Life in Shrewsbury
- 80% of our restaurants, cafés and bars are independent
- Indie retailers outnumber big brands, occupying 70% of town centre retail space
- It's 16% cheaper to rent a home in Shrewsbury than the UK average (Q1, 2024)
- Our streets see 5.2% higher footfall than the rest of the UK (Q1, 2024)
Want to know what makes Shrewsbury so special? It's about more than just timber-framed buildings, churches and flowers.
Occupied in the loop of the Severn for over 1,000 years, Shrewsbury is a bustling market town with a fierce sense of independence and individuality, striving to break the mould.
Founded by Saxons to defend against Vikings sailing the Severn, developed by Tudors and transformed into a hub of global trade by Victorians, there's no place like Shrewsbury. You'll spot what makes our town unique as soon as you step out of the train station (which, incidentally, is home to the largest mechanical signal box in the world).
Shrewsbury is a bustling market town striving to break the mould...
Shrewsbury offers a rare blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it a prime spot to perfect your work-life balance.
This town is famously enveloped by lush countryside, yet remains well-connected to major cities, offering the perfect balance of escape and accessibility. It's sizeable enough to foster a lively atmosphere and rich, diverse social scene, yet small enough to maintain a community feel. Here, everyone might know your name, from the local shopkeepers to the entrepreneurs sharing your co-working space.
In Shrewsbury, you'll find a robust cultural scene with festivals and events that celebrate everything from global folk music to food, LGBTQ+ history to cinema, so you'll always have something in your calendar to look forward to.
Whether grabbing coffee in the shade of a 16th century market hall, enjoying a quiet moment by the riverside, or striking out for an adventure in the Shropshire Hills AONB, most residents would agree that Shrewsbury offers a quality of life that’s hard to match.
Visitors & tourism
Shrewsbury is the largest town in Shropshire and serves the majority of the county's population as its economic and social hub.
In summer, the town becomes a hub of a different kind - bustling with both national and global tourists ready to explore our unique local business scene, heritage and outdoor space.
Shropshire is recognised as one of ABTA's tourist destinations to watch for 2024, and - with plentiful accommodation, an award-winning food and drink scene and easy national transport links - Shrewsbury is the logical hub from which to explore the county.
Discover Shrewsbury's attractions
Posted 26 April 2023
The Quarry highlighted as one of UK's best city parks
Rubbing shoulders alongside Hampstead Heath and Belfast's Botanic Gardens, The Times has named The Quarry as top urban green space.
Posted 22 April 2022
Shrewsbury's architecturally unique buildings
Shrewsbury may be famous for its Tudor and Georgian architecture - but it isn't all black and white! Alongside the very old, you'll also find the…
Posted 11 April 2024
Best of the Fest: What Not to Miss at Loopfest 2024
Loopfest volunteer David Molby tells us about a few of the bands he's most excited to welcome to this year's three-day festival bonanza.
Posted 27 April 2022
Dog friendly dining in Shrewsbury
There are few delights in this world that surpass enjoying a tastebud tingling meal with the company of your four-legged friend. When you visit…
Posted 26 November 2020
Shrewsbury named in top 20 happiest places to live
Shrewsbury has been named in Right Move's top 20 Happiest Places to Live in Great Britain.
Posted 3 August 2020
Shropshire and the surrounding area
There are ancient churches, castles and mansions to visit, plus a calendar full of festivals and events to keep you entertained. Shropshire is the…
Posted 13 November 2019
A guide to Shrewsbury's historic pubs
Nestled within the loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a town steeped in history. Archaeological evidence dates the town back to the 7th century,…
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