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Shrewsbury Branch

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Travel Information

Travel by rail.

The 167-year-old train station is based within the centre of town, below Shrewsbury Castle . The station is serviced by trains from around the UK, many services to Wales start at or pass through Shrewsbury station, which is why the station is known as the 'Gateway to Wales'.

From Birmingham, Manchester or Chester the journey is around an hour or less (on a direct train) and there is a direct service between Shrewsbury and London.

Plan your journey with West Midlands Railway and National Rail journey planner .

There is a taxi rank outside of Shrewsbury station.

Travel by car

If you're planning a road trip to Shrewsbury you will need to use the M54 / M6 network or the A49, A5, A53, A458 if approaching by A roads. There is parking a plenty in centre of Shrewsbury town.

Shropshire Council car parks in Shrewsbury are priced in bands; the further from the centre of the town, the cheaper the car park. You can stay for as long as you want in the car parks or on-street and they are priced per hour (there is a time limit for stays in Frankwell Riverside, due to flooding risk).

Car parks in Shrewsbury

Disabled parking

Shrewsbury has designated on-street parking spaces for disabled badge holders on:

  • Shoplatch - SY1 1HF
  • Castle Street - SY1 2BQ
  • St. Mary's Street - SY1 1DS
  • St Mary's Place - SY1 1DZ
  • Claremont Street - SY1 1QG
  • Roushill - SY1 1PN
  • Beeches Lane - SY1 1TZ
  • Princess Street - SY1 1LP
  • Dogpole - SY1 1EN

Parking is free if a badge is displayed.

Normal car parking charges apply for the designated disabled parking spaces in Raven Meadows multi-storey and in Abbey Foregate car park.

Some Hackney Carriage taxis are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible buses operate on all three Park and Ride routes. Normal charges apply.

Travel by Park and Ride

There are three Park and Ride sites in:

  • Harlescott - SY1 4HA, closes at midnight
  • Meole Brace - SY3 9NB, closes 15 minutes after the arrival of the last bus
  • Oxon - SY3 5AD, closes 15 minutes after the arrival of the last bus

Parking is free and the return bus fare costs £2 for adults, concessions are half-price (with a concessionary bus pass or Shrewsbury Sixth Form / Shrewsbury High School student card).

Buses run every 20 minutes between 7.20am and 6.20pm on weekdays and Saturdays 8am-6.20pm.

For more information on the park and ride services, visit the Shropshire Council website .

Travel by taxi

If you're coming for a night out in Shrewsbury, don't forget to book your journey home to avoid long waits.

  • Go Carz - 01743 441144
  • Star Cars Travel - 01743 353535
  • Taxi-Now - 01743 818283

Travel by bus

Until October 31st 2023 all bus services within Shrewsbury and Shropshire are £2 per trip. You can find a map of all routes and services within Shrewsbury here.

Travel by bus and coach is stress-free and cost-effective. For information and timetables call the Shropshire Travel Line on 0870 6082608, or use the online planner.

Information is also available from National Express (08705 808080) Travel Line Midlands (0870 2002233) and Severn Dee Travel (01691 681010).

Group and coach travel

Since 2012 Shrewsbury has retained a Coach Friendly Award by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). Shrewsbury partners have continued to work with CPT to improve the coach offer and facilities, which included adding additional coach drop-off points.

Discover more in our Shrewsbury Group Travel Brochure

Coach parking

Coaches can park at Abbey Foregate car park (13 coach / HGV bays) and Frankwell car park (5 dedicated coach bays). Parking for coaches is free although charges may apply during busy events, such as the Flower Show.

  • Frankwell Coach Park - SY3 8HQ
  • Abbey Foregate SY2 6AH and turn left at the Car Park sign (postcode is Shropshire Wildlife Trust)

Coach drop-off points

There are coach drop-off points at Frankwell opposite St. Chad's Church at the main entrance to the Quarry Park , Shoplatch, and Dogpole.

  • St Chad's Terrace - SY1 1JX
  • Shoplatch - SY1 1EB
  • Dogpole - SY1 1HF

Shrewsbury is a medieval town with narrow streets, which could make access by large vehicles difficult. For advice on access, speak with the staff at your planned destination or contact the Parking and Transport Office on 01743 356628.

Travel by air

Jet-setters planning a trip to Shrewsbury can land at Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester, which are all an hour away. Birmingham and Manchester airports are connected to a mainline rail network.

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  • Shrewsbury Shropshire
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Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Attractions, old market hall, historic buildings, accommodation, shrewsbury guide.

The English bridge across the River Severn in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire almost completely encircled by a loop of the River Severn.

With hundreds of historic buildings which escaped any damage during World War II, this pleasant, market city of around 70,000 people is something of a hidden gem.

Charles Darwin was born here and the city also has a connection with Clive of India.

Nowadays Shrewsbury is known for its annual Shrewsbury Flower Show in mid-August, its many fine restaurants ranging from vegan to sushi, and its cycle-friendliness.

If you have not discovered Shrewsbury yet, you really should find time to explore this fascinating place steeped in history and tradition.

The bandstand in The Quarry, Shrewsbury.

Is it Shrewsbury pronounced as in "shrew" - the rodent - or Shrewsbury with the "Shrew" pronounced "Shrow"? Good news both are fine!

The town was known as Pengwern before the Roman period and was fought over after the Roman departure by the Welsh and English. Wroxeter (Viroconium) 5 miles (8 km) southeast was a significant Roman settlement.

After the Norman conquest of 1066, Roger de Montgomery was given the land in this area. He built Shrewsbury Castle in 1074 and founded Shrewsbury Abbey in 1083.

The now castle town prospered through the wool trade to Europe during the medieval period. Wool was shipped along the River Severn for export.

During the English Civil War the town was staunchly Royalist. It did eventually fall to the Parliamentary army after they were let in through what is now known as Traitor's Gate.

Robert Clive, known for his successful military campaigns and subsequent looting of India, was Shrewsbury's MP from 1762 until his death in 1774. He also served as mayor of the town. His statue stands in The Square .

Like nearby Ironbridge , Shrewsbury developed significantly during the Industrial Revolution. Ditherington Flax Mill ("the grandfather of skyscrapers") is known as the first iron-framed building in the world. The Shrewsbury Canal (1797) connected to the Shropshire Canal and the network of industrial waterways in England.

Almost completely surrounded by the River Severn, a number of bridges both ancient and modern span the river in Shrewsbury. The town is particularly prone to flooding, however, with several major inundations in recent years.

Shrewsbury Castle was built by Roger de Montgomery.

There are hundreds of historical buildings in Shrewsbury. Thankfully spared any German bombing in World War II the town boasts numerous historic churches, a castle, a Roman Catholic Cathedral and the iconic Old Market Hall.

Shrewsbury Castle was built by Roger de Montgomery in 1074. It stands close to Shrewsbury Station and was besieged a number of times during its history. Now belonging to the town council, the castle is home to the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum (aka Shropshire Regimental Museum). Laura's Tower is nearby. This was built by Thomas Telford in the late 18th century as a summer house and 21st birthday present for the daughter of Sir William Pulteney MP. It opens just one day a year for Heritage Day. The red sandstone castle visitors see today in Shrewsbury owes much to Telford's redesign of the castle as a private residence for Sir William Pulteney.

Laura's Tower, Shrewsbury Castle.

Shrewsbury Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Peter of Alcantara) is a Roman Catholic cathedral that dates from 1856. The church is notable for its fine stained glass windows by Margaret Agnes Rope. It is the only cathedral in Shropshire which does not have an Anglican equivalent.

The Quarry is Shrewsbury's main park and the venue for the Shrewsbury Flower Show in August as well as other events throughout the year. A former quarry, hence the name, the 29-acre park has a Victorian bandstand and war memorial and was created back in 1719. The Dingle is the actual former quarry and now an ornamental sunken garden with pleasing ponds, statues and fountains.

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is located within the 19th century Music Hall and the 13th century Vaughan's Mansion. There are five galleries with exhibits of from the Roman, Medieval, Tudor and Stuart periods as well as two galleries for temporary exhibitions. There is a museum shop and cafe too.

Old Market Hall.

The Old Market Hall in The Square was completed in 1587 and is a fine example of Elizabethan architecture. A statue, thought to be of Richard Duke of York can be seen in the arch. Completely renovated in 2004, the building is now an arts venue and café showing movies and hosting various exhibitions.

There are many historic buildings to enjoy in Shrewsbury. Beeches Lane, Belmont, Butcher Row, College Hill, Dogpole, St Mary's Street, Swan Hill, St Alkmund's Place, The Square, Wyle Cop, the High Street and Fish Street are particularly rich in traditional architecture.

Many of these black and white timbered or later brick buildings now serve as hotels, shops, pubs and restaurants.

Ditherington Flax Mill , a little way outside the town was the first iron-framed building in the world. It has been called "the grandfather of skyscrapers." Completed in 1797, the building was later used as a maltings until the 1980s. The site is undergoing restoration but the visitor centre is open to the public.

Shrewsbury Cathedral.

There are several churches in Shrewsbury other than the cathedral that merit a visit.

Shrewsbury Abbey was founded in 1083 as a Benedictine monastery by Roger de Montgomery. It was a center of pilgrimage in the medieval period. After its dissolution in the 16th century, parts of the old nave became a parish church.

The Shrewsbury United Reformed Church and its distinctive spire is at the eastern end of the English Bridge over the Severn.

St Mary's Church is the largest church in Shrewsbury and a Grade I listed building. It has various styles of stained glass dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries.

Being almost surrounded by the River Severn, the city has multiple bridges linking it to the outside world. These include road bridges such as the English and Welsh bridges, a toll bridge (Kingsland Bridge), a suspension bridge (Port Hill Suspension Bridge) and pedestrian bridge (Castle Walk Footbridge).

The 64.6 meter Kingsland Bridge dates from 1883 and charges a small fee to cross the river here. Port Hill Suspension Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that opened in 1923.

Medieval street in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury Town FC ("The Shrews") are the local professional football team. They were founded in 1886 and play their home games at the just under 10,000-capacity New Meadow.

Shrewsbury Station has trains to  Chester Station  in  Chester  and on to Holyhead on  Anglesey .

There are also trains to  Aberystwyth , Birmingham New Street, Crewe,  Coventry ,  Manchester Piccadilly Station  in  Manchester , Cardiff Central in  Cardiff , Wolverhampton and Wrexham.

The #436 bus connects Shrewsbury with Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, and Ironbridge.

By car the town is about 50 minutes from Birmingham on the M6 and M54 motorways. From Aberystwyth take the A44 or A458. Driving time is about two hours.

Shrewsbury has many superb places to stay. Choose from the Prince Rupert Hotel a timber-framed hotel on Butcher Row, the Lion Hotel is a former 16th century coaching inn and can count Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin among its guests or the Lion & Pheasant Hotel with a restaurant, large rooms and free WiFi.

The Station Hotel is just opposite Shrewsbury Station and offers single, double and deluxe rooms.

See a listing on hotels in and near Shrewsbury

The Square and statue of Robert Clive Shrewsbury, Shropshire.

Bridgnorth is 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Shrewsbury also on the River Severn. Once one of the busiest river ports in the country, the river divides the town into two parts, High Town and Low Town. Nowadays Bridgnorth is known mostly for its funicular railway, said to be the steepest in the country, and its heritage Steam railway, the Severn Valley Railway.

24 km (15 miles) or so east, along the River Severn is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ironbridge. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, it was here the world's first iron bridge was constructed by Abraham Darby III. A Quaker, Darby was the third man of that name among the Darby family that played such a pivotal role in Britain's industrial breakthrough.

A further 15 km east of Ironbridge is the Royal Air Force Museum in Cosford, one of Britain's many fine aviation museums . Cosford's collection includes both passenger aircraft, fighter planes and bombers from the UK and overseas. Among the many planes on display are an Avro Vulcan, de Havilland Mosquito TT.35, Gloster Gladiator I, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire I.

Wenlock Priory in the village of Much Wenlock dates to the 12th century. Now ruined, the priory was dissolved in 1540, with many of the buildings destroyed at the time. The site is now managed by English Heritage. The spacious grounds contain a collection of topiary.

Just 5 miles southeast of Shrewsbury, Attingham Park is an 18th century country house and estate. It was built for Lord Berwick on his existing property at Attingham. John Nash's Italianate villa was added later and was a gift from Lord Berwick for his agent. The houses and 650-acre estate are now managed by the National Trust.

Wroxeter in Shropshire, a little over 6 miles from Shrewsbury, was once Viroconium Cornoviorum, the fourth largest city in Roman Britain . It had a population of around 15,000 people and lay near the end of Watling Street, the Roman road from Dover. Excavations have revealed the impressive 7 meter-high remains of the basilica (Old Work), and a Roman bath. In addition, visitors can enjoy a reconstructed Roman townhouse built in 2010. A museum displays the Roman period artefacts discovered at the site such as coins, glassware, pottery and ornaments.

Moreton Corbet Castle, 8 miles northeast of Shrewsbury, is a ruined castle now managed by English Heritage but still owned by the Corbet family. The ruins consist of a medieval castle and a later Elizabethan manor house.

