Darwin's Townhouse

“Darwin’s Townhouse
Although it’s named after Shrewsbury’s most famous son, there’s no leaden Victoriana about this B&B in a Georgian mansion. Instead the nod to Darwin comes through decor in the 20 rooms. Blinds and fabrics have prints of colourful palms or dragonflies. There are vintage pictures of parrots or butterflies, and some rooms have old travel trunks as side tables. The effect is fun and relaxed. King superiors are worth the extra £35 for their space. Breakfast in the conservatory is excellent.
Details B&B doubles from £130; darwinstownhouse.com”

TV adventurer and survival expert Bear Grylls spent the night at Darwin’s Townhouse, Shrewsbury.

The former SAS serviceman, known for television survival shows including Man vs Wild and The Island with Bear Grylls, was reportedly delighted with his one-night stay at the boutique bed and breakfast.

Head housekeeper Tracy Plant said: “He was such a lovely guy. He kept thanking us for looking after him and said that the place was a lovely find.

“He ate at our sister restaurant, The Loopy Shrew, in the evening. I don’t know what he had, but it certainly wasn’t bugs! He then had breakfast with us at Darwin’s Townhouse and said he thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“Every day I wandered down Grope Lane to Market Square, with its beautiful old Market Hall and controversial statue of Clive of India, one of Shrewsbury’s most famous sons, along with Charles Darwin. Then, I’d head through Coffee House Passage and along streets of grand houses— Belmont, the Crescent and St John’s Hill. Or the other way to Drapers Hall — the town’s wealth came from when it was the centre of the wool trade in the late Middle Ages — and next door St Mary’s Church with its 14th-century Jesse window.”

Strictly’s Giovanni and Anton returned to Shrewsbury with their sensational live show “Him & Me!” at the Theatre Severn ..

Our staff were very excited to have Giovanni staying with us and he was kind enough to pose for a photo too.