All about Shrewsbury
Just the facts
80% of our restaurants, cafés and bars are independent
70% of our shops, too
It's 16% cheaper to rent a home in Shrewsbury than the UK average (Q1, 2024)
Our streets see 5.2% higher footfall than the rest of the UK (Q1, 2024)
There can't be many towns with 660 listed buildings, a museum in an old music hall and carved characters peering down at you from a c.1500's building. And have you heard about Shrewsbury's 921 years of wine buffs, or the stories our streets can tell you about Charles Darwin's school days?
Founded by Saxons to defend against Vikings sailing the Severn, developed by Tudors and transformed into a hub of global trade by Victorians, there's no place like Shrewsbury. You'll spot what makes our town unique as soon as you step out of the train station (which, incidentally, is home to the largest mechanical signal box in the world).
Visitors & tourism
Shrewsbury is the largest town in Shropshire and serves the majority of the county's population as its economic and social hub.
In summer, the town becomes a hub of a different kind - bustling with both national and global tourists ready to explore our unique local business scene, heritage and outdoor space.
Shropshire is recognised as one of ABTA's tourist destinations to watch for 2024, and - with plentiful accommodation, an award-winning food and drink scene and easy national transport links - Shrewsbury is the logical hub from which to explore the county.
Discover Shrewsbury's attractions
Posted 26 April 2023
The Quarry highlighted as one of UK's best city parks
Rubbing shoulders alongside Hampstead Heath and Belfast's Botanic Gardens, The Times has named The Quarry as top urban green space.
Posted 22 April 2022
Shrewsbury's Architecturally unique buildings
Shrewsbury may be famous for its Tudor and Georgian architecture - but it isn't all black and white! Alongside the very old, you'll also find the…
Posted 26 November 2020
Shrewsbury named in top 20 happiest places to live
Shrewsbury has been named in Right Move's top 20 Happiest Places to Live in Great Britain.
Posted 3 August 2020
Shropshire and the surrounding area
There are ancient churches, castles and mansions to visit, plus a calendar full of festivals and events to keep you entertained. Shropshire is the…
Posted 13 November 2019
A guide to Shrewsbury's historic pubs
Nestled within the loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a town steeped in history. Archaeological evidence dates the town back to the 7th century,…
Take a tour
Posted 26 April 2022
Guided walking tours of Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre offers year-round walking tours of Shrewsbury in the heart of the historic town.
Shrewsbury Prison
The current prison buildings are Victorian, built in 1868 but there has been a prison on that site since 1793. The prison was decommissioned by the…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
The Sabrina Boat
Join the Sabrina Boat and take in the beauty of Shrewsbury as you take a daytime cruise past the stunning Quarry Park and the town’s historic…
Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM
Posted 27 March 2023
Shrewsbury Heritage Trail
Welcome to your passport to Shrewsbury's heritage! Follow the trail to explore some of our architectural and historical gems and stories of people…
Posted 15 September 2020
The Darwin Shrewsbury Trail
Shrewsbury boasts many buildings and locations that were the backdrop to many pivotal moments in Darwin’s early life. His story is written on the…
Posted 4 January 2019
Shrewsbury's four churches
Shrewsbury's churches are packed with significant stories and awesome architecture. This tour takes you from medieval times to the Georgian period to…