Shrewsbury has many historic buildings, Shropshire.

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travel book shrewsbury

01743 248175

Worldchoice travel is your local travel agent in shrewsbury.

Prepare for the holiday of a lifetime when you book with Worldchoice Travel in Shrewsbury. Our friendly, experienced team loves nothing more than designing unforgettable holidays for our customers. The holidays we sell range from luxury escapes to all-inclusive stays at family-friendly resorts, and from an adventure tour to a stylish city break. We pride ourselves on our ability to find the perfect holiday for everyone – why not give us a try?

A huge selection of offers from your local travel agent

Worldchoice Travel in Shrewsbury is part of the Travel Network Group – a huge network of independent travel businesses. This membership gives us a huge variety of holidays and deals that we pass on to you, our customers, whilst retaining our independence and high levels of customer service. Even better, we are able to provide you with 100% financial protection when you book a holiday through us, and the added assurance of our ATOL licence when you book a flight-inclusive holiday. With us, you really do have the best of both worlds!

travel book shrewsbury

At Worldchoice Travel in Shrewsbury, we are proud to call our customers our friends. We have an incredibly loyal customer base but love nothing more than welcoming new customers to the family. We support each other to provide the upmost levels of customer service, and giving our customers exactly what they want out of a holiday.

Target Focussed

We put a lot of effort into designing itineraries and holiday packages. As soon as a new requirement comes in, we search our huge variety of travel products and holiday suppliers to find something that fits your needs exactly.

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At Worldchoice Travel in Shrewsbury, we pride ourselves on our ability to continually improve what we do – whether that’s by regularly reviewing our suppliers to only sell the best, to implementing new customer service ideas to keep our customers coming back for more.

It’s obvious to our customers as soon as they walk through the doors of our travel agency in Shrewsbury that we love what we do. We are passionate about providing incredible levels of customer service to our customers, and passionate about designing holiday packages that they will love.

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Address: Worldchoice Travel Shrewsbury 21 Shoplatch Shrewsbury Shropshire SY1 1HS

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One Day in Shrewsbury Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Shrewsbury, England

Shrewsbury is a hidden gem in the heart of England that many tourists overlook when visiting the country. It is a charming, quaint, and picturesque medieval town full of history and culture. There’s a lot of architecture in the town that remains intact from different eras in England’s colourful past, and the River Severn, the longest river in Great Britain, runs through Shrewsbury, so the town is surrounded by natural beauty and popular parks such as the Dingle and the Quarry. This really is a fascinating place where you can immerse yourself in living history, but there are also plenty of bars and restaurants everyone can enjoy. Do come and visit, you won’t be sorry!

travel book shrewsbury

What’s the best time to visit Shrewsbury, England?

June to August are the busier tourist months for Shrewsbury compared to the rest of the year. This is because the weather is usually at its best during this period, although this is Britain, so you can never be too sure. Temperatures can sometimes go above 30 degrees Celsius, but generally, summers in Shrewsbury are the best time to visit.

The winter months on the other hand are not so pleasant, and spring and autumn can be quite beautiful times to visit.

Shrewsbury in Fall

But the summer is when Shrewsbury is at its liveliest, with several events taking place such as the Shrewsbury Flower Show. This is the longest-running flower show in the world! It is held annually every August, and features live music as well as food and drink stalls.

The Shrewsbury Folk Festival is also held in August and is the prominent event that Shrewsbury hosts, with numerous local and international artists performing.

If you’re a foodie then you’ll want to head to Shrewsbury in June, when the Shrewsbury Food Festival occurs, featuring a lot of food street vendors selling a huge variety of food to try.

Dingle Garden, Shrewsbury 3

A few facts about Shrewsbury

Here are a few interesting facts about Shrewsbury that may surprise you:

Shrewsbury is the birthplace of Charles Darwin , the world-famous naturalist who shaped our knowledge of modern-day evolution thanks to his theory of natural selection.

Another interesting fact about Shrewsbury is that it is one of the most haunted towns in the UK! As a result, ghost tours are hugely popular, especially the Original Ghost Walk of Shrewsbury. On this tour you’ll be led by a costumed guide through Shrewsbury’s cobbled streets, visiting haunted locations throughout the town.

Streets of Shrewsbury

Another famous attraction in Shrewsbury is Shrewsbury Prison, which was built back in 1793. Nowadays it’s a top attraction offering guided tours that give a fascinating insight into what life was like behind bars in this old setting.

One Day in Shrewsbury Itinerary:

You are about to spend a day in what can be regarded as a quintessentially English town. Medieval history, cobbled streets, plenty of fascinating architecture and much more awaits! So, follow this itinerary and find the top things to do and see in Shrewsbury, England.

Start with a nice breakfast

To start your day in Shrewsbury, why not visit Ginger and Co coffee shop for a spot of breakfast? It’s often voted as one of the best places in Shrewsbury for a coffee or breakfast meal, and it’s ideally located in the centre of the town. The place has a really good breakfast menu, especially their American-style pancakes

If you’re coming from the train station then it’s only a 10-minute walk away, and you’ll pass the famous Charles Darwin statue outside of the Shrewsbury Library, which is a great photo opportunity.

Shrewsbury Square

You’ll also walk through the charming medieval old town on your way, and you can admire Shrewsbury Square , which is the heart of the town and dates back to the 16 th century.

Visit the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

After breakfast, you can pay a visit to Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery which is just a few blocks down on the same street.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery 2

This is the best museum and art gallery in the whole county of Shropshire and features the remarkable research undertaken by Charles Darwin, including plenty of artefacts, exhibits, and specimens of animals and plants that he collected on his famous voyage on HMS Beagle.

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

The museum has a lot of other featured collections and exhibitions, so allow yourself plenty of time to get the most out of your visit there. And entry is completely free!

Take a walk to Shrewsbury Abbey

Moving on with your itinerary, you can head through the town and cross the ‘English Bridge’, which has stood since 1774, and admire the scenic river views. Not too far after crossing the bridge, you’ll come to one of Shrewsbury’s most famous landmarks: Shrewsbury Abbey.

Shrewsbury Abbey

A visit to Shrewsbury Abbey is a great way to spend an hour or so. Marvel at the impressive exterior and interior of this building which is over several centuries old. Inside, the Abbey features a Norman Crypt and huge stained glass windows that are things of beauty.

Treat yourself to a nice lunch

By now, you‘ll probably be a bit peckish. Fortunately, there are some great options in town for lunch.

Just around the corner from the museum you visited earlier is Shrewsbury Market Hall . This lively indoor market has existed since the Victorian age, and here you’ll find a whole host of vendors selling unusual antiques, as well as many cafes offering various dishes. Ideal for brunch or a quick lunch!

Shrewsbury Market Hall

However, very close to the Abbey is The Peach Tree restaurant. This is a top-rated restaurant with a fantastic fusion menu, located in a 15 th -century building with wonderful timber decor.

The Peach Tree and the Market Hall are just a few minutes walk apart, so feel free to choose whichever you like best. It won’t disturb any of your plans for today!

Stroll along the Severn

A bit of exercise may be in order following lunch, and as you will be right next to the River Severn then you can easily go for a stroll alongside the river, taking in all of the natural beauty it has to offer or take a stroll through popular parks such as the Quarry and the Dingle Garden .

Quarry Park, Shrewsbury

It’s a great way to just take a moment and enjoy the fact that you are here, in the heart of England. But the parks themselves are exquisitely beautiful, and just walking through them will be a great pleasure. It’s everything you would expect from English gardens and more!

Dingle Garden, Shrewsbury

Enter Shrewsbury Castle

No visit to Shrewsbury would be complete without visiting one of its main attractions; Shrewsbury Castle . It’s situated just a fifteen-minute walk from Shrewsbury Abbey in the heart of the town. It stands on a hill overseeing the River Severn and dates back to 1070 and is a very impressive site.

Shrewsbury Castle

Similar to Shrewsbury Museum and the Abbey, the castle grounds are free to enter. However, there is also a museum here containing military uniforms, equipment, and medals. For this, a small fee will be required. Either way, visiting this castle is a must when it comes to things to do in Shrewsbury.

Cruise the Severn

After enjoying the sights of Shrewsbury on this walking tour, it’s time to sit back and relax and enjoy a cruise along the river! There are daily riverboat cruises that are held on the River Severn as well, which would make for a perfect afternoon treat.

Severn Cruise, Shrewsbury

This is a fantastic way to see more of the iconic landmarks of Shrewsbury, such as the Welsh Bridge (which has stood since 1795), the magnificent Shrewsbury Castle, and a statue of Hercules that has stood for over 200 years!

Severn River, Shrewsbury

End the day in style

Why not end your day in Shrewsbury by visiting one of the many top restaurants that Shrewsbury has available? Casa Naranjo is a Spanish tapas restaurant set in a really beautiful tavern building. This wonderful restaurant can be tricky to find as it is hidden away.

The place is located on Barrack’s Passage , which is a left turn off of Wyle Cop just before the Lion Hotel. It’s worth finding though as the food is spectacular and it has glowing reviews! You can visit from 5 pm until 9 pm Monday to Friday.

Shrewsbury Cafes

And if you still have some stamina left after a great meal, why not end the night by visiting one of Shrewsbury’s many great cocktail bars? You’ll be in the perfect location coming from Casa Naranjo, as there are several options in very close proximity.

Less than a minute’s walk away is Henry Tudor House , a lovely restaurant and bar set in a half-timbered, 15 th -century Tudor building. Other popular bars close by include House of Grain , which has an amazing lineup of craft beers and is always very busy. And just down the street from House of Grain is Hop & Friar , a traditional English pub if ever there was one!

Shrewsbury at night

Where to stay in Shrewsbury, England?

Darwin's Townhouse

Darwin’s Townhouse

St Julians Friars, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XL

Darwin’s Townhouse is a wonderful boutique bed and breakfast situated right next to the River Severn. It’s also listed as a Grade II Georgian townhouse, so you know you’re in for something special! The place is located close to the town center and most of the main sights, plus they serve an incredible breakfast every morning. Beautiful and comfortable rooms make sure you get plenty of rest, so there’s nothing you will lack here in any way. A wonderful place to stay!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Lion & Pheasant Hotel

Lion & Pheasant Hotel

Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, SY1 1XJ

Located in a 16th-century building, Lion & Pheasant Hotel will awe you as soon as you step through its door. The breakfast hall is beautiful, and the food served there will delight your taste buds. All rooms are quite comfortable and come with free toiletries, plus the location of the hotel is excellent, close to many restaurants and sights. The hotel certainly gives you a sense of history, but without withholding any of the modern amenities.

Upper Eyton Farmhouse B&B

Upper Eyton Farmhouse B&B

Upper Eyton Alberbury, Shrewsbury, SY5 9AB

If you don’t mind staying a bit outside of Shrewsbury, do consider Upper Eyton Farmhouse B&B . The location is incredibly relaxing and quiet, and the farmhouse itself is incredibly charming. Of course, a great breakfast will always be waiting for you, and the rooms are all very cozy and comfortable. It’s an ideal place if you want to take in the beautiful English countryside, and the people running the place always make sure you have everything you need.

Abbots Mead Hotel

Abbots Mead Hotel

If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Shrewsbury, try Abbots Mead Hotel . You will be staying in a Georgian townhouse right in the town’s center here, and the rooms are quite spacious and comfortable. Full English breakfast is on the menu every morning here, and it is quite delicious. Mind you, this is a family-owned hotel, so you will enjoy a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Day trips from Shrewsbury

Should you be spending more than one day in Shrewsbury, some very interesting day trip options will open up for you. Thanks to the town’s location, you can easily move around and reach some very interesting places. Here are a few suggestions you will not want to miss.

Just half an hour away from Shrewsbury is Ironbridge, the birthplace of the industrial revolution. So, this place is historically quite significant, but the scenery here is quite beautiful, too. The amazing Blists Hill Victorian town will show you exactly how towns from that era functioned, with excellent actors bringing the whole thing to another level.

Ironbridge gets its name from the first cast iron bridge ever built, which is why it’s a World Heritage Site today. Go and see the bridge if at all possible!

Attingham Park

If you’re looking for a good day trip while visiting Shrewsbury then why not visit Attingham Park? It is only a 15-minute drive outside of Shrewsbury and is a historical estate surrounded by gardens and a large woodland area.

This is the perfect place to escape to the countryside and enjoy a peaceful hike. The place features a deer park too, so it is more than likely you will see some stunning nature when visiting. A lot of events are held here throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, family-oriented activities, and workshops.

Should you want to experience a big English city, then Birmingham is the perfect choice. The second-largest city in the UK is about an hour by train from Shrewsbury.

One day in Birmingham will offer an exciting, busy day. Visit the famous shopping centre called the Bullring, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, a cool chocolate factory (Cadbury World), and a Sea Life Centre. Plenty to do and enjoy, and you will surely have a memorable day.

Ludlow Castle

Now, Ludlow Castle is a castle dating back to the age of Normans, which only adds to its allure. It was unfortunately abandoned in the late 17th century, but today it hosts several events every year.

