Shrewsbury Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Shrewsbury Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Shrewsbury's compact centre makes it dead easy to explore on foot. The town's 600+ listed buildings include some absolute stunners. Shrewsbury Castle (SY1 2AT, open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm) houses the Shropshire Regimental Museum and gets 4/5 on TripAdvisor.

Don't miss St Mary's Church with its incredible stained glass. The Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery (SY1 1LH) scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and costs just £4.50 for adults. The exhibits tell the story of Shrewsbury and Shropshire from pre-history to the modern day.

I recommend taking a river cruise on the Sabrina (£8.50 adults, 4.5/5 TripAdvisor) which gives you a different perspective of the town. The 45-minute trip includes commentary about Shrewsbury's history and famous buildings.

For shopping, head to the Parade Shopping Centre or the Darwin Shopping Centre. But the real gems are the independent shops in The Squares and along Wyle Cop - the longest row of uninterrupted independent shops in the UK.

Pet Friendly

Shrewsbury is brilliant for dog owners. The Quarry park (SY1 1JA) offers 29 acres of riverside parkland where dogs can run free. There's even a dedicated dog swimming area by the river during summer months.

Many pubs welcome four-legged visitors, including The Loggerheads (SY1 1HU) and The Three Fishes (SY1 1XA). Both serve good food and have water bowls available. The Armoury (SY1 2JJ) by the river has a dog-friendly terrace with great views.

Attingham Park (SY4 4TP, National Trust) allows dogs in the parkland and deer park (on leads). They've created a specific dog-walking route and even provide dog waste bins throughout.

If you need emergency vet care, Quarry Vets (SY1 1HR) is centrally located. For supplies, Pets at Home (SY1 4LE) is on the outskirts of town and stocks everything from food to toys.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Shrewsbury

The Quarry and Dingle Gardens (SY1 1JA) is Shrewsbury's beautiful 29-acre riverside park. The Dingle is a floral masterpiece created by Percy Thrower (of Blue Peter fame) who was parks superintendent here for 28 years. It features ornamental gardens, fountains and statues. In summer, the park hosts the Shrewsbury Flower Show, the world's longest-running horticultural show (Guinness World Record holder).

Shrewsbury Abbey (SY2 6BS) dates from 1083 and was once one of the most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. Much of the original building was destroyed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, but what remains is impressive. Look for the stone pulpit dating from 1403, the year of the Battle of Shrewsbury. The Abbey scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, with visitors praising its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance.

The Market Hall (SY1 1QG, open Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat 8am-4pm) is a foodie paradise. This indoor market houses 70+ independent traders selling everything from local cheese to vintage clothing. We love the Bird's Nest Café on the gallery level - their breakfast baps are legendary. The market scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, with many visitors saying it's the heart of Shrewsbury's independent shopping scene.

Is Shrewsbury good for walking holidays?

Yes! Beyond the town itself, you're within easy reach of the Shropshire Hills AONB. The Stiperstones and Long Mynd offer spectacular walking routes. Closer to town, the Severn Way follows the river and provides flat, accessible walking. After a day's hiking, your cottage hot tub will be waiting!

What's the best time to visit Shrewsbury?

Summer brings the Shrewsbury Flower Show (August) and the Shrewsbury Food Festival (June). Spring offers beautiful blossom in the Dingle Gardens. Christmas sees a medieval market in the town square. The Darwin Festival runs each February. I'd avoid the second weekend in August unless you're attending the Flower Show, as accommodation prices rise.

Where's the best place to eat in Shrewsbury?

The Olive Tree (SY1 1PL) consistently ranks as Shrewsbury's #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor. For something special, try House of the Rising Sun (SY1 1JA) for Asian-fusion cuisine. CSons (SY1 1LG) focuses on local, seasonal ingredients. For a quick lunch, the market hall has excellent food stalls.

Can I get around Shrewsbury without a car?

Absolutely. The town centre is compact and walkable. There's a good bus network for reaching suburbs. Shrewsbury train station connects to Birmingham (50 mins), Manchester (1hr 30) and Cardiff (2hrs). For cottages outside town, a car is useful, but many attractions are accessible by public transport.

Is Shrewsbury suitable for children?

Kids love the Quantum Leap sculpture, the castle and boat trips on the river. The Quarry park has excellent playgrounds. Nearby attractions include Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom (SY4 5UH) and Attingham Park (National Trust). Many cottages with hot tubs also offer games rooms or large gardens.

What's the best way to learn about Shrewsbury's history?

Take a guided walking tour with Shrewsbury Tours (SY1 1LH). Their guides are knowledgeable and entertaining. The Darwin Town Trail follows a self-guided route with information boards. The Shrewsbury Museum provides excellent context about the town's development from medieval trading centre to modern county town.

1. Original Shrewsbury - Official Tourism Website
2. Visit Shrewsbury - Events and Attractions
3. Shropshire Hills AONB - Walking Routes and Maps