Shrewsbury has been named as having the UK's best high street, with residents expressing pride in their town's success. The market town in Shropshire boasts more than 500 independent retailers and hospitality venues, which outnumber big chains by almost half.
A 'beacon of light' for the high street
The Telegraph called the town a "beacon of light piercing the gloom," highlighting its healthy selection of quirky and independent businesses that give shoppers a "fine reason to escape the tyranny of Amazon."
Andrew Prow, owner of Halon Menswear, which can trace its Shrewsbury roots back to the 1800s, said: "Shrewsbury is a special, historic town – largely unspoiled by the failed regeneration efforts of the 60s – and we're proud to be part of its living history." He explained that the closure of national department stores appears to have encouraged customers to "rediscover local, independent businesses with deep roots in the community."
What makes Shrewsbury stand out
Seb Slater, executive director at Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), told the Express: "Nestled within the loop of the River Severn and home to over 600 listed buildings, the town centre offers a truly unique and enjoyable experience that keeps people coming back time and again."
Mr Slater said that the efforts of businesses, the BID and the local councils to run impactful campaigns and initiatives ensure that Shrewsbury "enjoys strong footfall and vacancy rates that remain well below the national average, with a continuous stream of new businesses keen to open here." He added: "Shrewsbury serves a wide customer catchment area extending across Shropshire and mid Wales alongside a growing visitor economy that strengthens our reputation as a leading regional destination."
Independent spirit amid national closures
This comes as high street shops are continuing to close across the UK. The Centre for Retail Research predicts around 17,350 stores closed in 2025, up from 2024's 13,000 closures. Major retailers like Poundland, River Island, and Hobbycraft are closing stores, citing rising costs, shifting customer habits towards online shopping, and high business rates as primary reasons.
Pollyanna Williams, owner of lifestyle store Snoop, said there's "nothing better" than being part of "such a wonderful community" of fellow small businesses, which "make the town thrive." Williams added: "We're into our third year now, and every month continues to get better, which I'm so thankful for. We may be biased, but Shrewsbury definitely has the best customers."
Historic charm and market success
The town is famous for its cobbled medieval streets, vibrant cafe culture, and its cakes. It is the birthplace of Charles Darwin and has a population of 76,782. Shrewsbury is also home to attractions including the prison, Flaxhill Maltings, the Abbey, the Library, Coleham Pumping Station, the Square, the Castle, Morris Hall, The Quarry Park, and the River Severn.
The Market Hall has been named Britain's favourite market for an "unprecedented" third year running and fourth time overall at the Great British Market Awards. Commercial, markets and events manager at the town council, Ian Thorpe, said: "Shrewsbury Market Hall is a treasured asset that will celebrate its 60th anniversary this September. Our fantastic traders provide an eclectic shopping experience for both residents and tourists. This is another great achievement for Shrewsbury, which has already garnered national recognition as the 'Town of Flowers' and a 'Great Town' by the Academy of Urbanism."
The town was also named one of its 'Happiest Places to Live in 2025' and the top town in the Midlands by The Guardian. It has dozens of historic pubs, including The Bull Inn and The Nags Head, which dates back to the 16th century and was featured in A Christmas Carol (1984).
