of history, character and charm
VISIT
Wrap up warm and take a stroll along the serene River Severn. Starting at Shrewsbury Castle, this river route loops the town’s edge and offers picturesque views of rowing boats, trees and historic buildings. Follow the path south and cross the 18th Century English Bridge to Shrewsbury Abbey – a stunning Anglo-Saxon building – or continue on the route until you reach The Quarry – a huge park dating back to 1719, with manicured lawns, tree-lined avenues, ponds with fountains and a war memorial to explore.
Don’t miss the jewel in the crown, The Dingle – a beautiful sunken landscaped garden with alpine borders, shrubbery, quirky statues and charming water features, which is all the more tranquil in the winter months.
If a spot of shopping takes your fancy, take a short diversion into the town centre. Make your way through criss-crossed quirky lanes and passages and along the cobbled streets of the Wyle Cop, home to ‘the longest row of independent shops’ selling everything from clothing and jewellery, to flowers and vintage finds.
Just a 30-minute drive from Shrewsbury’s town centre is the iconic Ironbridge Gorge. With ten amazing interactive museums, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect place to while away a day, or two. Get a glimpse of industrial Britain at Blists Hill Victorian Town where you can meet traditional townsfolk in their shops and cottages, watch tradespeople in action in their workshops and factories and purchase curious goods from a bygone era.
If you’re a fan of pottery, The Coalport China Museum is not to be missed. Once regarded as one of the country’s finest porcelain manufacturers, you can see brilliant examples of Coalport and Caughley china, watch demonstrations and even try your hand at decorating your own plate.
No trip here would be complete without crossing the world’s first cast iron bridge, built in
1779 by Abraham Darby
III at the beginning of the industrial era.
For a childhood memento, swing by the Merrythought Teddy Bear Shop. Not only will you find a range of traditional ■