The Shrewsbury Experience (England)

Overview:

Shrewsbury is a stunning historic town with over 660 listed buildings and some very strange street names - Dogpole and Mardol, Gullet Passage and Grope Lane. The original Saxon settlement of Scrobbesbyrig occupied two small hills within a horseshoe loop of the River Severn and the remaining land approach was heavily fortified, making an excellent defensive site. 

The magnificent Shrewsbury Castle guards the only land approach and Shrewsbury Abbey Church, founded by the Normans in 1083, is still a place of worship. In more recent times, the Abbey attained worldwide fame as the home of the fictional Brother Cadfael.

Shrewsbury was also the birthplace of Charles Darwin and is home to the world famous annual Shrewsbury Flower Show, held in the town's Quarry Park in August.

The town is a shopper's delight with a wealth of specialist shops, including antique centres and art galleries spread throughout the historic central area.

Complementing the visual arts is a varied cultural scene including The Music Hall, the Jazz and Roots Club, Shropshire Music Trust and The Gateway - follow the links for more information

Locality:

Set amidst glorious countryside near to the Welsh Borders, the county town of Shrewsbury is one of England's finest historic market towns. 

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Shrewsbury's Shuts and Passages - a unique maze of narrow alleys which criss-cross the town centre - part of the town's medieval street plan.

Statue of Charles Darwin outside the library - he was born here in Shrewsbury and attended Shrewsbury School which was then housed in the library buildings.

Attingham Park - a Regency gem. Splendid hall and deer park, now in the tender care of the National Trust. Costumed guides, family activities, fine furniture and paintings.

Home Farm, Attingham - a short walk from the Hall is this working farm with plenty to discover about real farming. Hands on activities, small animals and rare breeds.

Wroxeter Roman City - earlier even than Shrewsbury itself. The ruins of the fourth largest city in Roman Britain. English Heritage have thoughtfully provided an audio tour and exhibition on site to tell you all about it.

Shrewsbury Abbey

Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

Shrewsbury Castle and Shropshire Regimental Museum   

Cruising on the River King - from Victoria Quay in summer

Under your own steam - rowing boats and canoe hire from the Porthill Bridge in The Quarry

Watching other people do the work - Shrewsbury Regatta, two days of competitive rowing

Angling - there are plenty of fish in the river - but you'll need a licence to do this.

Strolling by the water - walks along the towpath loop right around the town and out into the countryside. Follow in the footsteps of the young Charles Darwin . He liked messing about by the river.