The castle is at its most beautiful during fall, when the surrounding trees start changing colours and, in combination with the surrounding houses and cottages, give the whole place a very fairytale feeling. Visiting Ludlow will therefore be a very relaxed and easygoing day trip from Shrewsbury during which you will get to explore another fascinating English town.

Extra tips for visiting Shrewsbury

  • It’s super easy to travel to Shrewsbury either by car or public transport, thanks to its central location. The train is probably your best option; if you are travelling from London then it’ll usually take around 3 hours but will pass through Birmingham on the way if you want to visit both places.
  • Shrewsbury is generally considered a safe town to visit, it has a lower crime rate than the national average and the people are very friendly.
  • Most people would usually only consider visiting Shrewsbury for one day, but a weekend trip would allow more time to visit all the fascinating places and activities that it has to offer.

Streets of Shrewsbury

Make sure you have everything you need

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Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Mark Jeavons

Mark Jeavons

Mark is based in Wolverhampton in the UK and is a self-confessed travel addict! He has visited over 40 countries so far, prefers solo travel to group travel and these days is focusing his attention on his travel blog site: www.solotravelman.com , which focuses on travel hacks for solo travellers.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Shrewsbury (Shropshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Shrewsbury (Shropshire, England)

Embraced by a loop on the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a market town that wins people over with its Tudor houses, Medieval castle and idyllic riverside park.

The watery barrier of the Severn has helped Shrewsbury hang onto more than 600 historic buildings, as well as its “Shuts”, which are sequestered little passageways.

Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury and you can see the very church in which he was baptised.

That’s just one of many riveting stories the town has to tell, and you’ll hear more on a boat trip along the Severn in summer.

Just north of the town is where a pivotal moment in English history took place, when the rebel nobleman Sir Harry Hotspur was slain at the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Shrewsbury :

1. The Quarry Park

The Quarry Park

This glorious 29-acre park is on the western bulge of Shrewsbury’s loop in the River Severn, a leisurely walk from the town centre.

For a moment of repose you could stroll along its avenues or have a picnic by the Severn.

The Quarry was landscaped in 1719 and is centred on the Dingle, which was a stone quarry from the 14th to the 16th century.

This ornamental sunken garden was first planted in the 1870s, and the statue among the flowerbed represents Sabrina, a mythological nymph who drowned in the Severn.

The summer calendar at the Quarry is dotted with events like the Shrewsbury Flower Show in mid-August, the Shrewsbury Regatta in May.

June’s Shrewsbury Food Festival and the Let’s Rock Music Festival in July.

2. Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Castle

Guarding the head of Shrewsbury’s river peninsula, Shrewsbury Castle was raised during the Norman conquest by Roger de Montgomery in 1070. The red sandstone fortress here now is from reign of Edward I in the 13th century during his Conquest of Wales.

After a fallow period following the English Civil War in the 17th century, the monument was restored in the 1790s by the feted civil engineer and architect Thomas Telford.

The castle now holds the Shropshire Regimental Museum, which has a display of paintings, uniforms, weapons and regalia.

Thomas Telford’s Gothic Revival Laura’s Tower is set on the exact site of the original Norman motte (mound), and its terrace has a panoramic view of the townscape and countryside.

3. Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

This historic attraction, established in 1835, has recently relocated to the Music Hall, a grand Victorian building in the centre of Shrewsbury.

Over almost 200 years the museum has put together a collection of 300,000 objects, and more are added by the year.

A recent acquisition is the Shrewsbury Hoard, from a stash of 9,315 Roman-era bronze coins discovered by a metal detectorist in 2009. This is one must-see in a very strong archaeology department that also has a Bronze Age hoard and a Roman Mirror and Hadrianic forum inscription from the nearby Roman town of Wroxeter.

There’s also a rich array of Caughley ware, porcelain produced at the Caughley China Works in the 18th century.

The “Maximo Mouse” trail through the museum will also help keep children on board.

4. Historic Town Centre

Historic Town Centre

The oldest quarter of the city encircled by the Severn, is an absolute delight.

Shrewsbury has an amazing 660 listed buildings, a large proportion of which are black and white, half-timbered houses raised when the wool trade was blossoming in Tudor times.

Also from that period are Shrewsbury’s “Shuts”, cosy passageways with evocative names like “Gullet Passage”, Grope Lane” and “Peacock Passage”. You’ll spend most of a walking tour with your head craned back, inspecting the patterned and carved timbers, reliefs and historic flourishes.

On the Square, the Old Market Hall dates from the 16th century and houses an independent cinema and cafe.

5. Shrewsbury Abbey

Shrewsbury Abbey

A former Benedictine monastery, Shrewsbury Abbey dates from the 11th century and survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries when it was converted into a parish church in 1540. While the monastic buildings were torn down, the church remained, and a lot of the original Norman structure survives intact.

This can be seen in the transepts and in the piers on the eastern half of the nave.

The Abbey’s enduring image is the 14th-century Decorated Gothic west window, glazed around 1388. Wilfred Owen, perhaps the highest regarded of Britain’s First World War poets, lived in the parish from 1910 to 1918 and is remembered with a memorial tablet on the west end of the church.

6. Sabrina Boat Trips

Sabrina Boat

As the Severn is integral to Shrewsbury’s past, a river trip is a must if you’re in town on a sunny day.

The Sabrina departs from the Victoria Quay every day, be sure to check their website for hours and prices.

The trip is 45 minutes, giving you loads of photo opportunities on the outward journey, before returning with a running commentary from the captain.

There’s a bar on board serving hot and cold drinks, while you can take special dinner cruises on Tuesday evenings, lunch cruises on Sundays and a ghost cruise on Monday nights.

7. St Mary’s Church

St Mary's Church

Shrewsbury’s largest church was declared redundant in 1987 and is currently in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

The building has Norman and Gothic architecture, and is said to have been founded by the Anglo-Saxon King Edgar in the 10th century.

St Mary’s stands as the only intact Medieval church in Shrewsbury and has much to keep visitors in its spell.

The stained glass is exceptional, most of all in the chancel’s east window, which has a 14th-century depiction of the Tree of Jesse (showing the ancestors of Christ). The tower, in varying shades of sandstone, has Norman windows on its lower floors, while the coffered ceiling in the nave was hewn from oak in the 15th century.

Among St Mary’s many curiosities is an epitaph on the tower for Robert Cadman, an 18th-century tightrope walker who died when his rope broke.

8. Dana Prison

Dana Prison

After operating for 220 years, HM Prison Shrewsbury, at the head of the town’s loop in the Severn, closed down in 2013. Since then there have been plans to turn this dominant Georgian building into housing, shops and a gym.

But until work begins you’ll be able to go inside with a company called Jailhouse Tours.

Seven days a week you’ll be able to look around the cells, governor’s office, Hanging Room and communal areas with a guide who will paint a vivid picture of the life and routine of both inmates and prison officers.

You can also put on a hardhat with a lamp to explore the tunnels under the prison to visit historic cells where prisoners were kept in squalid conditions 200 years ago.

9. St Chad’s Church

St Chad's Church

At the top of the Quarry Park, the Grade I listed St Chad’s Church raised in 1792 to replace a 13th-century building that was destroyed when its tower collapsed.

There are a few things that make this Neoclassical Georgian masterpiece special.

One is that Charles Darwin was baptised here in 1809 and attended the church in his childhood.

St Chad’s also has the largest circular nave in the country.

This is a beautiful space, with a gallery and slender Corinthian columns.

And it could not be better suited for concerts and organ recitals.

Be here on Friday when the free lunchtime concert has become a local tradition.

10. Market Hall

Market Hall

Under Shrewsbury’s famous clock tower, the Market Hall is a sociable shopping attraction with stalls for meat, seafood, flowers, fruit and veg, baked goods, specialist foods and confectionery.

But to go with the fresh produce and provisions you can peruse arts and crafts, photography, vinyl and vintage clothing.

The Market Hall has a stylish and cosmopolitan vibe, and this is reflected in the choice of food served in the ball.

There’s tapas, oysters, Thai street food, a Chinese teahouse and the lovable Bird’s Nest Cafe.

  • 11. Theatre Severn

Theatre Severn

Shrewsbury’s premier performing arts centre, Theatre Severn has a 635-seater Main Auditorium along with a more compact Walker Theatre, seating 250 and standing up to 500. The complex opened in 2009 and has a regional pull, attracting audiences from around the West Midlands and mid Wales.

In the six years up to 2015, more than a million audience members passed through these doors.

If you’re in need of some live entertainment, the variety at Theatre Severn is awesome.

Shrewsbury’s Symphony Orchestra performs here, and there’s a season of gala concerts in July.

But the venue also books famous touring comedians, dance companies, musicals, cultural figures for talks, tribute bands, and stages plenty of matinee shows for youngsters.

12. Attingham Park

Attingham Park

This mansion was constructed for Noel Hill, an eminent politician in the late- 18th century who helped William Pitt the Younger restructure the East India Company.

On a tour you’ll get to know the Berwick family, see their furniture and painting collections and hear how the family’s fortunes fell.

The circular boudoir is a standout, but you’ll also find out how the hall was converted into an adult education college from the 1940s.

The estate sprawls across more than 4,000 acres, which if you can believe is only half its size in the 18th century.

The park was configured by the great 18th-century landscape designer Humphrey Repton, and has woodland and a deer park to ramble in.

There’s a walled garden, which has gradually been restored since 2008, and an orchard growing fruit that is used at the estate’s tearooms.

13. Battlefield Falconry Centre

Battlefield Falconry Centre

The old village of Battlefield is now practically a northern suburb of Shrewsbury, and a good reason to go is for this bird of prey attraction.

The Falconry Centre has more than 30 different owls, hawks and falcons, all kept in large, humane aviaries.

The centre offers a wide range of experiences with these creatures, the most popular being Hawks on Walks.

This entails heading out into the woodland at the Albrighton Estate in Battlefield, accompanied by a falconer and Harris hawk.

During the walk the bird will fly off into the forest and return to its perch on the glove.

You can also come for bird handling sessions and can spend an entire day being taught the finer points of falconry.

14. Haughmond Hill

Haughmond Hill

Drive east of Shrewsbury for a few miles and you’ll arrive at this low, broad rise, 150 metres in height.

Mostly cloaked in forest, Haughmond Hill is a sort of country park for Shrewsbury, as it’s so close to the town, and has a supreme view of the town and the Shropshire countryside.

Keen geologists may be intrigued by Haughmond Hill as it’s composed of extremely ancient Precambrian turbidite, deposited into the ocean off the edge of a continent.

There are benches to ponder the view, which is unbroken for miles to the west, and you can venture off into the woodland where you should spot some deer.

15. Hawkstone Park Follies

Hawkstone Park Follies

Further on from Battlefield, Hawkstone Park is a landscape park that used to be attached to Hawkstone Hall, close by.

In 100 acres and encompassing four steep hills, the park shines for its follies, started in the 18th century by Sir Rowland Hill, 1st Baronet Hill of Hawkstone.

This is all on the site of a decaying Norman stronghold, Red Castle.

It’s a thrill to discover on foot: There’s a Gingerbread Hall, Hermitage, Grotto, Gothic Arch, Swiss Bridge, White Tower, Urn and Greenhouse.

Part of the drama of Hawkstone Park lies in its geology, and the bare cliffs that provided the sandstone for these follies.

15 Best Things to Do in Shrewsbury (Shropshire, England):

  • The Quarry Park
  • Shrewsbury Castle
  • Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
  • Historic Town Centre
  • Shrewsbury Abbey
  • Sabrina Boat Trips
  • St Mary's Church
  • Dana Prison
  • St Chad's Church
  • Market Hall
  • Attingham Park
  • Battlefield Falconry Centre
  • Haughmond Hill
  • Hawkstone Park Follies

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  • Attractions

Home  /  Things to do  /  Attractions  /  Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre

travel book shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Visitor Information Centre

The Visitor Information Centre (VIC) can be found within Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, right in the centre of Shrewsbury town.  We can help visitors to the town with information on the town, on what there is to see and do, how to get around the county and how to get the most out of a visit to Shrewsbury and the surrounding area.

In Shrewsbury the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) is housed in the same building as Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, on the ground floor, in the museum gift shop.

November – March

Open  Tues – Sat 10am – 4pm Sunday 11am – 4pm

We have a retail shop, stocking Shrewsbury souvenirs, local foods, books by local authors and work by local artists.

We look forward to seeing you and helping you to get the most out of your time in Shropshire.  We are located in The Square, follow the signs for the VIC or Shrewsbury Museum and you will find us in the heart of the town.

Things to do

  • Historic Sites
  • Culture and Arts
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Dog friendly
  • Group visits available
  • Disabled Access
  • Disabled Toilets
  • Entrance flat/ without steps
  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Hearing loop system

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25 Lovely Things To Do in Shrewsbury, Shropshire

travel book shrewsbury

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Disclaimer – I was hosted by Visit Shropshire but all opinions are my own. I recently visited Shrewsbury in Shropshire for the first time and I was SO pleasantly surprised. After a wonderful weekend, I’m here to tell you about the countless things to do in Shrewsbury and where to eat, drink, stay and play. The first thing to know about Shrewsbury is that it ISN’T a city! Despite having a cathedral, it’s actually a town. But with over 600 listed buildings, a museum, cinema, theatre, river, parks, shopping and fantastic food and drink, it’s well worth a visit.

market in shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is almost an island, nestled in a loop of the River Severn, full of crisscrossing medieval streets lined with wonky buildings and independent shops and cafes. The historical nature reminded me of York, Oxford or Bath while the cool local businesses made me think of Brighton or Bristol .

