Must Visit Market Towns this Autumn

Autumn in Shropshire is beautiful. And its market towns are no different! a trip to one of our gorgeous market towns in Autumn is a real delight. With leafy streets, mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

The towns are all different in look and feel of course. For one thing, some are large and others are tiny. However, they all boast vibrant atmospheres with lots of eye-catching old buildings housing an incredible variety of independent shops – from fashion, vintage and homewear boutiques to butchers, grocers and delis all lining their chain-free high streets. Here are Shropshire’s must-visit market towns this Autumn.

Shrewsbury

Shropshire’s capital ticks all the boxes for a lovely market town! There’s its scenic location, set within a loop of the River Severn. History at every turn, in the form of handsome black-and-white, half-timbered Tudor buildings, ancient alleyways, stunning old churches and cosy old pubs. For many visitors, the highlight is the independent shopping and eating in the award-winning Shrewsbury Market Hall!

For how to get the most out of 48 hours in Shrewsbury, see our detailed guide

More information: originalshrewsbury.co.uk.

Ludlow

Set on a hill towering over the River Teme, the market town of Ludlow is an immensely picturesque place! It’s home to its own castle, which is a spectacular ruin dating from Norman times, and stunning St Laurence’s Church. But Ludlow’s independent shopping and food scene is arguably an even bigger draw than its history! You’ll find many historic, family-run shops including a surprisingly of excellent cafés and restaurants, championing local produce. Be sure to time your visit to coincide with a market day in the main square – or even better with Ludlow’s Food Festival (9-11 September 2022). 

More information: www.theludlowguide.co.uk.

Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth is a two-in-one place. There’s the Low Town down by the River Severn, and, set atop sandstone cliffs riddled with caves, the High Town. You can get between the two halves via sets of historic steps or, to save energy, take a very short ride on the lost-in-time funicular cliff railway (it’s been running since 1892). Most of the best of Bridgnorth – including castle ruins with far-reaching valley views and a character-filled High Street – lies in the High Town. Bridgnorth sits at the northern end of the Severn Valley Railway, a scenic heritage line. 

More information: www.visitbridgnorth.co.uk.

Bishop’s Castle

This charming town has a steep high street topped by a handsome 18^th-century town hall, several inviting pubs and, in the Three Tuns Brewery, the oldest working brewery in Britain (brewing since 1642). An artsy, bohemian nature pervades the town. Bookshops include the unique Poetry Pharmacy, quirky murals (elephants for example and a ‘zipped’ house) adorn some buildings with guerrilla knitting or yarn bombing adding to the town’s alternative vibe. Close to the Welsh border, Bishop’s Castle is also a fantastic hiking base. You can walk out from the town centre and be in deeply rural, hilly countryside in a matter of minutes. 

More information: www.bishopscastle.co.uk/tourism. 

Church Stretton

Church Stretton was granted a market charter by King John in 1214, and the current weekly market on the town square is held in the same place as it was back in the 13^th century. In the Victorian and Edwardian periods the town evolved into a little resort for those seeking fresh air and walks, and it earned the nickname “Little Switzerland” thanks to its picturesque setting in the Shropshire Hills. It is still very much a popular base for hikers today. Almost every shop in town is independent – Van Doesburg’s deli is just the place to put together a picnic if you’re hiking out into the hills.   

More information: www.churchstretton.co.uk.

Oswestry

With the border close by, Oswestry is the most Welsh of Shropshire’s market towns. It is another of the county’s towns to have had a market for some 800 years – the current one, a lively indoor/outdoor affair, takes place a healthy three days a week. Oswestry actually dates over 2,000 years: vast Old Oswestry Hillfort is one of the most impressive Iron Age forts anywhere in Britain. Back in the town centre there’s lots to discover (pick up the heritage trail leaflet): highlights include striking old timbered buildings and flower-bedecked Cae Glas Park. At the park’s entrance stands a sculpture to the World War One poet Wilfred Owen, who was born in Oswestry. The town once boasted a hundred pubs. There are still quite a few, and you can sample locally-made beer at the Stonehouse Brewery on Oswestry’s outskirts. 

More information: www.visitoswestry.co.uk.