Top 10 things to do in Shrewsbury, England – hand luggage only

Located among the rolling Shropshire Hills and just a few miles from the Welsh border, the relaxed town of Shrewsbury is a completely wonderful place to visit. It’s a place that’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend break, especially with all the best things in Shrewsbury dotted all over town.

I’ve forgotten the exact number of visits to Shrewsbury, but it’s been easy thirty times over the last decade! I love it, especially since it’s a pleasant little town that, although it seems pretty sleepy, has a bunch of gems to explore.

In fact, Charles Darwin once called Shrewsbury home (as a child), and there are so many more nuggets of history that you can see across the streets and rivers.

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

Check out the best things you can do in Shrewsbury below. Have fun visiting!

1.) Shrewsbury Castle

A standing witness to raids, looting and invasions, Shrewsbury Castle has seen a lot of turmoil over the centuries!

Fortunately, today the castle does not suffer from such problems and is a nice little place to wander and occupy some regions of long history.

Surrounded by the Severn River, it was a fortress for many generations of the elite, and legendary historical figures often visited the terrain during their long work.

Today, it houses the Shropshire Regiment Museum and is a great place to walk inside its walls and see traces of its history.

In addition, you may also get the opportunity to climb Laura’s tower. From here there is a beautiful view of Shrewsbury and the nearby nature.

Are you becoming peckish? Jump to Lantern for some of the best pasta in Shropshire! Their spaghetti and homemade Tiramisu are everything.

2.) The Dingle

Just steps from downtown Shrewsbury, Quarry is a spacious 29-acre park along the River Severn. On ordinary days, you can take a leisurely stroll along its promenades or have a picnic overlooking the river.

This is one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, especially on a sunny day and in a place I love so much. You see, though quite tiny, the garden comes to life in spring and summer in the color of blooming flowers. It’s beautiful.

Oh, and if you visit between May and August, make sure festivals are happening. Some of the most popular events held at the park are the Shrewsbury Regatta, the Shrewsbury Food Festival, Let’s Rock Music Festival and the Shrewsbury Flower Show.

3.) Shrewsbury Abbey

Founded back in the 1800s, Shrewsbury Abbey was actually a religious site back in Anglo-Saxon times.

With medieval architecture and stunning stained glass, Shrewsbury Abbey is one of the most famous abbeys in Shropshire.

Don’t forget to take a walk in the gardens. They are wonderful.

4.) Church of St. Mary

If your religious history is yours, you will want to visit St. Mary’s Church as well!

Often considered the largest church in Shrewsbury, it has fluttering stone arches, colorful stained glass windows and Victorian tiles that make it a great place to explore.

Although all this epicness is not only confirmed in the church. In fact, the exterior of the church is dominated by the tallest tower in England, which has been the culmination of Shrewsbury’s horizon for a full 500 years.

Are you getting hungry? Stop by La Mer Rouge (across the River Severn) for their delicious fresh fish.

5.) Attingham Park

Spread over 4,000 acres, Attingham Park is a site that once belonged to Noel Hill, a well-respected politician in the 18th century. Today, however, it is a National Trust estate that we can all enjoy and explore!

It’s easily one of the best things in Shrewsbury if you want to be away from the street. Especially with the huge forest and deer park which are only a 20 minute drive from the city.

And not only that, the mansion has a terrific interior that you can’t miss. There are a bunch of things to see, especially with the circular boudoir, antique furniture and iconic paintings that adorn the walls.

You can cool off outside, along with the garden and orchard enclosed by the walls, before heading back to Shrewsbury itself.

6.) Sailing along the Severn River

Surrounded by the River Severn, Shrewsbury has a multitude of promenades and trails that can be explored. That being said, if you want to relax, hop on the Sabrina boat, one of the city’s boats that circumnavigate the waters.

Departing from Victoria Quay and taking about 45 minutes to an hour of sailing, you will drive to the English Bridge before sailing back to the Welsh Bridge on the other side of the city center.

Oh, and remember, the boat tour season usually lasts between March and October.

7.) Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

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

Here you’ll learn more about the city’s history in ever-changing museum exhibits, such as the geology of Shropshire and the significance of the River Severn. It’s a pretty epic place and the ever-changing art is completely unique.

Then walk up to Umai for their delicious sashimi and sushi.

8.) Severn Theater

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

this place is perfect for the whole family, especially with all the seasonal performances, theater, live music and comedy shows.

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

9.) Church of Saint Chad

The Church of St. Chad has a long history in Shrewsbury and with Charles Darwin on the subject. You see, he was baptized here in 1809 and is worth a little look around.

With a distinctive round shape and a tall tower, the church of Saint Chad is quite hard to miss! Well, at least in my opinion.

Best of all, it’s really easy to visit the church after a little sightseeing of The Dingle because they’re right next to each other. Although, to be honest, nothing has ever been this far in Shrewsbury.

10.) Wroxeter Roman city

Located 5 miles east of Shrewsbury, Wroxeter Roman City is one amazing place that is amazing to visit for Roman history.

Founded in 55 AD, this excavated ruin was once one of the largest cities in Roman England, comparable to the size of the famous Italian city of Pompeii.

Although much smaller today, this well-preserved excavation is amazing to visit. You will see a recreated town house, visit a museum and spot the famous baths and walls thousands of years old.