Getting to Shrewsbury

Direct trains run from Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Manchester. Regular trains from London Euston take 2.5 hours changing in Birmingham. We travelled with West Midlands Railways on comfy, on-time trains. Most of the top Shrewsbury attractions are easy to reach on foot so you don’t need to worry about transport while there, provided you’re staying centrally.

Where to stay in Shrewsbury

There are a range of accommodations for all budgets with some seriously stunning properties to pick from. With centuries of history, many lodgings are inside period buildings, some preserved as they were centuries ago and others boasting modern revamps.

Wesley House, Fish Street

wesley house shrewsbury

Wesley House is a cosy cottage on attractive Fish Street, perfectly placed for sightseeing in Shrewsbury. Dating back to the 1500s, it’s a restored historic building with wood panelling and original features including a cosy wood-burning fireplace and old kitchen range. 

It has a lounge, kitchen, pantry, modern shower room, a double bedroom, twin room and a single room suitable for a child or small adult. Outside is a lovely, sunny courtyard.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist church preached from here in 1763.  Book Wesley House on Booking.com .

Wesley house accommodation

Browse all Shrewsbury accommodation on Booking.com .

Things to do in Shrewsbury

Despite its quaint feel, you won’t get bored in this charming Shropshire town. From market shopping to historic castles and many, many eateries, we whiled away two and a half days easily. Here are the top attractions in Shrewsbury starting with one of the oldest…

For more activities, events and tips, check out the Visit Shropshire website

1. Marvel at Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury castle

This 11th-century castle with its red sandstone walls is a Shrewsbury landmark not to miss. The grounds are free to visit, sit and even have a picnic. Inside, it hosts the Museum of the Shropshire Regiments dedicated to the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry. 

2. Climb Laura’s Tower for the best views in town

Laura's Tower

Climb a few steps up to Laura’s Tower , a Grade II listed building since 1972, for wonderful views across the town. The Town Walls Tower was built by the famous Thomas Telford in around 1790 for the daughter of Sir William Pulteney MP for her 21st birthday as a summer house.

3. Take a Sabrina boat ride

English bridge during boat cruise shrewsbury

For a fun activity in Shrewsbury, take a Sabrina Boat Cruise . They run six daily boat trips around the River Severn loop with live commentary and table service. The 45-minute trips run on the hour from 11am-4pm (from 10am, May to September) from Victoria Quay near the Welsh Bridge. They serve drinks and snacks so why not live it up with a cheeky Prosecco? Dogs are welcome, toilets are on board and there’s disabled access onto the boat. They also offer a Sunday lunch cruise and themed trips including autumn ghost cruises!

4. Shop, eat & browse at Market Hall (my favourite thing to do in Shrewsbury!)

Market hall shops

Beneath the iconic clocktower is the town’s award-winning indoor market. From Beijing dumplings to Champagne and oysters, there’s a variety of vendors from cool cafes to thrift shops, fresh fruit stands, butchers, vinyl records, organic wine producers and gin bars. The traditional and modern meet perfectly!

Highlights at Shrewsbury Market Hall :

  • House of Yum – tasty Thai food with authentic details that’ll transport you to Bangkok!
  • Petitglou Wine Shop – pop by for natural wines and small plates
  • Gindifferent – a bar and cafe upstairs with gin cocktails and charcuterie boards made from fresh market produce.

Opening days: Tues, Weds, Fri & Sat (some stallholders open Thurs).

5. Browse at Market Square (Fri & Sat)

Don’t miss the beautiful 16th-century Market Square and the Old Market Hall at the centre of the Historic Town Centre. It’s home to several of the most important buildings in Shrewsbury as well as events and markets. The Old Market Hall is an impressive timber-framed building hosting a cinema and cafe serving teas, coffees and a selection of sandwiches (Mon-Sat only), cakes and snacks. We were lucky our trip coincided with Shrewsbury Farmer’s Market (held on the first Friday of the month) AND the Made in Shropshire market (on the second Saturday of the month) with artisan food and crafts.

6. Spot Shrewsbury architecture & historic streets

Historic building

Discover the interesting street names such as Grope Lane and Fish Street (where the famous 1984 Christmas Carol was filmed) Wyle Cop, Pride Hill and Dogpole, and explore quirky passageways (called Shuts) which weave their way through the town. Look out for Bear Steps, Golden Cross Passage and Gullet Passage to name a few.

Wyle Cop

Another historic street is Wyle Cop with its characterful 16th and 17th-century timber-framed buildings. The Lion Inn was a coaching inn that held the record in the 1700s for the fastest couch journey from London to Shrewsbury: 16 hours! Shoppers will confirm Wyle Cop is one of the best places to visit in Shrewsbury. It’s said to be the longest row of uninterrupted independents in the UK, to this day boasting designer clothing, jewellery and vintage stores.

7. Step back in time at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery

Visiting the Museum & Art Gallery (SM&AG) is one of the most cultural things to do in Shrewsbury. Uncover history via items including fossilised raindrops to Queen Victoria’s stockings and a fun photo montage of Darwin’s face. The Museum’s Stop.Cafe Bar boasts award-winning coffee, speciality teas and homemade cakes as well as a savoury menu including daily specials. Plus, there’s a lovely outside courtyard. Visitor details: Free entry; open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm & Sunday 11am-4pm.

8. Take a guided tour of the town

The Visitor Information Centre offers walking tours of Shrewsbury in the heart of the historic town. Knowledgeable guides will walk you through the history and notable sights during a 90-minute tour costing £9 per person. Starting at 2pm, Mon to Sat and 11.30am on Sun, the tours begin at the Museum.

9. Have a smokin’ time at Hickory’s Smokehouse

Hickory's Smokehouse

Hickory’s is an atmospheric restaurant on Victoria Quay inspired by Deep South cooking. With several trips to the States under their belts and even an OG meat smoker shipped in (that the kitchen had to be built around!), you can’t deny the attention to detail nor the bustling evening vibe, especially at weekends. From ribs to steaks, brisket and pulled pork, it’s a meat lovers’ dream although there are options for pescatarians (such as seafood gumbo and shrimp fajitas) and even vegans! I tucked into the delicious gumbo, a hot and spicy New Orleans-style stew with a giant pretzel on the side. We also enjoyed the cheesy nachos and creative cocktails (2 for £12 between 6 and 9pm on Fridays). The gin & raspberry collins was fantastic!

10. St Mary’s Church & cafe

St Mary's Church & cafe

Explore historic St Mary’s Church boasting one of the tallest spires in England. The church dates from Saxon times and has some beautiful stained glass. Stop off at the   River View Cafe for a locally sourced lunch with menu highlights such as satay sweet potato curry, sandwiches, baked potatoes and cakes. It has seating inside and outside on the terrace with stunning views of Shrewsbury’s landmarks. Situated in the old hospital next door is a Grade II listed building housing 20 or so independent shops.

11. Other religious houses

Other places to visit in Shrewsbury include:

  • St Chad’s occupies the second-highest point in the town. Dating back to Saxon times, all that now remains is the 15th-century Lady Chapel. Don’t miss the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge! In 1984, Shrewsbury transformed into Victorian London for the filming of A Christmas Carol and his headstone still remains.
  • St Alkmund’s Church stands at the highest point of the town. The structure here today is part medieval and part Georgian with a tower and 56-metre spire.
  • Shrewsbury Cathedral – steeped in history in a prominent position on the Town Walls, the Cathedral is a must-visit place in Shrewsbury, designed by Edward Pugin and completed in 1856. The Orchard Cafe is a new addition on a relandscaped site beside it.

Saint obans church

12. Shrewsbury Prison

Another popular place for Shrewsbury sightseeing is the Prison, built in 1868. For many years, Shrewsbury Prison was a place of execution carried out in public and drew huge crowds. People used to arrive early to ensure a good seat and posters were produced as souvenirs. Gulp! But since 2015, it’s been a heritage-led Shrewsbury attraction. Also known as The Dana , it offers a wide range of heritage tours, activities and events including ghost tours and prison break events with 10 escape rooms. You can even stay overnight in your very own cell! The Prison Restaurant on-site offers excellent homemade food.

13. Stop by Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings (museum & cafe)

Flaxmill maltings places to visit shrewsbury

The newest tourist attraction in Shrewsbury (opened in September 2022) is Flaxmill Maltings . Once a purpose-built flaxmill, maltings and temporary army barracks in WWII, it has a pioneering iron frame that inspired the design for skyscrapers. It’s the building that launched a thousand skylines!

Interactive displays and fascinating architecture make it a great place to visit in Shrewsbury, a 20-minute walk from the centre.

Coffee and cake

Afterwards, don’t miss visiting onsite Turned Wood Café offering a delicious range of vegetarian meals and snacks in the form of paninis, homemade soups and cakes, plus hot and cold drinks including special house blend coffee. Entry to the flaxmill costs £7.50 for adults, £5 for children and £23 for families.

14. Eat brunch at the Loopy Shrew

Vegetarian breakfast Loopy SHrew

The Loopy Shrew is a family-run restaurant and bar serving modern British food using locally sourced produce. We tucked into a tasty brunch of a full vegetarian breakfast and Eggs Royale. Reward yourself after exploring the many things to do in Shrewsbury with a leisurely lunch, dinner, afternoon tea or drinks including local and craft beers, cocktails and wines. For a lovely place to stay in the heart of the town, check out their 12 boutique bedrooms .

15. Follow the Darwin Trail

Did you know that Charles Darwin was born and went to school in Shrewsbury? Find his statue outside Shrewsbury Library which originally housed the school buildings. You can find the staircase to the old school rooms on the right-hand side as you walk in. Ask the friendly staff if you need a hand. Another location on the Darwin Trail is the Quantum Leap sculpture on the riverbank, built to mark Darwin’s 200th birthday. A final place to visit in Shrewsbury for Darwin fans is the Bellstone . Cross the road from the Market Hall to the entrance of Morris Hall (marked by a pair of black iron gates) and discover a large granite boulder in a small courtyard. This remnant from the last Ice Age was Darwin’s first introduction to the science of geology!

16. Wander idyllic Fish Street

Fish street shrewsbury things to do

There are few more attractive spots to wander and snap photos than Fish Street , leading to other notable streets like Butchers Row (full of excellent restaurants) and Grope Street, an atmospheric alleyway linking to the main road. While on Fish Street, make a pitstop at cosy pub, the Three Fishes Inn .

17. Visit Bear Steps Art Gallery and Medieval Hall

Historically, the central area was filled with traditional traders lending the surrounding streets names such as Butcher Row and Fish Street. Bear Steps is named after The Bear Inn Pub (no longer in existence) which was allegedly home to one of the city’s bear pits! For a lesser-known thing to do in Shrewsbury, pop your head inside Bear Steps Art Gallery , a small venue featuring work by local artists. Beside it sits a lovely cafe in a historic building with outdoor seating.

18. Drink cocktails at Blind Tiger

Blind tiger cocktails

If you like to listen to new music in very old venues, mix mojitos in cool cocktail lounges or join a real ale trail, you’ll be spoilt for choice by original night-time finds. The Blind Tiger is an atmospheric cocktail bar in a characterful 17th-century building. With a 1920s bootlegger vibe, they play vintage blues and gospel with a modern twist.  

Other cool bars to check out include:

  • The Libertine Cocktail Bar & Tearoom – a delectable tearoom by day, a trendy cocktail bar by night. With fine coffee and fifteen varieties of loose tea, it’s the perfect afternoon pit stop and a nighttime haunt with cocktails from the classics to inventive house blends.
  • Ten & Six – in an iconic town centre building, this Champagne bar is inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

19. Take a walk in Quarry Park

Quarry Park shrewsbury attractions

Visit Quarry Park and take a seat beside the river where you can watch passing boats or simply sit and have a picnic. At the heart of the Quarry lies Dingle Garden , a delightful sunken garden landscaped with alpine borders, brilliant bedding plants, shrubbery and charming water features. Perfect on a summer’s day!

20. Sniff out speciality coffee

Flat white and chai latte

Shrewsbury is a fantastic place for independent businesses and the coffee houses are no exception! We liked Shrewsbury Coffeehouse near the station with quality coffee, tea and cakes. For lunch, they serve homemade soup, bagels and the like. Another cute cafe I had my eye on is Palmers of Shrewsbury , a non-profit cafe in the central Baptist Church. Do your bit for a local charity by stopping for breakfast, light bites, drinks and sweet treats!

21. Historic Shrewsbury Abbey

Historic Abbey what to do Shrewsbury

It wouldn’t be a complete list of things to do in Shrewsbury without Shrewsbury Abbey founded as a Benedictine monastery by Roger de Montgomery in 1083 and easily accessed by a pleasant walk over the English Bridge. The part that still survives following the dissolution of the monasteries in the reign of King Henry VIII is still a Parish Church to this day. Brother Cadfael fans will recognise it as the setting for Ellis Peters’ books about a medieval monk.

