Student Guide to Shrewsbury

STUDENT GUIDE TO SHREWBURY

WHERE ARE WE?

Shrewsbury is a beautiful medieval town, embraced by the Shropshire Hills and resplendent in wonky black and white buildings, criss-crossing cobbled passages and curiously-named streets.

Residing in a loop of the River Severn and boasting everything from cultural hotspots, culinary delights, retail treats and an active sports scene, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

It won’t take you long to feel at home, so dive into our friendly, vibrant town. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Old Market Hall Market Hall Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Birds Nest Cafe Quarry Park

Fish Street

Shrewsbury Library River Severn Quarry Park

Costa, Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Castle

CULTURE FIX

Shrewsbury is a brilliant up-and-coming place for young people, it has a nice chilled feeling and a very friendly atmosphere.

Henry - Sport Management Graduate

Film fanatics

From blockbusters to 3D, arthouse to IMAX, movie buffs can take their pick! Head to the Old Market Hall (known affectionately as the OMH) in the square for a comfy night of cinema with your favourites . Sit back and relax with your favourite beverage and soak up cult classics, world film and much more .

Perfect for popcorn-lovers and movie moguls, Cineworld in Old Potts Way is Shrewsbury’s multiplex cinema and boasts a wide range of films, large screens and great facilities . For a high octane cinema experience the super screens at IMAX Telford are just twenty minutes up the road .

Culture vultures

Shrewsbury enjoys a thriving cultural scene with live performances in dance, drama, music and comedy available at venues throughout the town .

Check out Theatre Severn, perched on the banks of the Severn and only a stone’s throw away from the University Centre, or be inspired by local talent at The Hive on Belmont offering a diverse and vibrant programme from open mic nights, world-class jazz, folk concerts and creative workshops . Like the town itself, the old nestles comfortably alongside the new in the Museum and Art Gallery . There’s 750 years of history to explore here, with a regular-changing programme and Stop Café on hand to serve you up some tasty treats .

SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR

Get it fresh

Found in the same building as Mardol House (our student halls), the Market Hall is where you’ll find fresh fruit, veg, meat and cheese from local producers and at great prices . Try the quirky and quaint Bird’s Nest and Café AleOli - both well worth a visit .

Plus, every first Friday of the month, well-known local producers and traders descend on the Town Square for the Shrewsbury Farmers Market . Find Hindleys Bakers, Maynard’s Meats, and a whole host of local treats to tempt your taste buds .

Chain reaction

For familiar favourites, Starbucks and Costa can be found on the corner of The Square and Grope Lane . Plus for fast and flavourful, you’ll find KFC and Subway situated in town, whilst Nandos and Pizza Hut are just out of town . Add some Italian flavour to your night, with the bustling vibes of Ask and Pizza Express . Buonissimo!

Indie eateries

With a thriving café culture and independent eateries galore, Shrewsbury is packed with plenty of places to indulge and enjoy – so don’t forget your appetite . For the very best breakfasts head to Number Four in Butcher Row where the mood is always sunny side up . If cosy is more your thing, Bear Steps Café is warm, snug and serves a cracking carrot cake – mind your head though, the ceilings are low! If you like creamy hot chocolates and sweet, crispy crepes, we guarantee Chez Sophie will be just up your street – quite literally, because it’s only round the corner from our student accommodation .

Or for a quick bite, the sandwiches, salads, cake selection and friendly staff at Taste of Shrewsbury and Brambles (again only steps away from Mardol House) are sure to become firm favourites for your student sustenance . If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, why not check out the wonderful confectionery creations you can find at Planet Doughnut - but be warned these delicious doughnuts get snapped up fast!

HOTSPOTS AND HIDEAWAYS

From comfy sofas and sociable tables to busy dance floors - the bars, pubs and clubs in Shrewsbury have something for every night owl.

Colourful cocktails Pub culture

For contemporary cool, Blind Tiger in Hills Lane is the place for cocktails and conversation – as well as a board game or two. Enjoy the whimsical character of The Libertine in Butcher Row and treat yourself to a coffee, cake or a cheeky cocktail. The bar staff can rustle you up anything from a caramel latte to a pornstar martini. If a laid back vibe is more your thing, The Alb just along from the train station is a popular choice amongst our students - especially their eclectic mix of colourful cocktails.

