Nestled right in the middle of Shropshire’s county’s borders, Shrewsbury is a bustling market town. Its streets are filled with history and it boasts over 660 Listed buildings.
Shrewsbury’s rich heritage is reflected in its high-street offerings, from independent shops and an array of restaurants, bars, and inns to suit every taste and budget. The town has a wonderful Market Hall, an array of activities, and, being situated on the River Severn, also features plenty of picturesque riverside walks.
There’s always something going on in the town’s packed entertainment calendar, like the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show, the regatta, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, the carnival and a food festival. The town certainly lives up to its motto of ‘Floreat Salopia’ – ‘May Shrewsbury Flourish’.
While staying in Woodland Park Lodges, Shrewsbury is an ideal day trip, and there’s something for everyone in its range of attractions.
Here are five reasons to explore Shrewsbury and its environs:
Hawkstone Park Follies
Situated near Shrewsbury in 100 acres of stunning scenery, this unusual attraction was one of Britain’s original theme parks. Established over 250 years ago, this fantasy landscape could have been drawn from the pages of Tolkien.
In addition to a picturesque nature walk, through gardens full of bridges, towers, and beneath cliffs, the route is also littered with magical architectural Follies and twisting caves – if you forget to bring a torch, you can hire one on your way in. Perfect for all ages to explore, Hawkstone Park Follies is one of the best places to enjoy the stunning views across Shropshire.
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
Located in the grand setting of the old Victorian Music Hall and 13th Century Vaughan’s Mansion, this attraction houses a collection of art and artefacts covering Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Stuart eras. Also, some of the most prominent local history is housed in the Shropshire gallery, from pre-history to the present day, so visitors can learn all they need to know about Shrewsbury’s rich past. On top of five main galleries, it has a temporary exhibition gallery exhibiting modern works. There’s also a café, museum shop and Visitor Information Centre for the town.
The Quarry Park
This 29-acre park is an ideal space for a run, a gentle stroll, or a picnic, along the riverside and across the suspension bridge that spans the River Severn that flows through Shrewsbury. The park is encircled by a loop of the river and always has something to offer, whatever time of year you visit. It is also used as a venue for concerts.
At its heart is the Dingle, a beautiful flower garden designed by world-renowned gardener Percy Thrower. The sunken garden is landscaped with alpine borders, bedding plants, shrubbery, and water features, making it the ideal space to gain some inspiration for your garden.
Battlefield Heritage Park
This now sedate country park marks the supposed site of the Battle of Shrewsbury on 21 July 1403, between King Henry IV and a rebel army led by Henry ‘Harry Hotspur’ Percy, immortalised in William Shakespeare’s play Henry IV Part I.
Throughout the battle site, information panels tell of the engagement’s story. Battlefield Church, which is now redundant, was built in the 15th century, to commemorate the battle. An exhibition centre, known as Battlefield 1403, opened in 2008 close to the church, and includes a café and farm shop. There’s a footpath to the battlefield, including two wheelchair accessible circular walking routes at the site, and also a route designed specifically for families, to enjoy the remaining medieval features, including fishponds, a moat, ridge and furrow.
Shrewsbury Prison
For those looking for something a little bit different, take a guided tour around the imposing Shrewsbury Prison. Built in 1793 and home to thousands of criminals for over 200 years, now it has been opened up to the public, with daily guided tours of the site and history days to learn all about Shrewsbury Prison’s unforgettable stories. Not for the faint hearted, there are also evening ghost tours, escape rooms, and other prison experience events, including staging your very own prison break!
Visiting Shrewsbury is just one of many reasons why your stay at Woodland Park Lodges will be fun and memorable, any time of year. Take a look at our woodland lodge availability to book your next break.