Shropshire

Central Circuit

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Overview

Explore the county town of Shrewsbury, set on the River Severn with this walking tour. With medieval streets and over 660 listed buildings you can trace Shrewsbury through time, taking in Shrewsbury Abbey, the Town Walls and Shrewsbury castle on your walk.

Shrewsbury Abbey

The abbey site has been a place of worship extending back to Anglo-Saxon times. Shrewsbury Abbey was founded as a Benedictine Monastery in 1083 and today stands on a large pear shaped green. Take your time and explore the relics, towers and stain glass windows.

Coleham Pumping Station

Visit the English Heritage Coleham Pumping Station, home to two massive steam-driven beam engines that were built on site in 1897 as part of Shrewsbury’s new sewage system. Explore the wider museum to view other exhibits and splendid architecture.

Town Walls

Explore the history of the Town Walls of Shrewsbury and wander the medieval defensive fortifications dating back to 1220 and updated in the 14th century by King Henry III. On certain open days you can explore the Town Walls last remaining WatchTower, Wingfield.

The Quarry

The main recreational park in Shrewsbury, The Quarry extends for 29 acres and has The Dingle a magnificent formal floral masterpiece at its centre, created by Percy Thrower. The Quarry is the venue for the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show, with Shrewsbury Regatta and Dragon Boat racing on the nearby River Severn.

Saint Chad's Church

A uniquely round church, St. Chad’s has three angels on the ceiling representing the Holy Trinity. 2012 saw significant refurbishment of the tower. St. Chad’ was the first church in the country to sign the Armed Forces Agreement.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Along the narrow paved streets with old buildings on either side and on the site of the old Music Hall, the Museum & Gallery has a series of galleries including Roman Gallery, Medieval, Tudor and Stuart exhibitions. Over a thousand objects, including many local finds such Roman tombstones and the Shropshire Mammoth combine to take you on a journey through history.

Shropshire Regimental Museum

Housed in the medieval fortress of Shrewsbury Castle the Shropshire Regimental Museum is a trove of medals, uniforms, weapons, paintings and silverware stretching back to the 18th century.

Shrewsbury Castle

The red sandstone building of Shrewsbury Castle has a commanding position on the River Severn opposite Shrewsbury Abbey and provides panoramic views across the town of Shrewsbury. The castle is home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum.

The Dana Prison

The Dana was a men’s prison that closed in 2013 and dates back over 200 years. Take a tour behind the high walls and experience life as a prisoner in this historic building.

Laura's Tower

Built around 1790, Laura’s Tower is part of series of alterations to Shrewsbury Castle overseen by the designer and architect Thomas Telford.

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What to see and do…

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Shrewsbury Abbey | Shropshire

Shrewsbury Abbey, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6BS

Riverside Cabins | Shrewsbury

Stanwardine Lane, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HY

Fairhaven Camping & Glamping | Shropshire

Back Lane, Maesbury, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8AX

The Orchard Retreat ‘Ted’s Shack’ | Shropshire

The Swallows, Fords Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 9GD

Shropshire Raft Tours | Shropshire

Coalport Road, Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, TF8 7HZ

Betty the Homely Horsebox | Worcestershire

Catherton Barnhouse, Catherton Road, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY140LJ

Rest + Wild Cabins | Shropshire

Downton Hall, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3DX

Eithinog Hall | Wales

Eithinog Hall , Cyfronyd , Welshpool , Powys, SY21 9ED

About the Central Circuit Trail

Distance:9 miles
Cities / Towns:10
Number Of Businesses:13

The walk takes in views of the River Severn and Shrewsbury Abbey dating from 1083, whilst Shrewsbury Castle built in 1070 now houses the collections of the Shropshire Regimental Museum. Visit the Coleham Pumping Station to learn about the gigantic beam engines that helped power the industrial age in these parts. You can also take a tour of Dana’s Prison and take in the views from the red sandstone Laura’s Tower. For those feeling energetic, take a slightly longer walk to explore the church of St. Mary the Virgin with one of the tallest spires in England.

Child Friendly
Cycling
Free to Do
Pet Friendly
Shopping
Sporting
Walking
Wheel Chair Access

Blooming Shrewsbury

Visit Quarry Park on the River Severn, home to the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show. The “Town of Flowers” is an award winner in national and international floral competitions and you can see this in abundance as you walk around the town.

Historic Shrewsbury

The River Severn loops the historic town centre, packed with black and white timber-framed buildings. Visit the historic Town Walls, museums and Shrewsbury Castle to explore the history of the town. Charles Darwin was born here and there are many reminders of this in evidence.

Retail Therapy

Shrewsbury’s historic centre is packed with a combination of independent retailers, designer shops and high street names. Check out the Darwin Centre, The Parade and Wyle Cop and Shoplatch-Mardol-Pride Hill amongst others. Plus the farmers market on the first Friday of the month.

Also Nearby

Shrewsbury Abbey | Shropshire

Shrewsbury Abbey, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6BS

Riverside Cabins | Shrewsbury

Stanwardine Lane, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HY

Fairhaven Camping & Glamping | Shropshire

Back Lane, Maesbury, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8AX

The Orchard Retreat ‘Ted’s Shack’ | Shropshire

The Swallows, Fords Heath, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 9GD

Shropshire Raft Tours | Shropshire

Coalport Road, Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire, TF8 7HZ

Betty the Homely Horsebox | Worcestershire

Catherton Barnhouse, Catherton Road, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY140LJ

Rest + Wild Cabins | Shropshire

Downton Hall, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 3DX

Eithinog Hall | Wales

Eithinog Hall , Cyfronyd , Welshpool , Powys, SY21 9ED

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