Shrewsbury was once home to its famous son Charles Darwin. Born in 1809 Charles Darwin the author of the 'Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection' is said to have been inspired by Shrewsbury and the Shropshire landscape. Today Shrewsbury is still famous and one of the country's most beautiful and pictures market towns. Nested in the rolling hills of the Shropshire plains the surrounding countryside is simply stunning. The quiet towns and villages housed in Shropshire are well worth visiting for a country drive, walk, cycle or picnic.
The River Seven meanders around the town in a horseshoe loop and is one of the reasons Shrewsbury's red sandstone castle guards its particular places, as this was the only land approach to the town. The town itself is full of intrigue, there are plenty of places to explore through the narrow cobbled streets. Surrounded by the black and white buildings there is a distinct air of Tudor England. This ancient taste travels further back in time and is evident in the ancient place names you come across. Nearly all of them can be traced back to the beginning of the town in the 8th century.
No Medieval town would be complete without a castle and Shrewsbury does not disappoint. The castle great hall is now home to the Shropshire Regimental museum, here you can discover two centuries of treasure from military campaigns of the area. In the grounds you can explore the motte of the first Norman Castle.
Dudmaston A fascinating 17th century house that has seen a colorful family history, set in wonderful surroundings, with woodland and Estate walks. Location: 4 miles South East of Bridgnorth on A442 Telephone: 01746 780 866
Attingham Park Explore this neo-classical house set in stunning landscape. Location: 4 miles South East of Shrewsbury on the B4380 at Atcham Telephone: 01743 708 162
Shrewsbury Abbey This ancient Abbey is well worth a visit, it was founded by the Saxons, rebuilt by the Norman's and modified by the Tudors. Location: Abbey Foregate Telephone: 01743 232 723
Mythstories A museum of myth and fable great for all the family. Location: 19 Hill Lane Telephone: 01743 357 140
St Chad's Church A stunning Georgian church. Location: St Chad's Terrace Telephone: 01743 365 478
15000 years ago the area of Shropshire was covered in a great sheet of ice, when the climate warmed around this time a huge river flowed from the Welsh hill to the Bristol Channel. The River Seven cut her way through the landscape and around 6000 years ago a loop of river was cut off. Since then this area that was cut off has always been a wetland and the old bed of the River Seven. Today if you walk up Ellesmere Road the full width of the river in her immediate post-glacial era, 10000 years ago, can be seen.
It is believed that man first came to the area 7000 years ago, making it home for many of the people of prehistoric times, from the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Anglo Saxon. However it was in 1066 when the Norman's took over the country that Shrewsbury began to grow and is now one of the largest towns in England.
Shrewsbury has also seen 900 years of a thriving milling industry, and thrived through the industrial revolution.
Shrewsbury is simply alive with history and culture and is evident every turn you take in the town and surrounding area.
Shrewsbury offer great sporting opportunities whether you wish to stroll through the countryside, cycle, quad bike or enjoy the out door watersports, plus much more.Quarry Swimming and Fitness Center Location: Priory Road Telephone: 01743 236 583Drummond Outdoor Canoe and Kayak day tours, plus courses and adventure activities. Telephone: 01743 365 022Terry's Cycle Hire Location: 6 Castle Hill, All Stretton, Church Stretton Telephone: 01694 723 302Cycle Hire Location: Dave Mellor Cycles, 9A New Street Telephone: 01743 366 662Border Quad Trekking A great way to see the countryside for all the family. Location: Bulthy Hill Farm, Middletown, near Welshpool, Powys Telephone: 01743 884 843Meole Brace Golf Course Location: Off the B4380 by Meole Roundabout Telephone: 01743 365 050Arscott Golf Club Location: Pontesbury Telephone: 01743 860 114Boat Trips and Rowing Boat Hire Location: Porthill Bridge, The Quarry Telephone: 01743 365 849
Shrewsbury has many pubs to choice from. There are choices of different venues ranging from quiet inns, traditional ale pubs, lively, and modern bars. If you travel out into the surrounding area there are lots of traditional village country pubs. Many of the pubs and bars serve good food at competitive prices
Shrewsbury has it all when it comes to shopping, there is everything from bizarre unusual shops, high street names, house hold names, boutiques, specialist shops, designer clothes outlets, and craft shops. Many of the shops are housed in old timber building making shopping here very aesthetically pleasing. Plus there are the "Shuts" to explore, these are the narrow passages between streets. Many of the shops are tucked away down lanes, making it great to explore and discover Shrewsbury at the same time as you shop.
Shrewsbury also offers the comfort and convenience of indoor shopping, with modern malls like the Pride Hill and the Darwin shopping centers.
Shrewsbury's nearest Airports are Birmingham or Manchester, were trains or buses can be taken to Shrewsbury.
Car
There is little problem accessing Shrewsbury by car, the A5, M6, A49 and M56 all give good access to Shrewsbury. Once in Shrewsbury there are many car parks all over the town. There are nearly 3000 off-street parking spaces so there is little stress of finding places to park. Shrewsbury also offers a fast and Frequent Park and Ride into the heart of the town. This is the best way to arrive at the town center if you have journeyed to it by car. This facilities allows you to park your car for free, then take the short journey right into the heart of the city at a small cost. This is a hassle free way to travel to the center, without the stress of finding places to park. For extra convenience there are three separate park and ride facilities in three alternative directions just outside the city, Harlescott serving the north and east, Meole Brace serving the south, and Oxon for visitors from the west of town. When you drive to Shrewsbury there are sign post for the park and ride just follow one of these, park and catch one of the frequent buses into the town center, were it stops at various places for your convenience, also picks you up.
Coach
Shrewsbury Bus Station is situated on Raven Meadows in the center of the town. A good local bus service run from these around the town and surrounding area and to local attractions. Alternately if you are wishing to travel to Shrewsbury by coach, National Express Coach services have a wide U.K. service with many pick up points and destinations, with 3 direct National Express Services daily from London Victoria. Telephone: National Express - 0990 80 80 80
Rail
Shrewsbury Train Station is situated on Castle Gate right in the town center near the Castle. There are main line services to Shrewsbury from all over the U.K. with good connections if there is no direct train. National Rail Enquiery Telephone: 0345 48 49 50