22. Catch a show at Theatre Severn

A leading theatre (according to comedian Jason Manford, ‘easily one of the top 5 theatres in the country’), Theatre Severn is a modern building lit up at night in bright colours. Look out for the old chapel building which is embedded between the Stage Door and the public entrance. If you have time on your visit to catch a show, you’ll find a varied programme of music, theatre and comedy.

23. Time for your trip around a festival

Also known as ‘the Town of Flowers’, every August the town hosts the Shrewsbury Flower Festival (the longest-running in the world) as well as Shrewsbury Folk Festival . If you’re visiting in the summer, see if your trip lines up!

24. Visit the parks in Shropshire

Although we’ve now covered plenty of amazing attractions, if you’re still wondering what to do in Shrewsbury, consider a jaunt into greater Shropshire. For scenery and walks, it’s a majestic county with notable outdoor spaces not limited to:

  • Hawkstone Park – with 100 acres of stunning scenery, this is one of Britain’s original theme parks. The landscape full of bridges, towers and caves has been inspiring visitors for over 250 years. In particular, the Follies are a range of dramatic natural sandstone hills developed to include gullies, caves, towers and bridges. Open on selected dates from Feb-Oct.
  • Attingham Park – this National Trust property outside Shrewsbury is an 18th-century estate with 200 acres of parkland and a Regency Mansion. It’s open daily from 8am-6pm.
  • Haughmond Hill – visit for beautiful views and extensive woodland suited for season-round walks. After drinking in views of the River Severn and the Welsh hills, refuel at Haughmond Hill cafe .
  • Stiperstones National Nature Reserve – formed during the last Ice Age, this dramatic area is a walker’s dream. Take the 8km walkway or one of the many shorter trails soaking up striking landscape and spotting wildlife such as frogs, lizards and red kites.

More food options in Shrewsbury

Avo halloumi toast at Ginger & Co

Since eating & drinking is one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury (and also because of who I am as a person!), I couldn’t finish this guide without mentioning a few other local eateries.

Ginger & Co (brunch, lunch & coffee)

In a Grade II listed building just off the main square, Ginger & Co is a lovely venue with well-prepared drinks, tasty food and homemade cakes. We had a brunch of avocado on sourdough toast with a side of halloumi.

House of the Rising Sun (best Asian food)

House of the Rising Sun

The best Asian food in Shrewsbury has to be at the House of the Rising Sun , an atmospheric restaurant on Butchers Row. Expect modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist. Choose from the Earth, Land and Sea menus with treats like bao buns, teriyaki beef, chicken katsu and sweet potato & crayfish empanadas. It’s tapas style so order 2-3 dishes per person depending how hungry you are. Between two, we tried the pani puri, bibimbap, takoyaki and tempura shrimp. Many of my favourites from my extensive Asia travels ! When we visited on Saturday night it was dimly lit with (perhaps a little too loud) tunes playing and drinks flowing. Dinner for two including a glass of wine each cost us £60.

St Nicholas Bar & Grill (in a refurbished church)

Located inside a converted old church, St Nicholas Bar & Grill is a licensed cafe, mezze bar and grill perfect for an early evening G&T or glass of wine. Pair your drink with mezze dishes include whitebait, beef kofte, scallops and calamari.

Dough & Oil (best pizza in town)

dough and oil pizza

After a long day of Shrewsbury sightseeing, Dough & Oil is your destination for great sourdough pizzas, homemade sides, desserts, coffee, wines and craft beers. Over the road is their sister bar Oil known for cocktails, wines and live music. Classic margherita pizzas start from £9.50 or you can update for toppings including fennel & chilli sausage, pistachio butter, piquante peppers, gorgonzola, jackfruit and whipped ricotta (maybe not altogether, though!). Overall, the pizzas are inventive, creative and, more importantly, delicious!

Planet Doughnut

Ask anyone where to find the best doughnuts in town and they’ll tell you Planet Doughnut! With 5 stars on Trip Advisor , they’re known for their creative flavours like Biscoff, Terry’s Chocolate Orange and Cherry Bakewell. There are as many vegan ones as non-vegan!

Glouglou Wine Bar & Shop

GlouGlou wine bar is a lovely place in Shrewsbury near the station and Castle. Known for their wine tastings and live jazz nights, they’re also a member and supporter of Slow Food and serve small platters of cheese, meat, hummus, veggies and more. Also check out their little sister, PetitGlou , next door to their wine shop, Iron & Rose , in the Market Hall.

Free things to do in Shrewsbury

If you’re travelling on a budget , these are the top Shrewsbury activities that won’t cost you a penny…

  • Hunt down Ebenezer Scrooge’s Grave
  • Walk in Quarry Park and the Dingle
  • Learn about the history at the Museum and Art Gallery
  • Wander the Castle Grounds and climb Laura’s Tower
  • Browse at Shrewsbury Market Hall
  • Explore the quirky streets and passageways.

Thanks for reading!

I hope you have a better idea of what to do in Shrewsbury and that you have a wonderful trip!

For more travel content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

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Visiting the UK?  Guidebooks – LP always get my seal of approval. Use the latest copy of Lonely Planet England . Getting around by air – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Car hire – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals in the UK (and all around the world). Confused about visas? I use iVisa to check visa requirements and apply for visas online. For UK trains , I use Trainline . The search feature allows you to compare prices, and they show live departure times on the website. For buses , I use Busbud . It’s the only site that compares UK coaches and buses. Find London to Manchester journeys for £1!  For hotels and self-catering apartments, I use Booking.com . You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.com . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. I use GetYourGuide for tours & activities when I don’t want to travel solo. The guides are knowledgeable and you can’t beat the prices. I also check Viator as they often have fun and unique offerings. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and budget tips from my 10+ years on the road!

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Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

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10 Very Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury, England

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Nestled amongst the rolling Shropshire Hills and just a few miles from the Welsh border, the laidback little town of Shrewsbury is a totally gorgeous place to visit. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for a day trip or weekend break, especially with all the best things to do in Shrewsbury dotted all across the town.

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

I’ve forgotten the exact number of times I’ve visited Shrewsbury but it’s easily thirty times over the last decade! I love it, especially as it’s a cosy little town that, although seems quite sleepy, has a heap of gems to explore.

In fact, Charles Darwin once called Shrewsbury home (as a child) and there are so many more nuggets of history to see all across the streets and riverway, too.

So, to help you get the most out of your time, I wanted to pop over a few of the spots I love most in Shrewsbury.

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Shrewsbury. Have an amazing time visiting!

1.) Shrewsbury Castle

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Standing witness to raids, sackings, and invasions, Shrewsbury Castle has seen a lot of turmoil over the centuries!

Thankfully, nowadays, the castle doesn’t suffer from any such problems and is a lovely little place to wander and take in some of the regions long history.

Surrounded by the River Severn, it has been a fortress to many generations of the elite, with iconic historical figures frequenting the grounds through its long time in operation.

Nowadays, it’s home to the Shropshire Regimental Museum and a great place to stroll within its walls and see traces of its history.

Plus, you may also get the chance to go up Laura’s Tower. From here, you can take in the sweeping views across Shrewsbury and the nearby countryside.

Getting peckish? Hop over to La Lanterna for some of the best pasta in Shropshire! Their spaghetti and home-made Tiramisu is everything.

Read more: Best cities in England to visit

2.) The Quarry (The Dingle)

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Just a few strides away from Shrewsbury’s town centre, The Quarry is a sprawling 29-acre park by the River Severn. On ordinary days, you can have a leisurely stroll along its walkways or have a picnic overlooking the river.

This is one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, especially on a sunny day and a spot I totally love. You see, although quite petite, the garden comes alive in colour with the blooming flowers in spring and summer. It’s gorgeous.

Oh, and if you visit between May-August, make sure to check to see what festivals are going on. Some of the most popular events that are held in the park are the Shrewsbury Regatta, Shrewsbury Food Festival, Let’s Rock Music Festival, and Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Read more: Prettiest places in England to visit

3.) Shrewsbury Abbey

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Founded almost 1,000 years ago, Shrewsbury Abbey has actually been a religious spot since back in Anglo-Saxon times.

With Medieval architecture and stunning stained glass, Shrewsbury Abbey is one of Shropshire’s most iconic abbeys to see.

Don’t forget to take a gander around the gardens, too. They’re lovely.

4.) St. Mary’s Church

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

If religious history is your thing, you’re gonna want to visit St Mary’s Church, too!

Often regarded as the largest church in Shrewsbury, it’s got soaring stone arches, colourful stained glass, and Victorian tiles that make it a stunning spot to explore.

Though, all that epicness isn’t confirmed just inside the church. In fact, the church’s exterior is dominated by the tallest spire in England, which has been the main highlight of Shrewsbury’s skyline for a whopping 500 years.

Getting hungry? Stop by La Mer Rouge (Across the River Severn) for their yummy fresh fish.

5.) Attingham Park

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Sprawled across more than 4,000 acres, Attingham Park is a spot that once belonged to Noel Hill, a well-regarded politician in the 18th century. Nowadays, however, it’s a National Trust estate that we can all enjoy and explore!

It’s easily one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury if you fancy time away from the streets. Especially with its vast woodland and deer park that’s only a 20-minute drive from the town.

Not only that, the mansion has an awe-inspiring interior that you can’t miss. There’s a heap of things to see, especially with the circular boudoir, period furniture, and iconic paintings that adorn the walls.

Outside, you can take a chilled stroll along with the walled garden and the orchard before heading back to Shrewsbury itself.

6.) Boating along the River Severn

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Surrounded by the River Severn, Shrewsbury has lots of riverbank walks and trails that are lovely to explore. That being said, if you fancy resting up, hop on board Sabrina, one of the town’s boats that tour the waters.

Departing from Victoria Quay and taking around 45-minutes to an hour to sail, it’ll take you up towards the English Bridge before sailing you back to the Welsh Bridge on the other side of the town centre.

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Oh, and remember, the season for boat tours tends to run between March to October.

7.) Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

If you’re wondering how the town of Shrewsbury came to be, head to the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery to explore more.

Here, you’ll find out more than the town’s history in the ever-changing museum exhibitions, such as Shropshire’s geology and the significance of the River Severn. It’s a pretty epic spot and the ever-changing art on display is totally unique.

Afterwards, stroll on over to Umai for their yummy sashimi and sushi.

8.) Theatre Severn

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Located on Frankwell Quay, Theater Severn is a relatively new addition to Shrewsbury after opening back in 2009.

It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for the whole family, especially with all the seasonal shows, theatre, live music and comedy performances.

It’s easily one of the best things to do in Shrewsbury, though, be sure to check out the schedules in advance.

9.) St. Chad’s Church

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

St Chad’s Church has a long history in Shrewsbury and with Charles Darwin for that matter. You see, this is where he was baptized in 1809 and is well worth a little look around.

With a distinctive round shape and a high tower, St. Chad’s Church is pretty difficult to miss when you visit! Well, in my opinion at least.

Best of all, it’s really easy to visit the church after a little gander around The Dingle as they’re right next to each other. Though, to be fair, nothing is ever that far away in Shrewsbury.

10.) Wroxeter Roman City

Best Things To Do In Shrewsbury

Located 5-miles east of the town of Shrewsbury, the Wroxeter Roman City is one amazing spot that’s incredible to visit for Roman history.

Founded in 55 AD, this excavated ruin was once one of the largest towns of Roman England, comparable to the size of Italy’s famous city of Pompeii.

Although much smaller nowadays, this well-preserved excavation is incredible to visit. You’ll get to see a recreated townhouse, visited the museum, and spot the famous baths and walls that are thousands of years old.

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Our favourite places in Shrewsbury

As the largest town in the county of Shropshire, Shrewsbury has become a hub of leisure and entertainment in the area. Boasting delicious eateries, renowned shows in its local theatre, and all the history and culture of its medieval market town past; there is plenty to uncover in the city of Shrewsbury.

Some of our favourite spots include the natural beauties of Attingham Park, the architectural wonder of St Chad’s Church, and the grandeur of Shrewsbury Castle.

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We are Shrewsbury’s multi award-winning independent travel agency. The team at Peakes Travel Elite are experts in sourcing luxury holidays, delivered with exceptional customer service.

Frances Peake set up the business in 1992 from her farmhouse kitchen table. Three years later demand for her services saw the business move into a small unit in the Darwin Shopping Centre, and then into a bigger unit two years later with a team of four travel consultants.

In 2001, Peakes acquired luxury specialist Ron Morgan Travel, which brought Claire Moore (now Managing Director) into the business.

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Claire Moore

As Managing Director, Claire takes overall responsibility for the award-winning, independent agency that is Peakes Travel Elite...

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Frances Peake

Since starting the business over 30 years ago Frances has seen many changes in the industry and has taken great pride and pleasure in seeing...

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Kate Goodrich

Kate joined Peakes Travel Elite in 2002 and has over 25 years of travel experience. Her passion for travel is seen through her commitment...

