Shrewsbury is a stunning example of a medieval market town, but its origins go back even further. As a settlement it can trace its roots back to the Saxon period. The town boasts over 650 listed buildings, including red sandstone Shrewsbury Castle, and Shrewsbury Abbey, which was built in 1083. Nowadays it's a lovely town for a mini-break or it works well for anyone wanting to explore further afield (you're only 9 miles from the Welsh border). The best places to stay in Shrewsbury include a couple of fine inns, and restaurants with rooms — which have only been getting better in recent years, as the town develops something of a reputation for foodies.

Shrewsbury’s old buildings have played host to a number of monarchs, including Henry IV, Edward V, Richard III and Henry Tudor. If you want to know more, you can follow up at the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, and the Shropshire Regimental Museum — within the castle walls. Shrewsbury is also where Charles Darwin was born, so the best places to stay in Shrewsbury are relevant to those tracing his footsteps too.

The centre of town offers retail therapy for all tastes and budgets with a good range of independent and designer boutiques as well as high street staples. Alongside these you'll find a plethora of bars, cafes and restaurants. Pick a pew on Market Square with a drink and a snack and watch the world go by or head down to the River Severn which loops through Shrewsbury and take a cruise to view things from the water.

The majority of our picks of best places to stay in Shrewsbury are small intimate properties, so you'll need to do your research and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Shrewsbury

For Romantics

• In a stunning setting, on 17 acres of its own picturesque parklands, sits Rowton Castle, a 17th century property, complete with towers, stone crenelations and Gothic details. Inside, the 19 rooms and suites are decorated with antique luxury, and feature chandeliers, heavy, dark wood furniture, and sumptuous four-poster beds. The reception rooms and restaurant are grand, and the food is excellent.

For Foodies

• The Haughmond is a charming local inn in the pretty village of Upton Magna, just outside Shrewsbury. The restaurant is very noteworthy — it’s headed up by the owner, who has won many gongs for his contemporary British cuisine (it boasts 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Guide recommendation). There are five guest rooms, simply decorated with solid, pale-wood furniture, and with a range of doubles and twins.
• The Lion & Pheasant is a 16th century building, housing an innovative interior, with a very cool, 3 AA Rosette awarded restaurant, a chic bar, and 19 stylishly minimalist rooms — with original features and wrought iron beds. The restaurant has a taste for local produce — with many ingredients grown in the property's own garden.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re traveling via London, your quickest route takes just under three hours: a train from Euston, changing once in Crewe. If you need to travel by air, the closest airports are Birmingham Airport, which is about an hour away by road, or an hour and quarter by rail; or Manchester Airport, which is around an hour and twenty minutes by car or taxi, or an hour and three quarters by rail.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• As well as Shrewsbury’s very visit-worthy collection of regular attractions, the city hosts Octoberfest celebrations, Christmas lights, a Darwin Festival in February, a local agricultural show in May, a food festival in June, the Shrewsbury Flower Show in August, and a folk music festival, also in August.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Shropshire
• Consider one of Shrewsbury’s neighbours, Ludlow for example
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in the Midlands
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.