A pretty little market town renowned for its medieval architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and natural beauty is home to the UK’s “best high street”. Shrewsbury, located in Shropshire, England, is a picturesque and historic market town.
Nestled in a loop of the River Severn, it features more than 660 listed buildings, many with Tudor-style timber frames, and iconic landmarks such as Shrewsbury Castle and Shrewsbury Abbey.
The town is known for its thriving independent shops, restaurants, and cafés, particularly along its high street, which is often celebrated for its charm and diversity.
Shrewsbury is also famous for being the birthplace of Charles Darwin, a legacy celebrated through various attractions, including the Darwin Trail.
And the most popular attraction of the town is its iconic high street, Wyle Cop – which the Telegraph has named as the best in the whole of Britain, quite some accolade.
The high street is well-known for its steep incline, historical significance, and vibrant mix of shops, boutiques, and cafés.
It is reputed to have the longest uninterrupted row of independent shops in the country, making it a must-visit for those seeking unique, locally sourced goods and artisan products.
The street’s architecture reflects its rich history, with many Tudor and Georgian buildings lining the cobblestone road.
Wyle Cop is also a gateway to some of Shrewsbury’s most popular attractions, such as Shrewsbury Abbey and The Quarry park.
Its charm and character draw both locals and tourists, offering a quintessentially British shopping and dining experience.
There are several places to visit in Shrewsbury apart from the famous high street. The market town is also home to historic sites such as Shrewsbury Castle and Shrewsbury Abbey.
One can also pay a visit to the Dingle Gardens that is a 29-acre riverside park. These gardens were designed by renowned horticulturist Percy Thrower and are a beautiful spot for relaxation.
Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the River Severn or take a relaxing river cruise aboard the Sabrina, a popular boat offering tours with commentary.
A tourist who has been to the market town wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “Lost count how many times I have been to shrewsbury but never here. What a beautiful place packed with history and beautiful stain glass windows. The choir and orchestra were practicing while there with only me and 9 other people in attendance what an honour.”
A second added: “Shrewsbury is one of those places that you always mean to visit yet never quite manage it but this time, I got there and visited the abbey church and well worth the time it was too! It was an very wet day but the volunteers at the small shop, were very welcoming and directed us to visit various items of interest.”