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Sarah Cooper

Sarah was born and raised in Northern Ireland but is now happily settled in Shropshire which explains her unique accent, friendly...

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Sue has been in the travel industry since 1997 and puts her passion for travel down to a school trip at age 15 on the SS Uganda...

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Wherever we have travelled with Peakes they have an excellent network of partners able to access the very best experiences, effortlessly ensuring our expectations were not only met but always exceeded. Hotels have always been of the standard promised, cars and excursions perfectly organised so we get to have stress-free holidays knowing that everything has been professionally organised and if something does go wrong, we know Peakes staff are only a phone call away.

Thank you once again to both Sue and all at Peake’s Travel Elite for all the arrangements made on our behalf on our most recent cruise with Silversea between Barcelona and Lisbon. The attention to detail in all the arrangements was perfect and left nothing to chance. The transfer from Barcelona Airport to Silver Cloud

We are home safely although we really didn’t want to leave Dubai! The whole trip was wonderful and we loved it all. Your attention to detail and ability to tailor the trip to manage our not insignificant requests – trip of a lifetime, my husbands first long haul trip (having just recovered from surgery), sunshine

We have had a wonderful time Sally and the service we received from Peakes Travel from the time of enquiry to the day of return was excellent. The advice was imperative as to what location and accommodation as we have read and heard about cheaper trips being a huge disappointment. We would not hesitate in recommending

The experience was excellent from start to finish and I appreciate your efforts to find us something suitable. We both value the time you took to chat with us and find out exactly what each of us wanted too! I’ll certainly continue to recommend you to friends and clients.

Thank you for making our special family holiday one to remember. I could not have made everything run so smoothly and come up with such great choices of accommodation no matter how long I’d have spent trying. You kept us fully informed throughout the process and were very approachable. We would have no hesitation in recommending Peakes Travel Elite to friends.

We’ve had the pleasure of the Peakes team organising our holidays for nearly 20 years. They have identified and organised everything for us from the most spectacular trips to all four corners of the globe (which would rival any “bucket list”) as well as simple mini/city breaks.  They always know the next new place!  The levels of customer service, location knowledge and willingness to go the extra mile (with nothing being too much trouble) are of the highest level and bear testimony to Peakes’ long, successful and award-winning history. You can trust Claire and her team to always act with the utmost professionalism, efficiency, courtesy and honesty.  We always feel in safe hands with Peakes Travel Elite.

Claire and all the staff at Peakes are fantastic and have now become an integral part of any holiday planning for us! From the seeds of an idea on a destination to following up with us on our return home, they have been an invaluable help every step of the way.

We have enjoyed many trips with them now and they always go the extra mile to ensure each holiday is as memorable as the last. A super team who I regularly recommend to both family and friends.

The team at Peakes Travel Elite have been organising holidays for me and my late husband for many years now. I have some amazing memories of holidays in all sorts of exotic places and we were never disappointed in any aspect of any trip. Since my husband died, I haven't travelled as much, but I’m now ready to explore again. Claire has booked an exciting safari holiday for me in Namibia, which I am totally confident will live up to all my expectations. It's great to work with a team that knows me and my priorities so well.

The key reasons we use Peakes is that they always give us a number of options to choose from, they make all the necessary travel arrangements which takes the stress away from us, we know the hotels, transfer vehicles, itineraries etc will be of a good standard, they resolve any issues that arise, e.g. re-booking trips during the pandemic, they have strong communication - keeping us informed of progress, advising on visa requirements etc, prompt response to any of our queries, and the whole team are friendly and professional at all times. We would highly recommend using Peakes Travel Elite.

Their staff clearly know what they’re talking about. Their advice on locations and operators has proved to be spot on time and again. And the professional way in which they handle the various questions that come to mind between making a reservation and starting the actual holiday – probably work-a-day to them, but so important to the customer - makes us come back to them time and time again. Professional in all dealings, Experts in the travel industry, Attentive at dealing with the small things, Knowledgeable of all destinations, Excellent planning and advice, and Service where nothing is too much trouble.

Going on holiday is not as easy as just picking up a brochure and saying we want ‘that one.’ Professional advice is needed these days and that’s why we trust Peakes. Peakes always want a debrief after our overseas trips. Sue and her team are acting as consultants, not just salespeople. The advice we have had from them has certainly made for better and more exciting adventures. The good service is clearly built on years of their own travelling experience.

For our 70th birthdays and 46th wedding anniversary we asked Peakes to help us plan an 11 day trip to Norway staying in Oslo, Tromso and Senja in the Arctic Circle. As less experienced travellers, Torr guided us through our options and answered all our (many) questions. She always kept us informed by prompt emails and face-to-face meetings. She helped with hotel choices, car parking at the airport, changing flight times and car hire logistics. Everything worked like clockwork and Torr gave us the confidence to really enjoy this special and memorable holiday. Thank you so much.

I had an informative meeting with Sarah from Peakes Travel and found her pleasant nature and knowledge of cruising invaluable. She guided me through it seamlessly and even helped me when I had transport issues on my way to Southampton. I highly recommend Peakes’ services and friendly staff.

Peakes Travel, please can I just say thank you for employing such amazing staff. Sarah has been patient and knowledgeable, with no questions unanswered, and there have been questions! She has maintained throughout telephone and email support and an appointment to hand over tickets and final reassurance because I am a worrier, and she allowed for that. Also, her smile lights up her desk and never once did she make me feel thick for asking a question, and her excitement for us has been palpable. So thank you because I now have a partner who is for the first time taking a break, in a holiday that he feels totally confident in, and I hope it is the start of many more to come.

Sarah is so helpful; nothing is ever too much trouble whatever booking arrangements we ask of her they are always done to the highest standard and any recommendations she has made again have been perfect for us. She is extremely professional at all times and has a wonderful personality, we couldn’t recommend her and Peakes Travel enough.

Kate at Peakes has always come up trumps when organising our long-haul trips over the past ten years.  She is a pleasure to deal with. Always cheerful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Give her your basic ideas and she will produce a suggested itinerary in a few days. She will be in regular contact until, between you, you have put together the holiday of your dreams.

Having used Peakes Travel previously we didn’t hesitate to call on them to arrange our recent tour to America. The personal tailored service and the genuine knowledge of the various locations really sets them apart!

We so enjoyed our visit to see family in New Zealand. Thank you very much Kate for your hard work getting us both to see them after many years away, once again many thanks.

Thank you very much for the wonderful holiday that we have just experienced, and for all your help Kate in making this holiday possible.

My friend and I recently had a holiday/experience when we went to New York. Peakes Travel made our whole experience so special, as they helped plan our trip down to the last detail.

Torr, our travel advisor, was so helpful, kind and efficient that the whole holiday was seamless. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you Peakes - no wonder you get awards!

Elite by name, Elite by nature. It comes as no surprise to me at all, that Peakes Travel Elite have won awards!  My partner and I usually take three holidays per year and we 'always' book through Peakes Travel Elite. We always try to use the same consultant (Torr) as we find her so very helpful, knowledgeable and so easily able to deal with our ever-increasing demands. She recommended a hotel to us last year that we loved so much, we are returning to it this October. I have no hesitation in recommending Peakes Travel Elite to my family and friends and have actually done so to good effect, many times now. This is a really well-run, friendly and customer-focused travel agency, and I for one would simply never use anyone else.

Torr from Peakes Travel planned an excellent holiday in Cyprus last March 2023. After years of arranging holidays ourselves, we could not believe how easy it was for us to have Torr arrange it all in every last detail. Along with booking plane seats with extra leg room, researching hotels and dealing with any queries we had directly with the hotel. Having Torr arrange transfers and boarding passes was a worry taken from us. Torr listens carefully and carries out instructions to the letter. We have since booked 2 more holidays in the future to Corfu and Malta in 2024. The total cost doesn't seem that much different to planning it all yourself either. Very pleased with the service.

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Wild Past Of CNN Anchor, Shrewsbury Native Detailed In New Book

CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota was growing up on the Jersey Shore when she started following her a local punk rock band, spending her nights at iconic clubs like CBGB and Max's Kansas City.

Alisyn Camerota

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Camerota, who grew up in Shrewsbury, is out with a new book "Combat Love," which explores her tumultuous teenage years and her then-strained relationship with her mother. She will be hosting a book signing at Books and Greetings in Northvale on Sunday, May 5 and has upcoming events in Collingswood and in her hometown.

Growing up in Monmouth County in the 80s meant Camerota was surrounded by great music. She was drawn to the punk band Shrapnel, who were also from Shrewsbury.

"These guys were from my hometown," Camerota told Daily Voice. "They were the older brothers of some of my best friends. They were hometown musical heroes. We were all proud of them."

While she was discovering Shrapnel, Camerota had a difficult home life. Her parents were divorced and her mom was going back to school, leaving her alone and she began spending a lot of time with her friends and following the band around New York City.

In writing the memoir, Camerota admits it would be fun to tell a story that doesn't seem typical for a polished news anchor. 

"People think I had a pretty easy well coifed life," Camerota said. "I don't think it's that helpful in these times we're living in for people to think it's been a cakewalk. It was hard. I struggled, I had lots of despair. I had a lot of moments not knowing if I would be able to achieve these dreams. I dealt with depression."

Camerota said her mom was part of the Silent Generation and thus was stoic through pain, not wanting to talk about her feelings, and she initially didn't want Camerota to write the book. Camerota said she eventually came around, filling her in on family secrets that often left a dark cloud over the household.

"Now we go to book events together," Camerota said. "She's become a champion of mine."

The mother of 19-year-old twin daughters, Camerota said we have done this generation a disservice with helicopter parenting.

"We are crippling them by bubble wrapping them," Camerota said. "You have them on a GPS at all times. I am proud of the moments in my teenage life. I had to fend for myself. It equipped me to be self sufficient and helped me in my journalism career. I've tried to let them have more freedom, it's really hard in this constant monitoring era. I've encouraged them to go into the city. I've encouraged them to have adventures. I'm all for it."

A proud Garden Stater, Camerota said she loves going back to the Jersey Shore and reconnecting with friends. She said she gets excited whenever she goes through the Lincoln Tunnel.

"I am the first person through the door at high school reunions," Camerota said. "I can't wait to see everyone and relive high school memories. I go back as much as I can."

Camerota also said she still keeps in touch with Shrapnel and enjoyed reconnecting with them when writing her book.

"It's a true joy for me," Camerota said. "They were the coolest guys and they still are the coolest guys. I am so tickled to have them in my life."

For any teenager going through tough times, Camerota said she wants them to know that it's normal. 

"I don't think I knew that when I was growing up," Camerota said. "Anxiety, depression, fear, panic, it's the stuff of life, it's part of being a teenager. Life is anxiety provoking, being a teenager is nerve-wracking, you don't know the future. Bouts of sadness and anxiety, that's growth. It's a rite of passage. Get help, reach out to people. Don't beat yourself up. It's perfectly normal." 

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Kaliane Bradley

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley review – a seriously fun sci-fi romcom

A bureaucrat in near-future London finds love with a Victorian Arctic explorer in a thrilling debut that takes a deep dive into human morality

F or a book to be good – really good, keep it on your shelf for ever good – it has to be two things: fun and a stretch . You have to need to know what happens next; and you have to feel like a bigger or better version of yourself at the end. Airport thrillers are almost always fun; much contemporary autofiction is just a stretch, largely because it’s very hard for a book in which not much happens to be a page-turner. What a thrill, then, to come to Kaliane Bradley’s debut, The Ministry of Time, a novel where things happen, lots of them, and all of them are exciting to read about and interesting to think about.

Bradley’s book is also serious, it must be said – or, at least, covers serious subjects. The British empire, murder, government corruption, the refugee crisis, climate change, the Cambodian genocide, Auschwitz, 9/11 and the fallibility of the human moral compass all fall squarely within Bradley’s remit. Fortunately, however, these vast themes are handled deftly and in deference to character and plot.

Billed as “speculative fiction”, it is perhaps more cheering to think of it as 50% sci-fi thriller, and 50% romcom. The Ministry of Time is chiefly a love story between a disaffected civil servant working in a near-future London, and Commander Graham Gore, first lieutenant of Sir John Franklin’s ill-fated expedition to the Arctic. Gore, last seen grimly walking across the ice in 1847, has been retrieved from the jaws of death by a 21st-century government hellbent on testing the limits of time travel.

Gore is one of their “expats”: people brought through time and subjected not just to a barrage of tests but the tumult of the 21st century (traffic lights, acknowledging the atrocities of the British empire, Instagram). The expats have some problems with “hereness and thereness”: they don’t register, necessarily, on an MRI scan or an airport scanner. What is a person? What is time? How can the answers to these questions further our geopolitical interests?

Each expat has been assigned a “bridge”: part companion, part zookeeper, part researcher. The bridges share their homes, their lives – and perhaps more – but must file complete reports on every aspect of their new “friend” to an increasingly sinister HQ. Ursula K Le Guin wrote that the job of sci-fi was “to extrapolate imaginatively from current trends and events to a near-future that’s half prediction, half satire”. It is impossible to read The Ministry of Time and not feel that we are, in fact, mere years from “nose-bleeder” heatwaves, microchipped refugees and a government at war with itself.

