Shrewsbury campsites

Known to locals and travellers as both 'Shroosbury' and 'Shrowsbury' this vibrant town Shropshire town just can't decide how it should be pronounced. Who'd quibble about that, however, when it's got a pretty riverside setting, lots of attractive architecture and the chance to take tranquil boat cruises through the water. 

Soaking up your pretty surroundings is a big part of the fun here, whether dawdling through criss-crossed streets, dipping into century old shops and pubs or hob-nobbing with the locals in the town's wide central square. Don't miss Darwin's statue standing tall above the comings and goings of the locals.

The Quarry is a beautiful park where you can explore the pretty Dingle flower garden and watch the River Severn lazily snake by. Forget the hustle and bustle of sightseeing here, you can plop down on the grass and have a picnic or let the kids burn off some energy.

Why stay on land, though, when you could float off on cruise along the River Severn, courtesy of Sabrina Boat Trips. From your spot in the river you'll see it all in style, and there are even themed cruises with a chance to dine on fine wine and cheese as you ride.

Move on from your dreamy ride with a gander at Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery - the Shropshire Mammoth needs to be seen! - and then quick march to the Shropshire Regimental Museum. Fancy yourself as a bit of an outlaw? See life under lock and key in Victorian Shrewsbury Prison, where ex-prison officers give spooky tours and the low dow on life behind bars.

You'll be surprised to wander around Ditherington Flax Mill and see it name-dropped as the 'grandfather of skyscrapers' at just five stories high - until you realise it's one of the world's first iron framed buildings, and Historic England protected.

Pretty St Chad's Church is one of Shrewsbury's gems, looking out over lovely parkland, and you can also go a step grander at Shrewsbury Abbey, where people have been worshipping since Anglo Saxon times.

Shrewsbury also has great nightlife entertainment, with a wide variety of pubs and restaurants and top shows at the Theatre Severn.

Take a drive further out and you'll reach Battlefield Falconry Centre where you won't need the eyes of a hawk to spot (and interact with!) a great selection of birds. Other nearby attractions include splendid Attingham Park, the picturesque Hawkstone Park Follies and Stiperstones National Nature Reserve which are well worth exploring too.

Learn all about the wine-making process, digging into the spectacular setting of its Roman history with a tour of the Wroxeter Roman Vineyard close by.