Cottages in Shrewsbury

This is a former Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11th century and survived the dissolution of the monasteries when it became a parish church in 1540. Although the monastic buildings were destroyed below, the church remained, and much of the original Norman structure survives intact.

This is the largest church in Shrewsbury, it was declared the most important in 1987 and is currently under the care of the Conservation Trust of Churches. The building is of Gothic and Norman architecture and is said to have been founded by the Anglo-Saxon King Edgar in the 10th century. St Mary's is the only intact medieval church in Shrewsbury and has much to keep visitors in its charm.

After operating for 220 years, Her Majesty's Shrewsbury Prison, at the head of the city circuit on the Severn, closed in 2013. Since then there are plans to convert this dominant Georgian building into housing, shops, and a gym. But while this is possible, you can enter with a company called Jailhouse Tours. Seven days a week you can cast Common areas with a guide who will paint a vivid picture of life and routine for both inmates and prison officials.

At the top of the quarry park, Grade I mentions the church of San Chad, erected in 1792 to replace a 13th-century building that was destroyed when its tower collapsed. There are a few things that make this Georgian neoclassical masterpiece special. One is that Charles Darwin was baptized here in 1809 and attended church in his childhood. Saint Chad also has the largest circular nave in the country.

Beneath Shrewsbury's famous clock tower you'll find the Market Hall, a social shopping attraction with stalls selling meat, seafood, flowers, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, specialty foods, and confectionery. But to go with fresh produce and supplies, you can browse arts and crafts, photography, vinyl, and vintage clothing.

On a tour you will meet the Berwick family, see their furniture and painting collections and hear how the family fortune fell. The circular dressing table is a highlight, but you will also discover how the hall was converted into an adult education university beginning in the 1940s. The estate spans more than 4,000 acres. The park was set up by the great 18th-century landscaper Humphrey Repton and features woods and a deer park for walks.

Hawkstone Park It is a landscaped park that used to be attached to Hawkstone Hall, very close. Spread across 100 acres and spanning four steep hills, the park shines for its follies, begun in the 18th century by Sir Rowland Hill, 1st Baronet Hill of Hawkstone. All of this is on the site of a decaying Norman fortress, Red Castle. You will be thrilled to discover the Gingerbread Room, Hermitage, Grotto, Gothic Arch, Swiss Bridge, White Tower, Urn, and Greenhouse on foot.