One test of good sci-fi is how quickly the central premise, however fantastic, becomes so obviously true to both character and reader that the plot is permitted to move itself without any further conscious suspension of disbelief. The space blasters, or whatever, must feel as real as the people; and the people must not be left behind in the author’s quest to accurately describe ( to quote Raymond Chandler ) the poltexes and disintegrators and secondary timejectors. The Ministry of Time needs no such ritzy shortcuts: when the blue lights and lasers emerge, we have earned them.

The test of a good romance novel is, in some ways, the same. Cliche is a feature, not a bug; readers expect a certain set of beats, played to a certain rhythm. Girl meets boy; boy and girl fall in love over one hot summer; complications (in this case, guns, governments and an age gap of 200 years) ensue. The couple must kiss; and, while a happy ending is not mandatory (luckily for Bradley), there must be some sense of hope.

This is – astonishingly – a hopeful book. Much as our narrator would like us to believe chiefly in her failures, ultimately she exists around them and through them as a person in her own right. A nameless bureaucrat, through the course of the novel she (as she puts it of Gore) “fills out with attributes like a daguerreotype developing”. This is our hope, then, in the novel as in life: that people should become more than they thought they were. Life is worth living; and love is worth fighting for; and our characters – hereness and thereness notwithstanding – can and must do it. Won’t they? Would you? These are the big questions, and Bradley smuggles them in, concealed amid a breakneck plot just as the time outlaws hide among suburban London streets.

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For, despite its vast scope, The Ministry of Time reads like a novel that was written for pleasure. The acknowledgments reveal that the story began life as a joke for a handful of friends – and while it is not always true that a joy to write is a joy to read, this is the kind of summer romp that also sparks real thought. While Bradley’s writing can veer towards the glib, go with it: give in to the tide of this book, and let it pull you along. It’s very smart; it’s very silly; and the obvious fun never obscures completely the sheer, gorgeous, wild stretch of her ideas.

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Here is the cheapest time to travel to europe’s pricey and popular cities.

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europe shoulder season travel

Come summer, travel to Europe will be top of mind for plenty of Americans with vacation on the brain.

But can we afford it? Summers especially can be crowded, hot and packed with tourists driving up rates as locals flee for the countryside and beaches — not really the best time to be visiting.

Plus, this year, there’s an extra level of expense added, with the 2024 Olympics taking Paris for the months of July and August.

A tower in the city

And that won’t just impact Paris, but all the destinations like the French wine regions, the Cote d’Azur and even London and Brussels and Amsterdam — all easily accessible by rail and likely to receive plenty of extra visitors.

So you might still be going — but you might be going before or after the summer, this time around. And according to a new study , that’s totally fine.

For example, did you know that Paris can be a pretty good deal, as long as you’re not insisting on the peak travel periods?

The number crunchers at Radical Storage urge travelers not looking to go into heavy debt to select the shoulder season, when visitors can save a whopping average of 60.3% on their hotel stays, one of biggest budget busters on a Paris itinerary, where peak season nightly rates averaged $866.

Wait until shoulder season and see those same rates plummet to $344, the research revealed. That’s a discount of $522.

Shoulder seasons can vary by destination, but are by definition the times between peak and off-peak. And, most importantly, unlike during low season, the weather isn’t terrible. (If you’ve spent a winter in Paris, you know that’s an issue.)

A bridge over water with a building in the background in Budapest

“Shoulder season is the period before or after peak season but not yet the off-season. For example, many European destinations have a very busy summer (July/August) but May, June, September, and October may be considered shoulder season (it varies per destination), while January could be considered the off-season or low season,” the study stated.

“Visiting destinations in shoulder season usually means lower costs and lower crowds, while still keeping good enough weather for tourism.”

To find the best times to travel to Europe, the study pored over data from Google Flights and prices for thousands of hotels. Besides beaucoup bargain boltholes in Paris, they also found that flights to Budapest in the off-season sank to 56.6% of peak season highs, Thrillist reported .

And while Budapest had the best drop in prices, it was far from the best deal, overall — peak pricing for cities like Stockholm from the States averaged about $778, according to the study, and $537 during shoulder season — a drop of 30.9 percent.

As part of the study’s findings, the authors compiled a list of the best shoulder season month to visit a selection of cities around the world. Here are their picks for many of Europe’s most popular destinations.

The cheapest time of year to visit these European cities

  • Athens – April
  • Barcelona – April
  • Brussels – April
  • Copenhagen – April
  • Florence – April
  • Frankfurt – April
  • Milan – April
  • Munich – April
  • Prague – April
  • Venice – April
  • Vienna – April
  • Berlin – May
  • Edinburgh – May
  • Madrid – September
  • Nice – September
  • Amsterdam – October
  • Budapest – October
  • Dublin – October
  • Lisbon – October
  • London – October
  • Paris – October
  • Stockholm – October
  • Zurich – October
  • Rome – November

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Hundreds take part in Shrewsbury Colour Run

One of the county's most colourful fundraisers has made more than £24,000 for charity.

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A total of 650 people turned out for the Lingen Davies Shrewsbury Colour Run today, at the Sansaw Estate in Hadnall.

The event sees people of all ages, from young children to grandparents, setting off around the countryside course in waves, and getting covered in colourful paint in the process.

Lizzy Ellis, fundraising events lead for Lingen Davies, said it had been a wonderful day – which had raised a phenomenal amount for the charity to spend on its services, supporting local residents with cancer.

She said: "This will be the fourth colour run we have done in Shrewsbury and the event gets bigger and better every time. There has been loads going on today, it has been fabulous and so much fun, and everyone has had a great time."

She added: "So far we have raised £24,500 but we expect that to go up. It is fabulous and all that will go towards local cancer services in Shropshire and Mid Wales."

Ms Ellis said the charity's supporters had put in a phenomenal effort to get behind the fundraising.

She said: "We always have people that do it every year and it was the same this year, we had people that came back from last year and the year before because they are attached to the charity, but also because it is so much fun."

Ms Ellis said the charity was thankful to all those who had helped and supported the event.

She said: "The Sansaw Estate hosted us again for the third year and we would like to say thank you to them for their support and gifting us the use of the land to help."

She said that the corporate sponsors Dyke Yaxley, Fodens Solicitors, Hatchers Solicitors, Pipekit, Peakes Travel, and Thomas Consulting, had all made it possible.

She added: "We also had about 60 volunteers who helped today and we could not do the event without them so thank you to them for everything they do.

"Also there are lots of suppliers who gave us things for free and thank you to every one of those who have helped out by donating goods."

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Time travel and surveillance state paranoia collide in a witty, thought-provoking romance novel

Kaliane Bradley

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Book Review

The Ministry of Time

By Kaliane Bradley Avid Reader Press: 352 pages, $28.99 If you buy books linked on our site, The Times may earn a commission from Bookshop.org , whose fees support independent bookstores.

“People aren’t history,” scoffs Adela, vice secretary of the Ministry, whose work is shrouded in secrecy and subterfuge. This retort comes late in Kaliane Bradley’s debut novel, “The Ministry of Time,” but it’s a telling line. Its dismissal of individual lives reveals the novel’s stakes. If people aren’t history, what is? This is a disturbing statement to come out of the mouth of a high-ranking British bureaucrat. For a book that could also be easily described as witty, sexy escapist fiction, “The Ministry of Time” packs a substantial punch.

Of late, many critically acclaimed books embrace mystery and absurdity in a way that both suspends and expands conventionally held notions of time. Hilary Leichter’s “Terrace Story,” National Book Critics Circle award winner Lorrie Moore’s “I Am Not Homeless If This Is Not My Home,” Ali Smith’s “Companion Piece,” National Book Award winner Justin Torres’ “Blackouts,” and Marie-Helene Bertino’s “Beautyland,” among others, forge poignant, bracing emotional connections. Their playfulness reveals possibilities and perspectives that might be lost in a novel bound by fact-checked 21st century reality. After all, in a world where nothing feels normal, fiction that embraces a disregard for physics and convention mirrors our new upside-down quotidian life.

The Ministry of Time cover with the title in 3-D in many colors against a dark background

To this end, Kaliane Bradley proves that it’s possible to address imperialism, the scourge of bureaucracy, cross-cultural conflict and the paranoia inherent in a surveillance state through her utterly entertaining novel. “The Ministry of Time” begins with a sixth-round job interview for an undisclosed position. The unnamed narrator is caught off guard when “the interviewer said my name, which made my thoughts clip. I don’t say my name, not even in my head. She’d said it correctly, which people generally don’t.” For the narrator, who “plateaued” as a “translator-consultant” in the Languages department of the Ministry of Defense, this top-secret job that pays three times her current salary is worth the mystery.

Soon the work is disclosed. The narrator, whose mother immigrated to the United Kingdom from Cambodia, will be working closely with people who might bristle at the term “refugees.” She’s now part of the Ministry of Expatriation working with one of five “expats” scavenged from the past. Confident in her storytelling, Bradley sweeps away the details of how and why time travel exists in the novel.

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“All you need to know is that in your near future, the British government developed the means to travel through time but had not yet experimented with doing it.” With that, from the jump, readers and characters alike are asked to take a leap of faith as the narrator assumes the role of a “bridge” between an “expat” and modern life. The larger purpose of her work is elusive to her as well, but, in short, the narrator is tasked to be the roommate of an explorer named Commander Graham Gore who died on a doomed Royal Navy Arctic exhibition in 1847. He’s mannered, understandably jumpy, but also rather sexy for someone who died close to 200 years ago. Will this be an odd sort of meet-cute, or is something more chaotic afoot?

Buckle up, the ride has just begun. Juggling notions of “hereness” (the present) and “thereness” (the past), the novel’s five expats come to grips — or not — with the fact that they have been snatched from the past. The ministry selected individuals who were on the point of death so that their departures from the past would in no way rupture their historic timelines. But how would they affect the present? The bridges take notes, and medical examinations are de rigueur, but these collected data are merely passed along without much in the way of analysis.

The expats and bridges adjust to life together in a largely amusing fashion, sharing lovely homes provided by the ministry, visiting pubs, learning about the very existence of cinema. Music streaming services are a hit, but, generally speaking, the expats find it hard to accept the scale of modern life. Whether this is due to some physical mutation created by the process of time travel or if it’s merely the challenge of cultural displacement for people “loose as dust in narrative time,” true fissures begin to surface.

Man seated outdoors

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For fans who worry that a volume comprising six stories and a novella won’t serve up the deeper delights of his novels, prepare for what may be Towles’ best book yet.

March 29, 2024

In a manner that feels wholly unsurprising to the reader, suspicions arise as to the nature of the project. Why exactly is there a need for secrecy and what are the particulars about this ability to time travel that we’re asked to tacitly accept? Tensions also flare between the narrator and another bridge, Simellia, who are the two people of color in this tightly knit circle. The specter of imperialism looms and informs a certain tension between the narrator and Gore. Yet, as a green bureaucrat, happy to rise in the ranks, she confronts Simellia, saying, “You signed up for this job… [knowing], as much as I did, that what we were doing was world-changing. That’s what you wanted, remember? Do you think the world changes by being asked politely? Or do you think there has to be risk?”

But this brash confidence begins to waver. The narrator recognizes, “Every time I gave Graham a book, I was trying to shunt him along a story I’d been telling myself all my life.” Then she notes that the ministry “fed us all poison from a bottle marked ‘prestige’ and we developed a high tolerance for bitterness.” While the book does assume some obvious postures of university level post-colonial theory and language, it moves past these more cliched moments by focusing its attention on the characters. A tight narrative rich with witty banter, cutting observations and interspersed passages from Gore’s doomed expedition also keep the novel taut.

“Maybe I was tired of stories, telling them and hearing them,” muses the narrator. Curiously, while she made languages her profession (hence her tendency to consider that “the great project of Empire was to categorize: owned and owner, coloniser and colonised, evolué and barbarian, mine and yours.”), her antagonistic younger sister became a writer. Finding herself falling in love with Gore, the narrator becomes the story, upending history.

As the story’s momentum builds into that of a spy thriller, Bradley pulls off a rare feat. “The Ministry of Time” is a novel that doesn’t stoop to easy answers and doesn’t devolve into polemic. It’s a smart, gripping work that’s also a feast for the senses. An assassination, moles, questions of identity and violence wreak havoc on our happy lovers and the bubble they create in London. Yet our affection for them is as fresh and thrilling as theirs is for one another, two explorers of a kind, caught in a brilliant discovery. Bradley’s written an edgy, playful and provocative book that’s likely to be the most thought-provoking romance novel of the summer. Check your history: That’s no small feat.

Lauren LeBlanc is a board member of the National Book Critics Circle.

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  • Section 5 - Rubella
  • Section 5 - Smallpox & Other Orthopoxvirus-Associated Infections

Rubeola / Measles

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): Paul Gastañaduy, James Goodson

Infectious Agent

Transmission, epidemiology, clinical presentation.

