Bethany Gavaghan, a writer for Reach, spent 24 hours in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and was surprised by the town's independent shops, cafes, and winding medieval streets. Despite having seen photographs, she arrived with few expectations and left wanting more.
A medieval town with a modern buzz
Shrewsbury sits within a loop of the River Severn, close to the Welsh border. Its winding streets, timber-framed buildings, and hidden passageways give the center plenty of character. The town was first recorded in a charter in 901, and its location once made it strategically important.
Today, it's the independent shops, cafes, markets, and historic sights that attract visitors. According to Visit Shropshire, independent retailers outnumber big chains by almost 50%. Shrewsbury Market Hall has been voted Britain's Favourite Market, offering food stalls, cafes, independent traders, and fresh produce.
Highlights and hidden gems
Shrewsbury Castle, a Norman fortress, sits beside the railway station. The Quarry offers 29 acres of riverside parkland. Shrewsbury Abbey, founded in 1083, is famous from Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael novels.
Bethany stayed at Boutique Shrewsbury Rooms, a hybrid between a hotel and Airbnb, which she recommended for its no-fuss approach and gorgeous location. She praised the coffee machine stocked with pods.
Rainy day discoveries
Despite heavy rain, Bethany found plenty to do indoors. She visited the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, where she learned woolly mammoths once roamed the area. She also enjoyed an outdoor food market with baked goods and Indian cuisine.
She noted the Old Market Hall cinema, which shows ballets and dramas, as a must-visit for next time. At the Cat's Pyjamas coffee shop, she rated the red velvet lamington 10/10.
A successful 24 hours
Bethany wandered the cobbled streets, which were calm for a Saturday, and visited Shrewsbury Antiques Centre, a huge underground shop with over 50 traders. Her final stop was Dough and Oil, a pizza restaurant known for sourdough pizza and homemade sides, which she gave a 100% recommendation.
Shrewsbury, birthplace of Charles Darwin, has around 77,000 residents and more than 500 independent retailers and hospitality venues. Seb Slater, executive director at Shrewsbury BID, said that's what makes the town center stand out. Bethany concluded: "All in all, it was a successful 24 hours, and definitely somewhere I'd like to learn more about and get to know again, hopefully with better weather next time."
