Visit Shrewsbury

Tucked in a loop of the River Severn near the Welsh border, this medieval market town is famous for its cobbled streets and Tudor centre.

The town itself is a wonderful mixture of old and new. The picturesque black and white timber-framed buildings, historic landmarks and ancient town walls sit side by side with modern architecture. Just to the south, you’ll find the Shropshire Hills - an area of outstanding natural beauty, known for its picturesque landscape, charming villages and waterways.

 

Visit Shrewsbury’s Christmas markets and Winter Wonderland

Shrewsbury’s Christmas markets and Winter Wonderland are a short distance from Shrewsbury railway station.

The late-night market can be found in the market hall on 7 December and the regular market takes place in the square on 14 December. You’ll find everything from crafted wooden sculptures to beautiful glassware, art, bags, ceramic gifts and even an award-winning homemade gin. Winter Wonderland is open on 7 and 8 December at Shrewsbury’s historic prison. It has lots to enjoy, from the Jolly Christmas Market to live performances on The Yuletide Stage or the seasonal delights at The Christmas Feast.

 

Trains to Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is a must-see market town near the Welsh border and is easy to visit by train. We run trains to Shrewsbury from destinations including Wales, the Northwest of England and the Midlands. Find our most popular ones down below:

Abergavenny to Shrewsbury	Cardiff Central to Shrewsbury	Manchester Piccadilly to Shrewsbury
Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury	Chester to Shrewsbury	Newport to Shrewsbury
Birmingham to Shrewsbury	Liverpool to Shrewsbury	Swansea to Shrewsbury

 

Train tickets to Shrewsbury

Do you want to buy train tickets to Shrewsbury? The best place to do it is on our website or app. You’ll find our best prices with no added booking fees and you can use your railcard or buy Advance tickets to get discounts.

 

Must see attractions in Shrewsbury

• Shrewsbury Castle, climb the castle walls for incredible views of the town and visit the spectacular collection of the Shropshire Regimental Museum Trust.
• Shrewsbury Abbey, founded as a Benedictine Monastery, was more recently the setting for historical murder mystery series The Cadfael Chronicles.
• Darwin Town Trail, walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, the world-renowned naturalist and geologist who was born and grew up in the town.
• Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, explore millions of years of history from Roman tombstones and the Shropshire Mammoth to the Tudor and Stuart collections.
• Theatre Severn, enjoy comedy, theatre, music and dance at this striking riverside theatre on Frankwell Quay.

 

How to spend a weekend in Shrewsbury

There’s loads to do in the historic town centre and acres of green space to explore on foot.

Take a walking tour - from the Welsh Bridge to the English Bridge at opposite ends of the town, or see the sights from the River Severn on a short cruise aboard the riverboat Sabrina. Guided walking tours start at the Museum and Art Gallery throughout the year (just on Saturdays from November to April). Get a sense of the town’s history on a tour of its churches, from medieval to Georgian times via a Welsh saint, the first House of Commons, a tree of glass and the place where Charles Darwin was baptised.

Go shopping - find little boutiques down Shrewsbury’s crooked medieval alleyways, independent retailers outnumber the big chain stores here by almost half. For designer brands and high street retailers head to the Pride Hill and Darwin Shopping Centres. While Parade Shopping Centre offers a mix of local traders and independent boutiques.

Sample the taste of Shropshire - on the first Friday of each month, Shrewsbury Farmers Market delivers the best locally produced food and drink to Shrewsbury Square. Beneath the iconic clock tower you’ll find the award-winning indoor market, where independent cafés, gift boutiques, artisans and craftspeople sit alongside fresh fruit and veg stalls and family butchers. And of course there’s a traditional pub, cafe or vintage tea room around almost every corner.

Get outdoors - the 29 acre Quarry Park is nestled in a curve in the river and hosts events throughout the year. It’s perfect for walks, bike rides and summer picnics. Or hire canoes by Porthill Bridge and paddle a section of the beautiful River Severn. At its heart lies the Dingle, a sunken botanical garden designed by Percy Thrower, with floral displays, landscaped lawns and fountains. And look out for the spectacle of the two-day Shrewsbury Flower Show each August.

Find out other major events in Shrewsbury for your upcoming visit today.

 

Travel to Shrewsbury in First Class on our Premier Service

Shrewsbury is a stop on our Premier Service between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff and Manchester. First Class tickets are available for travel between here and selected locations. You can find out if these are available for your journey when you buy your ticket.

If you fancy treating yourself a little on your adventure to Shrewsbury, our First Class dining service includes seasonal dishes served with charm and warmth.

You can buy a First Class ticket on our app and website, from your station ticket office or ticket machines.

 

Head to the Visit Shropshire website to explore some more.