INFECTIOUS AGENT: Measles virus

TRAVELER CATEGORIES AT GREATEST RISK FOR EXPOSURE & INFECTION

PREVENTION METHODS

Rubeola is a vaccine-preventable disease

DIAGNOSTIC SUPPORT

Measles virus is a member of the genus Morbillivirus of the family Paramyxoviridae .

Measles is transmitted from person to person via respiratory droplets and by the airborne route as aerosolized droplet nuclei. Infected people are usually contagious from 4 days before until 4 days after rash onset. Measles is among the most contagious viral diseases known; secondary attack rates are ≥90% among susceptible household and institutional contacts. Humans are the only natural host for sustaining measles virus transmission, which makes global eradication of measles feasible.

Measles was declared eliminated (defined as the absence of endemic measles virus transmission in a defined geographic area for ≥12 months in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system) from the United States in 2000. Measles virus continues to be imported into the country from other parts of the world, however, and recent prolonged outbreaks in the United States resulting from measles virus importations highlight the challenges faced in maintaining measles elimination.

Given the large global measles burden and high communicability of the disease, travelers could be exposed to the virus in any country they visit where measles remains endemic or where large outbreaks are occurring. Most measles cases imported into the United States occur in unvaccinated US residents who become infected while traveling abroad, often to the World Health Organization (WHO)–defined Western Pacific and European regions. These travelers become symptomatic after returning to the United States and sometimes infect others in their communities, causing outbreaks.

Nearly 90% of imported measles cases are considered preventable by vaccination (i.e., the travelers lacked recommended age- and travel-appropriate vaccination). Furthermore, observational studies in travel clinics in the United States have shown that 59% of pediatric and 53% of adult travelers eligible for measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine at the time of pretravel consultation were not vaccinated at the visit, highlighting a missed opportunity to reduce the likelihood of measles introductions and subsequent spread. Encourage all eligible travelers to receive appropriate MMR vaccination. Outbreak investigations are costly and resource intensive, and infected people—in addition to productivity losses—can incur direct costs for the management of their illness, including treatment, quarantine, and caregiving.

The incubation period averages 11–12 days from exposure to onset of prodrome; rash usually appears ≈14 days after exposure. Symptoms include fever, with temperature ≤105°F (≤40.6°C); conjunctivitis; coryza (runny nose); cough; and small spots with white or bluish-white centers on an erythematous base appearing on the buccal mucosa (Koplik spots). A characteristic red, blotchy (maculopapular) rash appears 3–7 days after onset of prodromal symptoms. The rash begins on the face, becomes generalized, and lasts 4–7 days.

Common measles complications include diarrhea (8%), middle ear infection (7%–9%), and pneumonia (1%–6%). Encephalitis, which can result in permanent brain damage, occurs in ≈1 per 1,000–2,000 cases of measles. The risk for serious complications or death is highest for children aged ≤5 years, adults aged ≥20 years, and in populations with poor nutritional status or that lack access to health care.

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive neurologic disorder caused by measles virus that usually presents 5–10 years after recovery from the initial primary measles virus infection. SSPE manifests as mental and motor deterioration, which can progress to coma and death. SSPE occurs in ≈1 of every 5,000 reported measles cases; rates are higher among children <5 years of age.

Measles is a nationally notifiable disease. Laboratory criteria for diagnosis include a positive serologic test for measles-specific IgM, IgG seroconversion, or a significant rise in measles IgG level by any standard serologic assay; isolation of measles virus; or detection of measles virus RNA by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Measles Virus Laboratory is the national reference laboratory; it provides serologic and molecular testing for measles and technical assistance to state public health laboratories for the collection and shipment of clinical samples for molecular diagnostics and genetic analysis. See detailed information on diagnostic support .

A clinical case of measles illness is characterized by generalized maculopapular rash lasting ≥3 days; temperature ≥101°F (38.3°C); and cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis. A confirmed case is one with an acute febrile rash illness with laboratory confirmation or direct epidemiologic linkage to a laboratory-confirmed case. In a laboratory-confirmed or epidemiologically linked case, the patient’s temperature does not need to reach ≥101°F (38.3°C) and the rash does not need to last ≥3 days.

Treatment is supportive. The WHO recommends vitamin A for all children with acute measles, regardless of their country of residence, to reduce the risk for complications. Administer vitamin A as follows: for infants <6 months old, give 50,000 IU, once a day for 2 days; for infants 6 months old and older, but younger than 12 months, give 100,000 IU once a day for 2 days; for children ≥12 months old give 200,000 IU once a day for 2 days. For children with clinical signs and symptoms of vitamin A deficiency, administer an additional (i.e., a third) age-specific dose of vitamin A 2–4 weeks following the first round of dosing.

Measles has been preventable through vaccination since a vaccine was licensed in 1963. People who do not have evidence of measles immunity should be considered at risk for measles, particularly during international travel. Acceptable presumptive evidence of immunity to measles includes birth before 1957; laboratory confirmation of disease; laboratory evidence of immunity; or written documentation of age-appropriate vaccination with a licensed, live attenuated measles-containing vaccine 1 , namely, MMR or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV). For infants 6 months old and older, but younger than 12 months, this includes documented administration of 1 dose of MMR; for people aged ≥12 months, documentation should include 2 doses of MMR or MMRV (the first dose administered at age ≥12 months and the second dose administered no earlier than 28 days after the first dose). Verbal or self-reported history of vaccination is not considered valid presumptive evidence of immunity.

1 From 1963–1967, a formalin-inactivated measles vaccine was available in the United States and was administered to ≈600,000–900,000 people. It was discontinued when it became apparent that the immunity it produced was short-lived. Consider people who received this vaccine unvaccinated.

Vaccination

Measles vaccine contains live, attenuated measles virus, which in the United States is available only in combination formulations (e.g., MMR and MMRV vaccines). MMRV vaccine is licensed for children aged 12 months–12 years and can be used in place of MMR vaccine if vaccination for measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella is needed.

International travelers, including people traveling to high-income countries, who do not have presumptive evidence of measles immunity and who have no contraindications to MMR or MMRV, should receive MMR or MMRV before travel per the following schedule.

Infants (6 months old and older, but younger than 12 months): 1 MMR dose. Infants vaccinated before age 12 months must be revaccinated on or after the first birthday with 2 doses of MMR or MMRV separated by ≥28 days. MMRV is not licensed for children aged <12 months.

Children (aged ≥12 months): 2 doses of MMR or MMRV separated by ≥28 days.

Adults born in or after 1957: 2 doses of MMR separated by ≥28 days.

One dose of MMR is ≈85% effective when administered at age 9 months; MMR and MMRV are 93% effective when administered at age ≥1 year. Vaccine effectiveness of 2 doses is 97%.

Adverse Reactions

In rare circumstances, MMR vaccination has been associated with anaphylaxis (≈2–14 occurrences per million doses administered); febrile seizures (≈1 occurrence per 3,000–4,000 doses administered, but overall, the rate of febrile seizures after measles-containing vaccine is much lower than the rate with measles disease); thrombocytopenia (≈1 occurrence per 40,000 doses during the 6 weeks after immunization); or joint symptoms (arthralgia develops among ≈25% of nonimmune postpubertal females from the rubella component of the MMR vaccination, and ≈10% have acute arthritis-like signs and symptoms that generally persist for 1–21 days and rarely recur; chronic joint symptoms are rare, if they occur at all). No evidence supports a causal link between MMR vaccination and autism, type 1 diabetes mellitus, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Contraindications

People who experienced a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hives, hypotension, shock, swelling of the mouth or throat) following a prior dose of MMR or MMRV vaccine, or who had an anaphylactic reaction to topically or systemically administered neomycin, should not be vaccinated or revaccinated. People who are allergic to eggs can receive MMR or MMRV vaccine without prior routine skin testing or the use of special protocols.

Immunosuppression

Enhanced replication of live vaccine viruses can occur in people who have immune deficiency disorders. Death related to vaccine-associated measles virus infection has been reported among severely immunocompromised people; thus, severely immunosuppressed people should not be vaccinated with MMR or MMRV vaccine. For a thorough discussion of recommendations for immunocompromised travelers, see Sec. 3, Ch. 1, Immunocompromised Travelers .

MMR vaccination is recommended for all people with HIV infection aged ≥12 months who do not have evidence of measles, mumps, and rubella immunity, and who do not have evidence of severe immunosuppression. The assessment of severe immunosuppression can be based on CD4 values (count or percentage); absence of severe immunosuppression is defined as CD4 ≥15% for ≥6 months for children aged ≤5 years, or CD4 ≥15% and CD4 count ≥200 cells/mL for ≥6 months for people aged >5 years.

People with leukemia in remission and off chemotherapy, who were not immune to measles when diagnosed with leukemia, may receive MMR vaccine. At least 3 months should elapse after termination of chemotherapy before administering the first dose of vaccine.

Steroids & Other Immunosuppressive Therapies

Avoid vaccinating people who have received high-dose corticosteroid therapy (in general, considered to be ≥20 mg or 2 mg/kg body weight of prednisone, or its equivalent, daily for ≥14 days) with MMR or MMRV for ≥1 month after cessation of steroid therapy. Corticosteroid therapy usually is not a contraindication when administration is short-term (<14 days) or a low to moderate dose (<20 mg of prednisone or equivalent per day).

In general, withhold MMR or MMRV vaccine for ≥3 months after cessation of other immunosuppressive therapies and remission of the underlying disease. See Sec. 3, Ch. 1, Immunocompromised Travelers , for more details.

MMR vaccines should not be administered to pregnant people or people attempting to become pregnant. Because of the theoretical risk to the fetus, people should be counseled to avoid becoming pregnant for 28 days after receiving a live-virus (e.g., MMR) vaccine.

Precautions

Personal or family history of seizures of any etiology.

Compared with administration of separate MMR and varicella vaccines at the same visit, use of MMRV vaccine is associated with a higher risk for fever and febrile seizures 5–12 days after the first dose among children aged 12–23 months. Approximately 1 additional febrile seizure occurs for every 2,300–2,600 MMRV vaccine doses administered. Use of separate MMR and varicella vaccines avoids this increased risk for fever and febrile seizures.

Thrombocytopenia

The benefits of primary immunization are usually greater than the potential risks for vaccine- associated thrombocytopenia. Avoid giving subsequent doses of MMR or MMRV vaccine, however, if an episode of thrombocytopenia occurred ≤6 weeks after a previous dose of vaccine.

Postexposure Prophylaxis

Measles-containing vaccine or immune globulin (IG) can be effective as postexposure prophylaxis. MMR or MMRV administered ≤72 hours after initial exposure to measles virus might provide some protection. If the exposure does not result in infection, the vaccine should induce protection against subsequent measles virus infection.

When administered ≤6 days of exposure, IG can be used to confer temporary immunity in a susceptible person. If the exposure does not result in modified or typical measles, vaccination with MMR or MMRV is still necessary to provide long-lasting protection. Six months after receiving intramuscularly administered IG, or 8 months after receiving intravenously administered IG, administer MMR or MMRV vaccine, provided the patient is aged ≥12 months and the vaccine is not otherwise contraindicated.

CDC website: Measles

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: Paul A. Gastañaduy, James L. Goodson

Bibliography

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevention of measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps, 2013: summary recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2013;62(RR-04):1–34.

 Gastañaduy P, Redd S, Clemmons N, Lee AD, Hickman CJ, Rota PA, et al. Measles. In: Roush SW, Baldy LM, Kirkconnell Hall MA, editors. Manual for the surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2019. Available from: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt07-measles.html .

Hyle EP, Fields NF, Fiebelkorn AP, Taylor Walker A, Gastañaduy P, Rao SR, et al. The clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of measles-mumps-rubella vaccination to prevent measles importations among US international travelers. Clin Infect Dis. 2019;69(2):306–15.

Hyle EP, Rao SR, Bangs AC, Gastañaduy P, Parker Fiebelkorn A, Hagmann SHF, et al. Clinical practices for measles-mumps-rubella vaccination among US pediatric international travelers. JAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(2):e194515.

Hyle EP, Rao SR, Jentes ES, Parker Fiebelkorn A, Hagmann SHF, Taylor Walker A, et al. Missed opportunities for measles, mumps, rubella vaccination among departing U.S. adult travelers receiving pretravel health consultations. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(2):77–84.

Lee AD, Clemmons NS, Patel M, Gastañaduy PA. International importations of measles virus into the United States during the post-elimination era, 2001–2016. J Infect Dis. 2019;219(10):1616–23.

National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Measles (rubeola): 2013 case definition. Atlanta: CDC; 2013. Available from: https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/measles/ .

Patel MK, Goodson JL, Alexander JP Jr., Kretsinger K, Sodha SV, Steulet C, et al. Progress toward regional measles elimination—Worldwide, 2000–2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69(45):1700–5.

Pike J, Leidner AJ, Gastañaduy PA. A review of measles outbreak cost estimates from the US in the post-elimination era (2004–2017): Estimates by perspective and cost type. Clin Infect Dis. 2020;1(6):1568–76.

World Health Organization. Measles vaccines: WHO position paper—April 2017. Wkly Epidemiol Rec. 2017;92(17):205–27.

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  30. Rubeola / Measles

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