Enjoy a walk around the Dingle in the Quarry Park and stop off at The Boathouse. Unwind on a summer’s evening with a glass of bubbly overlooking the spectacular views of the River Severn. With craft beers and real ale set amongst old wooden beams, Coach and Horses, the Nags Head (complete with medieval mansion in the beer garden), The Loggerheads and Admiral Benbow are perfect to quench your thirst.

Going out out

For a serious Shrewsbury night out, Oil and Montgomery’s Tower are great student bars to begin the evening, with The Hole in the Wall also offering a range of student nights in conjunction with Shrewsbury Students’ Union.

Stop. Cafe Quarry Park River Severn

Claremont Hill Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Rowley’s House

Shops on Wyle Cop

Juggler in Quarry Park

Shrewsbury Folk Festival St AlkmundsPlace

SHOPPING FIX

Shrewsbury is vibrant and good for shopping. There are a variety of places to eat, great music venues and great nightlife, particularly at The Buttermarket. There are plenty of places of interest and lots to do to suit everyone.

Carrie - Geography Graduate

Vintage chic

On the sloping street of Wyle Cop and onto Dogpole you’ll be greeted by a host of independents - including the quirky Uniiq for original homeware and gifts and La Vie perfect for handmade trinkets and treats .

Book worms

As students you’ll be no stranger to books, so for some handy off-campus bookshops for core text books and general reads try Waterstones by The Square and Pengwern Books in Shoplatch .

If you’ve already overspent for the month, there are several second-hand bookshops dotted around the town, including Candle Lane Books, with great selections to rifle through .

High street hits

Pride Hill (just 30 seconds from Mardol House) is home to the Darwin and Pride Hill shopping centres where you’ll find everything to satisfy your retail needs .

From River Island and H&M, to Marks and Spencer and Primark, there are plenty of affordable wardrobe essentials to get your hands on .

For ardent gamers, pop into GAME, then make a night of it on the couch with some naughty nibbles from Mollies .

Plus, with an NUS TOTUM card (at just £24 .99 for three years and available from the SU) you can take advantage of 10-20% off high street prices at a range of shops in the town .

SPORTING SHREWSBURY

Whether it’s pedalling, tackling, dribbling or sculling, the town and surrounding area has everything to sate your sporting needs. Shrewsbury shoots and scores!

Footie fever

The New Meadow is the home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club where avid fans from across the county come to cheer players on from the stands .

For a friendly kick-about there are several places to gather your friends, from the 5-a-side Powerleague at the football stadium itself, to the wide expanses of Quarry Park .

Ready, steady, run!

Shrewsbury provides ample opportunity for you to get out and stretch your legs . Enjoy some crisp morning air with a run in the Quarry Park . It’s a great location for fledgling runners who fancy a walk, jaunt or jog or for energetic enthusiasts looking to smash their personal best . For those looking for more of a challenge, Shrewsbury also hosts 10k and half-marathon events .

Chilled thrills

For the chill factor, head to the Snowboard and Ski Centre and the Ice Rink in Telford, where you can sashay effortlessly or shuffle awkwardly to your heart’s content .

Keep fit

Our brand new on-site fitness suite means there’s no excuse not to work up a sweat before, after or in between classes .

GREAT SHROPSHIRE OUTDOORS

Reaching the countryside is a breeze from Shrewsbury, so if you like nothing better than getting out and about, there is a multitude of outdoor options in some truly inspiring surroundings.

Hills and follies

Hugged by the majestic Shropshire Hills, Shrewsbury is only a stone’s throw from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO historical site and National Trust treasures.

From peaceful ambles along Haughton Hill, to challenging treks up Hawkstone Park Follies, the county offers a host of hiking, cycling and climbing options all set against the dramatic and picturesque backdrop of the Shropshire countryside.

Severn splashes

For those who love to make a splash, taking place on the River Severn each year are a host of watery wonders including the Shrewsbury Regatta, Coracle Race and the Dragon Boat Race.

Serene sailing

For a more serene experience why not sail the Severn on the riverboat Sabrina, or glide downstream all the way from the Welsh Bridge to the English Bridge in a rowing boat from Pengwern Boat Club.