Townhouse Gazette
Darwin’s In The News
“Ahead of its starring role in the new BBC Dickens adaptation, Shrewsbury far surpasses our writer's own great expectations”
Of the many hopeful small shops in Shrewsbury, the most optimistic sells Harry Potter merchandise. There may be a market for JK Rowling’s world, but surely it can’t be here, not in a fantastical town where Tudor houses sway and carved grotesques gurn as you pass. Not somewhere with a town crier such as Martin Wood, a 7ft 2in, full-bearded giant — Shrewsbury’s own Hagrid.
Moated by the River Severn, Shrewsbury appears more fantasy than reality even while you’re here. And the film people have taken notice.
“Drifting down the River Severn on a dreamy canoe trip made easy”
In truth, civilisation awaited nearby. We’d chosen this section for its possibilities on shore, too, and that first evening saw us sweeping into Shrewsbury, a town huddled in a meander so tight it’s almost an oxbow lake. Wandering into the half-timbered old centre, our legs creakily remembered their purpose as they carried us to a big, warm room at Darwin’s Townhouse, with underfloor heating that was perfect for canoe-dampened feet (B&B doubles from £135, and, later, to a big, warm slab of sticky toffee pudding. Walking it off, up the indie-shop-lined Wyle Cop, Grope Lane and the church-flanked Bear Steps, I got the feeling Shrewsbury had changed little since Henry Tudor marched through in 1485 en route to Bosworth Field.
“Glittering lights, independent shops and timber-fronted houses: Shrewsbury is the place to embrace the Christmas spirit.”
Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the land very little was stirring — for it was in the midst of the pandemic. It was December 2020, and it was the first time I’d ever been to Shrewsbury, when the UK was in various stages of lockdown — remember the tier system?
I got off the train under the red-brick walls of Shrewsbury Castle and walked down Pride Hill, where I was astonished to see twinkling lights in shop windows — Shropshire was on amber, which meant they could open, unlike red London where only essential ones could.
“Move over Maldives: Shropshire is tipped for a tourist boom”
It may be celebrated as the birthplace of the industrial revolution but these days it is arguably better known for its bracing hill walks, castles and pretty timber-framed villages.
Now Shropshire has joined the likes of Mauritius, with its seven-coloured earths in Chamarel, and Zambia, home of the breathtaking Victoria Falls, in being named one of the “destinations to watch” this year.
It is the first time Abta, the travel trade association, has included a domestic location in its annual report of the cities, regions and countries tipped for a tourist boom in the year ahead.
Featured In…
Darwin's Townhouse is thrilled to be featured in The Good Hotel Guide, a prestigious annual publication that showcases the finest hotels and guesthouses across the UK. This esteemed guide is renowned for its rigorous selection process, which involves anonymous inspections by experienced editors who evaluate every aspect of a hotel's service, comfort, and overall experience. As a result, being included in The Good Hotel Guide is a badge of honor that signifies excellence in the industry. Darwin's Townhouse is proud to have been recognised for its commitment to providing exceptional hospitality, with reviewers praising its stylishly decorated rooms, warm and welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional breakfast offerings. From its unique boutique experience to its convenient location in the heart of town, Darwin's Townhouse has earned its place among the crème de la crème of British hotels, and we are delighted to be recognised by The Good Hotel Guide as one of the best.
Visit Shropshire, the official tourist information website for Shropshire, has proudly featured Darwin's Townhouse as one of its esteemed attractions. This esteemed distinction is a testament to the exceptional experience that this unique and fascinating destination offers visitors. Visit Shropshire aims to showcase the county's rich history and cultural heritage, and to attract more visitors to explore the many wonders that Shropshire has to offer.
The original Shrewsbury website is a digital treasure trove that pays tribute to the rich history and heritage of Shrewsbury, a charming market town in Shropshire, England. Among the many fascinating features on the site is the inclusion of Darwin's Townhouse, a historic property that proudly celebrates the towns connection to Charles Darwin, the renowned naturalist and author of "On the Origin of Species".
The Original Shrewsbury website is a treasure trove for tourists, offering expert recommendations on the best attractions to explore, top-rated restaurants to savor, and upcoming events to experience within the charming town of Shrewsbury.
DISCOVER, PLAN & SHARE…
Use the Original Shrewsbury Discovery Wizard to help you uncover great content, plan your visit and even share ideas with friends and family.
Darwin's Townhouse, a pioneering AA-rated guesthouse in the heart of Shrewsbury, is renowned for its exceptional hospitality and dedication to providing an unparalleled guest experience. The AA, a leading authority in the hospitality industry, has consistently recognised Darwin's Townhouse for its outstanding service, comfort, and attention to detail. The property's commitment to excellence has earned it numerous awards and accolades, including the prestigious 5 star, gold award, AA Bed and Breakfast Award the AA Breakfast Award for serving the best breakfast.
