Shrewsbury Vacations: What To Do When You Visit Shrewsbury
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008The market town of Shrewsbury is situated in the County of Shropshire in England close to the Welsh border. It still retains many of the timber framed black and white buildings that were built during the medieval period and which sit along the sides of its narrow steep streets and alleyways.
Along with the castle and abbey there are more than 600 listed buildings within the market town of Shrewsbury. Charles Darwin was born and educated in the town. The town still has many reminders about Darwin.
When staying in Shrewsbury you can either take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the River Severn which loop around it. The other choice is to actually take a trip down the river on one of the pleasure boats. Whatever you choose, there are lots of things to do and see when you stay in Shrewsbury. Below we take a look at just a few attractions in and around Shrewsbury that are worth visiting.
1. Acton Burnell Castle – This houses the remains of a 13th Century fortified manor house, built by Robert Burnell. Burnell was Chancellor of England and a close friend of King Edward the First. The king visited the house regularly and he convened one of the first English parliaments here in 1263.
2. Attingham Park – This beautiful park which was designed by Humphrey Repton in 1797 surrounds the manor house of the same name that was designed by George Stuart in 1785. It was the home of the first Lord Berwick. As you wander around the house itself you will see that it is beautifully furnished with furniture and silver from the Regency period. Or you can wander around the park grounds and take in some quiet country moments.
3. Abbey Church – The abbey church is all that remains of the Benedictine Monastery founded here in 1083. The church is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. When you approach the church you will see the Gothic design west tower which also has a statue of King Edward the Third. Plus there is the wonderful west window to be admired which has an embellished coat of arms on it dated back to the reign of Richard the Second. Then there is the altar of 1888 designed by James Pearson to be admired and why not explore the many tombs with some dating back to the 1300’s.
When you next visit Shrewsbury, be sure to book your Shrewbury hotel here.