Must See Sights and Landmarks in Church Stretton Area

"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!"

"This was once the richest Benedictine monastery in England and has survived a great deal of history from the dissolution, civil war and several floods. Less than a 10 minute walk from the center, you can enter the Abbey for free although a donation is preferred. Inside you’ll read lots of interesting facts from the information boards and admire all the architectural details including some stunning stained windows."

"Founded back in the 1800s, 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."

"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."

"A visit to Attingham Park is a must on your trip to Shrewsbury. Set in stunning and well maintained grounds, you can explore inside the huge mansion and learn all about the secrets of the Berwick family. One of the main attractions is the amazing parkland where you can stroll or cycle, explore the organic Walled Garden, see deer and enjoy the beauty of the area and the River Tern."

"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."

"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”."

"Surrounded by magnificent gardens, the redbrick Powis Castle was originally constructed in the 13th century by Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, prince of Powys, and subsequently enriched by generations of the Herbert and Clive families. The castle's highlight, the Clive Museum, houses exquisite treasures brought back from India and the Far East by Clive of India (British conqueror of Bengal at the Battle of Plassey in 1757) and his son Edward, who married the daughter of the first earl of Powys."

"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."