Shrewsbury's Area Guide

History and Geography

Shrewsbury's history dates back to at least 901, however it's possible that the first settlers arrived here far earlier.

The town is well known for its half-timbered, well preserved black and white houses including the Abbot's House which dates back to around 1500.

During the medieval period, the town established itself as a hub for the wood trade, this was one of the liveliest times in its heritage. Although other local areas underwent considerable development in the Industrial Revolution, Shrewsbury saw little change.

It wasn't until the arrival of rail transport that its significance increased. Today, much of the market town's heritage can still be seen reflected in its beautiful and historic architecture.

Shrewsbury is also known as the "Town of flowers" as every summer it explodes in multi-colours of blooms and each year and its town park, The Quarry, is home to the Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Property Types & Demographics

Shrewsbury may be best known for its beautiful, historic buildings but there is a vast array of property types for prospective buyers to choose from. With all the different styles of property in Shrewsbury, there is something for everyone. It's unsurprising that growing families, professional singles, couples and retirees all choose to reside here.

Schools

Families with children are keen to make their home in Shrewsbury due to the impressive variety of high performing schools in the area.

Not only are there a number of primaries and secondaries that have been rated as outstanding by Ofsted, but there are also some very popular independent schools too.

Local Attractions

The Quarry Park

The beautiful 29-acre Quarry Park is just a short walk from the centre of town. Landscaped in the early 18th century, it centres on the Dingle, or stone quarry, which was mined between the 14th and 16th centuries. It boasts a sunken ornamental garden and is the spot where events are held throughout the year including the Shrewsbury Regatta and World-Famous Flower Show.

Shrewsbury Museum

First opened in 1835, this historic attraction can be found in the Victorian Music Hall buildings in the heart of town. It holds a collection of around 300,000 objects which have been put together over virtually two centuries. Top attractions include the display of Caughley ware and the Shrewsbury Hoard.

Shrewsbury Castle

The castle was originally built by the Normans in 1070. Designed to guard the river peninsula on which Shrewsbury stands, the red sandstone fortress that still stands today, however, dates back to the 13th century. It was restored during the late 18th century and now holds the Shropshire Regimental Museum. It is one of the National Trusts most visited parks.

Shrewsbury Abbey

Once a Benedictine Monastery, The Abbey dates back to the 1000s and was a survivor of the dissolution of the Monasteries during the time of Henry VIII. In 1540 it was converted to a parish church and much of its original Normal structure has survived intact. A top feature is the decorated Gothic west window which was glazed in about 1388.

Haughmond Hill

Situated just East of the town is Haughmond Hill. This broad, low rise, is 150m high and mostly covered in forest. It affords impressive views over the local countryside and the town itself.

Attingham Park

Attingham Park was built for a politician, Noel Hill, during the late 1700s. Take a tour of the mansion and you'll learn about the Berwick family, see displays of their painting collections and furniture and discover how the fortunes of the family fell. The estate covers 4000 acres with a beautifully restored walled garden and an orchard.

Battlefield Falconry Centre

The battlefield lies to the north of Shrewsbury and is home to this popular birds of prey attraction. Here, visitors can see over 30 different types of owl, falcon and hawk. There are several experiences on offer including the "Hawks on Walks" experience which involves exploring the woodland with a Harris hawk and its falconer.

St Mary's Church

The biggest church in Shrewsbury has architecture dating from the Norman and Gothic eras. It is believed to have been established by King Edgar the Anglo-Saxon ruler during the 10th century. Today, it is Shrewsbury's own intact medieval church and visitors are drawn to its exceptional stained glass windows.

St Chad's Church

This Grade I listed building was raised in 1792, replacing a building from the 13th century which was irreparably destroyed after its tower collapsed. This Neo-classical Georgian masterpiece is special due to the fact that it was the church in which Charles Darwin was baptised. It also boasts the country's biggest circular nave.

Shopping

Shrewsbury boasts more independent boutiques than any other town in the country, although those looking for big-name brands won't be disappointed. The cosmopolitan town centre offers plenty of well-known stores while the Market Hall offers a unique retail attraction with stalls selling fruit and vegetables, flowers, seafood and confectionary as well as arts and crafts and vintage clothes.

Leisure

Cinema & Theatre

Shrewsbury's Cineworld multiplex is the ideal place to catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters, whilst the Old Market Hall shows arthouse films. The performing arts centre in Shrewsbury is the Theatre Severn with its 635-seater auditorium and Walker Theatre which seats up to 250 people. Here you can see a wide variety of entertainment including stand-up comedy, musicals, tribute acts and performances from the Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra.

Eating Out

Whether you're keen to sample some fine dining, enjoy a casual meal or have a snack whilst shopping, Shrewsbury offers a host of eating options including independent and chain restaurants serving up a host of international cuisines, pubs serving delicious food and high-class eateries.

Sports

Keen golfers will love to take to the greens at Shrewsbury Golf Club which was founded over a century ago. Shrewsbury also benefits from a Cricket Club, Rugby Club and is home to Shrewsbury Town FC.

Upcoming Developments

Shrewsbury has benefited in recent years from a number of new build projects to cater for the needs of growing families in the area. Stunning new apartments, family houses, bungalows, townhouses and penthouses have all been built. If you would like to find out more about New Homes in Shrewsbury, speak to our team on 01743 357032 and we will be happy to discuss any available new homes or upcoming developments.

Shrewsbury is set to see the construction of over 8000 new homes between 2022 and 2038.

Travel Connections

Shrewsbury is well connected to the rest of Shropshire and indeed the rest of the country thanks to outstanding train and road links. The town's historic railway station connects the town to the capital and Birmingham, while reliable local buses serve the surrounding villages and communities.

Railways

West Midlands Railway operates trains between Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International with journey times taking just over an hour. Shrewsbury to Telford in less than half an hour and you can get to London Euston is just over two and a half hours.

Road Links

Shrewsbury has excellent motorway and major road connections to the West Midlands via the M54 and to Wales via the A5 trunk road.

Bus Services

Shrewsbury benefits from reliable and regular bus services to nearby towns and villages including the number service to Telford, the 64 to Market Drayton, the 70A to Oswes try and the H service to Stafford.

Airlines

Birmingham Airport is just over an hour's drive away. Travelling to Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester airports takes approximately one and a half hours and Heathrow just over two and a half.