10 Very Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury, England

Nestled amongst the rolling Shropshire Hills and just a few miles from the Welsh border, the laidback little town of Shrewsbury is a totally gorgeous place to visit. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a day trip or weekend break, especially with all the best things to do in Shrewsbury dotted all across the town.

I’ve forgotten the exact number of times I’ve visited Shrewsbury but it’s easily thirty times over the last decade! I love it, especially as it’s a cosy little town that, although seems quite sleepy, has a heap of gems to explore.

In fact, Charles Darwin once called Shrewsbury home (as a child) and there are so many more nuggets of history to see all across the streets and riverway, too.

So, to help you get the most out of your time, I wanted to pop over a few of the spots I love most in Shrewsbury.

Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Shrewsbury. Have an amazing time visiting!

1.) Shrewsbury Castle

Standing witness to raids, sackings, and invasions, Shrewsbury Castle has seen a lot of turmoil over the centuries!

Thankfully, nowadays, the castle doesn’t suffer from any such problems and is a lovely little place to wander and take in some of the regions long history.

Surrounded by the River Severn, it has been a fortress to many generations of the elite, with iconic historical figures frequenting the grounds through its long time in operation.

Nowadays, it’s home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum and a great place to stroll within its walls and see traces of its history.

Plus, you may also get the chance to go up Laura’s Tower. From here, you can take in the sweeping views across Shrewsbury and the nearby countryside.

Getting peckish? Hop over to La Lanterna for some of the best pasta in Shropshire! Their spaghetti and home-made Tiramisu is everything.

2.) The Quarry (The Dingle)

Just a few strides away from Shrewsbury’s town centre, The Quarry is a sprawling 29-acre park by the River Severn. On ordinary days, you can have a leisurely stroll along its walkways or have a picnic overlooking the river.

This is one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, especially on a sunny day and a spot I totally love. You see, although quite petite, the garden comes alive in colour with the blooming flowers in spring and summer. It’s gorgeous.

Oh, and if you visit between May-August, make sure to check to see what festivals are going on. Some of the most popular events that are held in the park are the Shrewsbury Regatta, Shrewsbury Food Festival, Let’s Rock Music Festival, and Shrewsbury Flower Show.

3.) Shrewsbury Abbey

Founded almost 1,000 years ago, Shrewsbury Abbey has actually been a religious spot since back in Anglo-Saxon times.

With Medieval architecture and stunning stained glass, Shrewsbury Abbey is one of Shropshire’s most iconic abbeys to see.

Don’t forget to take a gander around the gardens, too. They’re lovely.

4.) St. Mary’s Church

If religious history is your thing, you’re gonna want to visit St Mary’s Church, too!

Often regarded as the largest church in Shrewsbury, it’s got soaring stone arches, colourful stained glass, and Victorian tiles that make it a stunning spot to explore.

Though, all that epicness isn’t confirmed just inside the church. In fact, the church’s exterior is dominated by the tallest spire in England, which has been the main highlight of Shrewsbury’s skyline for a whopping 500 years.

Getting hungry? Stop by La Mer Rouge (Across the River Severn) for their yummy fresh fish.

5.) Attingham Park

Sprawled across more than 4,000 acres, Attingham Park is a spot that once belonged to Noel Hill, a well-regarded politician in the 18th century. Nowadays, however, it’s a National Trust estate that we can all enjoy and explore!

It’s easily one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury if you fancy time away from the streets. Especially with its vast woodland and deer park that’s only a 20-minute drive from the town.

Not only that, the mansion has an awe-inspiring interior that you can’t miss. There’s a heap of things to see, especially with the circular boudoir, period furniture, and iconic paintings that adorn the walls.

Outside, you can take a chilled stroll along with the walled garden and the orchard before heading back to Shrewsbury itself.

6.) Boating along the River Severn

Surrounded by the River Severn, Shrewsbury has lots of riverbank walks and trails that are lovely to explore. That being said, if you fancy resting up, hop on board Sabrina, one of the town’s boats that tour the waters.

Departing from Victoria Quay and taking around 45-minutes to an hour to sail, it’ll take you up towards the English Bridge before sailing you back to the Welsh Bridge on the other side of the town centre.

Oh, and remember, the season for boat tours tends to run between March to October.

7.) Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

If you’re wondering how the town of Shrewsbury came to be, head to the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery to explore more.

Here, you’ll find out more than the town’s history in the ever-changing museum exhibitions, such as Shropshire’s geology and the significance of the River Severn. It’s a pretty epic spot and the ever-changing art on display is totally unique.

Afterwards, stroll on over to Umai for their yummy sashimi and sushi.

8.) Theatre Severn

Located on Frankwell Quay, Theater Severn is a relatively new addition to Shrewsbury after opening back in 2009.

It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for the whole family, especially with all the seasonal shows, theatre, live music and comedy performances.

It’s easily one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, though, be sure to check out the schedules in advance.

9.) St. Chad’s Church

St Chad’s Church has a long history in Shrewsbury and with Charles Darwin for that matter. You see, this is where he was baptized in 1809 and is well worth a little look around.

With a distinctive round shape and a high tower, St. Chad’s Church is pretty difficult to miss when you visit! Well, in my opinion at least.

Best of all, it’s really easy to visit the church after a little gander around The Dingle as they’re right next to each other. Though, to be fair, nothing is ever that far away in Shrewsbury.

10.) Wroxeter Roman City

Located 5-miles east of the town of Shrewsbury, the Wroxeter Roman City is one amazing spot that’s incredible to visit for Roman history.

Founded in 55 AD, this excavated ruin was once one of the largest towns of Roman England, comparable to the size of Italy’s famous city of Pompeii.

Although much smaller nowadays, this well-preserved excavation is incredible to visit. You’ll get to see a recreated townhouse, visited the museum, and spot the famous baths and walls that are thousands of years old.