Explore Shrewsbury
Mid-way through your metal detecting holiday, all guests will get a chance to take on a day of exploring the local area of Shrewsbury and Shropshire.
Indulge yourself in an area seeped in history and explore the many places Shropshire has to offer.
Our top 3 locations (in no particular order) include;
- Shrewsbury Abbey
- The Quarry Park
- Shrewsbury Castle
Guests can also use this opportunity to venture into the wonderful historic town of Shrewsbury, taking the weight off their feet with a well-earned break at one of the many local bespoke cafes for some light refreshments – or perhaps something a little stronger.
The Market Hall, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, and Sabrina Boat (A mini passenger cruise along the River-Severn) are also close by. Shrewsbury also boasts the Old Market Hall – a 81 seater, contemporary cinema and cafe bar offering a wide programme of independent film, documentaries, classics, world cinema, and popular releases.
Shrewbury Abbey
There has been a place of worship on this site since Anglo-Saxon times. The Abbey in Shrewsbury was founded as a Benedictine Monastery by Roger de Montgomery in 1083 on the site of an existing Saxon church.
After the dissolution of the monasteries in the reign of King Henry VIII the part of the Abbey building which survived continued as a Parish Church – as it is to this day.
The Abbey is dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, as a place of Christian witness and worship. It has held a monastery, a garrison, a prison, a Saint, and is still in use as a Parish church today. It holds the effigies of nobles dating back from the Conqueror, and includes such notables as Richard Onslow, Speaker of the House of Commons under Elizabeth I.
Its windows and walls still bear the marks of musket-shot from Cromwell’s troops, as many statues bear the marks of his Reformation destruction. It is one of the few churches in England to have a surviving Royal Crest from the time of Charles I.
Dingle & Quarry Park
The Quarry is Shrewsbury’s beautiful, 29-acre parkland, encircled by the majestic loop of the river Severn.
The Dingle and Quarry has been Shrewsbury’s most important site for recreation since the 16th Century.
It still provides the perfect place to relax, enjoy walks, picnic, fish along the banks of the River Severn, or just let off steam. St Chad’s Church occupies a prominent position in Shrewsbury, facing the Quarry area parkland.
The church built in 1792, has a distinctive round shape and high tower.
Shrewbury Castle
Shrewsbury Castle stands on a hill in the neck of the meander of the River Severn on which the town originally developed.
The castle, directly above Shrewsbury railway station, is a Grade I listed building. The castle was ordered on the site and greatly extended, as a base for operations into Wales.
Town walls, of which little now remains, were later added to the defences, as a response to Welsh raids and radiated out from the castle and surrounded the town. The castle and surrounding area is well worth a visit.
Other Places to Explore in Shrewsbury
The Market Hall
The Market Hall offers a unique blend of Shropshire’s finest. A beautiful clock demands the tower, with the award winning Hall standing proud between Shoplatch and Claremont Street.
Since 1965 it has been home to many traders, offering fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, fresh fish, delicatessen, books, china, antiques, collectibles and contemporary arts and crafts to name a few. So if you’re looking for something a little different, inspirational, fresh and value for money, visit the Market Hall…it’s a unique experience.
Old Market Hall & Cinema
The Old Market Hall is an Elizabethan building situated in the town centre of Shrewsbury. Built in 1596, the property is now in the ownership of Shropshire Council.
The Hall is an example of late Tudor influence with primarily Elizabethan architecture, it had two storeys: the large upper room was originally used by the Shrewsbury Drapers Company to sell Welsh cloth and the lower floor was used by farmers to sell their corn.
Recently the Market Hall building has been refurbished as an arts venue and café, showcasing films and digital media.
Sabrina River Boat Cruises
Sabrina is a beautiful triple deck passenger boat situated on the River Severn, capable of carrying 60 passengers in comfort with retractable roof.
The boat trips provide a first-class service to both day and evening passengers, whether you are interested in a relaxing boat trip during the day or you are embarking on an evening voyage.
Sabrina Boat runs 6 daily boat trips around the river Severn loop every day with live commentary, table service and on board town maps. From the moment you step on board and will enjoy an exemplary level of attention from the crew throughout your journey.
Trips run on the hour from from Victoria Quay near the Welsh bridge.
Shrewsbury Museum
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery was founded in 1835 as the Museum of the Shropshire and North Wales Natural History and Antiquarian Society in Dogpole, Shrewsbury, England.
In 1853 the collections were moved to Vaughan’s Mansion on College Hill, which became known as the Shropshire and North Wales Museum.
Come and explore millions of years of history over one thousand remarkable objects in the extraordinary set of building that house Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.
From key Shropshire finds like the Roman tombstones and headstones and the Shropshire Mammoth to a fine geology and Tudor collection, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery intimately depicts local history using all the senses.