Set amidst outstanding countryside and just a step away from the Welsh Borders, Shrewsbury is Shropshire’s county town and one of England’s most delightful ancient market towns.

Shrewsbury is renowned for its charming layout of twisting and turning streets and cobbled alleyways, as well as its many traditional black and white timber framed buildings, many of which are listed. The castle (which is now a regimental museum) and the beautiful Abbey (home to Ellis Peters’ famous fictional creation, Brother Cadfael) are two of the most impressive. All around the town you will notice references to Charles Darwin, who was raised and educated here, and the town now hosts an annual festival in his honour.

The River Severn gently curves around the town perimeter, offering some charming strolls along the riverbank, and past the scenic Quarry Park. For an alternative view of the city, hop aboard one of the pleasure trips that regularly run up and down the river, and admire the proliferation of colourful blooms and flowers displays for which the town is famed.

The town centre is a veritable shopper''s paradise, with several new malls, plenty of designer names and a huge range of independent shops. An indoor market is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Add to that a buzzing social scene, with some great clubs and bars, and a wide choice of restaurants and cafes to suit all palates.

Close by visit the National Trust’s Attingham Park with its Regency hall and deer park and Wroxeter Roman City, formerly Roman Britain’s fourth largest city and now managed by English Heritage.

Come and discover a town where ancient and modern merge seamlessly; search Shrewsbury holiday cottages today.