Between Liverpool And Newport Is A Charming English Town With Fun Shops, River Views, And A Gorgeous Park

The English county of Shropshire, whose western border doubles as the Welsh border, is defined by the River Severn, England's longest river measuring over 200 miles. Set on the curve of this extensive river is Shropshire's main town of Shrewsbury. This bustling market town's historic heart boasts charming timber-framed buildings that now brim with lovely shops and restaurants, as well as a gorgeous riverside park.

Hosting markets since at least the 13th century, Shrewsbury soon became a hub for selling wool from Wales (via Britannica). The bustling and wealthy town grew with grand timber-framed facades, many of which are still well preserved today. The town honors its history with its mid-century Shrewsbury Market Hall, which showcases the work and products of local artisans. In addition, there are plenty of fun shops and boutiques in Shrewsbury housed inside historic timber-framed buildings for visitors to peruse. The town's commercial spirit is relieved by Quarry Park, a sprawling green space where visitors can enjoy flowering gardens, walking and biking trails, and plenty of prime river views. The town is also close to Shropshire's natural beauty, such as the elegant Attingham Park estate and the over 300-square-mile Shropshire Hills National Landscape. 

Shrewsbury is about a 2.5-hour drive north of Newport in Wales and a 1.5-hour drive south of Liverpool, which Rick Steves' protege refers to as "arguably the U.K.'s best big-city destination outside London." If you're flying in, the closest major airport is the Birmingham Airport (BHX) that lies about an hour's drive east. The best time to visit Shrewsbury is between June and September when temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 60s, ideal for enjoying the town's riverfront setting.

Shrewsbury is a shopper's dream and offers a wide variety of boutiques and markets to explore. Begin your trip at the Shrewsbury Market Hall. Inside this soaring space, you can visit over 60 local vendors selling food, drink, provisions, gifts, and more. Take your time to explore all of the diverse stalls, where you can pick up a customized flatware set at Washed Up Wood, an oil painting at ArtKDuffy, or sustainable ceramics at The Cupboard. If you get hungry, there are stands selling fresh fruits and vegetables, butcher cuts, bakery goods, handmade chocolates, and more, as well as cafes serving Thai, Indian, Spanish, and Moroccan cuisines.

Another top collective is The Parade Shops, a former 19th-century infirmary that has been converted into a mall of fun shops. Book lovers will adore the selection of rare reads at Second Chapter Books, while fashionistas can browse a curated array of mid-century styles at Maggie Mae's Vintage. For a quintessentially British souvenir, stop into Oscar & Willow Millinery to pick up an elaborate fascinator or commission a custom hat design. 

A short stroll away from The Parade Shops is White Orchard. Set inside a 15th-century timbered corner building, it stocks a charming array of gifts, such as cozy knits, elegant jewelry, and humorous greeting cards. Music fans also can't miss Music Bros., which sells exceptional guitars, instruments, and other musical accessories. For more shopping, head about 20 miles north to Whitchurch, an old Roman town with shops, Michelin-rated local eats, and scenic beauty.

Tucked between the commercial heart of Shrewsbury and the sinuous River Severn is the gorgeous Quarry Park, which has been a park for over 300 years. Measuring nearly 30 acres, this riverfront gem is an idyllic oasis away from the bustle. In the center of the park is The Dingle, a spectacular sunken garden that blooms seasonally with vibrantly landscaped flower beds and can be admired from the benches that ring the edges. "Lovely place to visit," a Tripadvisor reviewer raved. "Nice and peaceful to just sit and look at the beautiful flowers." 

If you continue towards the River Severn, you'll reach the paved path that runs along the river that doubles as the National Cycle Route 81. Here you can walk or cycle around the outskirts of Shrewsbury and along the river while enjoying river views. The Quarry's sprawling lawns are also ideal for sunbathing or picnicking in the summer near the water, while children will adore the Splash Park that is open in the summer.

For more outdoor fun, head about 5 miles outside of Shrewsbury to Attingham Park, a National Trust property that appears plucked from a Jane Austen novel. Here you can tour the palatial 18th-century mansion, which is lavishly decorated with paintings and antiques, and explore the vast acreage of grounds. You can wander through the Deer Park to see the resident deer, stroll on riverside trails, and stand beneath centuries-old trees. There is also a walled kitchen garden, a family-friendly Field of Play, and the Stables Shop for more shopping. If you're seeking more nature, head south into the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, a scenic escape with abandoned ruins, trails, and rolling hills.