The River Severn is the star attraction of Shrewsbury, and she’s carved her name into the town making it the place that you see today.

You can discover Shrewsbury along the River Severn with our self-guided walk: A meander down Shrewsbury’s River Severn

Our guided walking tours operate everyday, starting at 2:15pm from the Clive of India statue, The Square, Shrewsbury SY1 1LH and last approximately 90 minutes. Our knowledgeable guides will be taking you on an historic adventure of over 1100 years of history, 14th century passageways and fascinating stories of Shrewsbury’s chequered past.

A must-see for any visitor to Shrewsbury.

Situated in the old Music Hall, the Shrewsbury Museum recently underwent a multimillion-pound redevelopment. Here you’ll discover:

The geology that formed Shropshire’s breath-taking landscape.
Shrewsbury’s humble beginnings, its involvement in the English Civil War, and plans for the future development of the town.
How the River Severn made Shrewsbury a financial hub and one of the most important towns in the United Kingdom
No visit is the same to the former music hall; there are many different things to do at the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery. Highlights include touring exhibitions and children’s activities, perfect for family days out in Shrewsbury. Not to mention a range of arts and crafts workshops, performances, and a host of unique festivals.

“Shropshire Museum” by Shropshire & Telford TSB is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Shrewsbury Castle is the epitome of defensive positions, being surrounded by the River Severn loop. Although the castle’s strategic position was the envy of many an enemy, the original structure was mostly raised during the Norman invasion and gifted to Roger de Montgomery in 1070.

The building you see today was part of the new defences built by Edward 1 during his conquest of Wales in the 13th century.

During the English Civil War, the castle was a royalist stronghold but was sacked after Parliamentarians were let in by a traitor at St. Mary’s Water Gate (known as Traitors Gate). Otherwise, the castle remained an impenetrable fortress.

Restored in 1790 by Thomas Telford, Shrewsbury Castle remained a place of residence until the Shropshire Horticultural Society purchased the building in the early 20th century and is now home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum.

While you’re here don’t miss a chance to see Laura’s Tower; if you’re lucky you might get a chance to walk up the terrace which offers panoramic views across Shrewsbury and the surrounding countryside.

“Shrewsbury Castle” by Nilfanion is licensed under CC BY 4.0

One of the most unusual things to do in Shrewsbury is to visit the Dana Jail.

Although HM Prison Shrewsbury was decommissioned in 2013, the Dana Jail is open for visitors to experience something rather extraordinary. Led by ex-guards you’ll explore the dark history of this Victorian building (which sits on top of the original Georgian building) while looking around the cells, hanging room and communal spaces which give an insider look at the life of an inmate. You can also take part in one of the exciting escape rooms offered at the new attraction.

Source: Dana Prison. Digital Image. Dana Prison Website

Attingham Park is a National Trust site on the outskirts of Shrewsbury and is one of the best places to visit in Shropshire for the whole family. It features an elegant Regency mansion set in a great estate that includes a deer park, walled gardens and acres of beautiful country park.

Highlights of the mansion include an impressive picture gallery, atmospheric dining room and breathtaking boudoir.

If you’re visiting in Spring, then you’ll be in for a treat. Bluebells transform the woodland with a carpet of blue, attracting tourists from across the UK and beyond.

“Attingham Park” by Tony Hisgett is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Shropshire Hills dominate the landscape surrounding Shrewsbury. Some of the closest of the Shropshire Hills include Caer Caradoc which can be seen towering over Church Stretton not far from the A49. Caradoc is not only one of the most beautiful of Shropshire’s Hills but it’s also home to an impressive Iron Age hillfort.

Looking to the south of Shrewsbury, you’ll find it hard to miss the Long Mynd, owned and managed by the National Trust.

We suggest a visit to Carding Mill Valley, as it’s a perfect place to hang out on warm summer days.

Cranberry Rock, Stiperstones” by Stephen Richards is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Theatre Severn is a modern theatre with a traditional feel where audiences can enjoy performances in drama, dance, music and comedy. Home to a 650-seat main auditorium, the venue attracts some of the best touring productions and companies renowned at both a national and international level.

“Theatre Severn” by JThomas is licensed under CC BY 2.0

One thing Shrewsbury is not lacking in is the range of festivals and events that happen each year.

Some of the most notable festivals include the Shrewsbury Regatta, one of the oldest events in the rowing calendar taking place between the English bridge and the boathouses on the opposite side of the Quarry Park.

At the end of May, on the Saturday of the Spring Bank Holiday the Shropshire County Show takes place at the West Mids Showground and has been there every year since 1875.

The much loved Shrewsbury Flower Show is held at the Quarry Park in mid-August. At the end of the month, over the August Bank Holiday one of the UK’s top folk events, the Shrewsbury Folk Festival, takes its residence at the West Mids Showground.

Later in the year, the Shrewsbury Festival of Literature celebrates the written and spoken word in all its glory.

Shrewsbury’s town centre is quite a marvel, with over 600 listed buildings spanning across the eras.

The Town Square is possibly the most impressive area with a number of marvellous Tudor buildings. Their iconic black and white timber frames date back to a time of extreme affluence at the peak of the wool trade.

Wyle Cop the street that leads up from the English Bridge is certainly not to be missed, there are more independent retailers on this street than on any other street in England.

As you explore the many independent shops (which outnumber chain stores 2 to 1) you’ll notice lots of little passageways called ‘shuts’ which lead you through Shrewsbury in time traveller-like fashion to discover the town in another light.

Grope Lane is a particular favourite passageway with a seedy backstory, but these days there’s something rather more magical at the end, a shop called Labyrinth which stocks a multitude of official Harry Potter merchandise.