Shropshire
IN AND AROUND SHREWSBURY WITH A WHEELCHAIR
A black and white building near the castle
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page and for a wider accommodation search for other areas of Shropshire and the UK click here.
Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire and has a wealth of beautiful black and white timbered buildings. It successfully combines individual and interesting smaller shops with larger well known outlets without losing the medieval character of the town. It has an unusual setting lying within a loop of the river Severn (rendering it almost an island) accessed by the Welsh bridge in the west and the English bridge to the east and encompassing two hills. These hills mean that a large part of the town has steep inclines and therefore disabled visitors without motorised chairs will need a strong pusher to assist them. If this is not possible then there is disabled parking at various points throughout the town and it is possible to park near the square and see that area then relocate to a higher point and see the area around the castle. Alternatively the park and ride scheme that operates in the town has buses with level access and it is possible to alight at the top of the town. Having made your way down the hill you can then return from a bus stop at the lower end of town.
There are guided walking tours of the town that give an extremely interesting and informative view of the many unusual buildings, shuttes and passages that make Shrewsbury unique. These tours start from the Tourist Information centre situated in the Music Hall in the Square and are daily in the summer months and on Saturdays during the winter. When booking it is helpful to mention if you are using a wheelchair, as the guide will bear this in mind when selecting a route to follow. Please note that some of the smaller streets have cobbles and uneven surfaces. Also in the Music Hall is a cafe that serves meals as well as snacks, wheelchair access is by the booking office. There is a small gallery situated at the rear of the ground floor and adjacent to this is a good sized Radar key operated disabled toilet. There is a full programme of events in the Music Hall and every effort has been made to accommodate wheelchair users but it is necessary to book in advance tel: 01743 281281. Across from the Music Hall is the Old Market Hall which houses a cinema and coffee shop, it has a lift to the first floor. If you wish to see a film here it is necessary to book in advance to ensure a wheelchair space, tel: 01743 281281. There is also a disabled toilet on site.
The Dingle
A short walk from here up Claremont Hill is the town park called The Quarry which provides pleasant riverside walks. Situated in the park is the Dingle which is a small lake and a sunken garden that has beautiful displays of floral bedding in the spring and summer. For two days in August each year the famous Shrewsbury Flower Show is held here.
The castle grounds at the Regimental Museum
The Regimental Museum is housed in the castle and most of it is accessible to wheelchairs. However the ramped entrance has a steep incline and some assistance may be needed. The museum contains many artefacts showing the history of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry throughout the centuries and the well informed custodians help bring this to life. There is a small shop and a very good disabled toilet on site. The castle grounds are attractive although little remains of the original building.
St. Mary's Church is one of several churches that lie within the town walls and is the only one that still has the original structure dating back to the 11th century. It contains very beautiful stained glass windows that were brought from various parts of Europe. Over the main door is a plaque that tells of a former resident of the town called Cadman who fell to his death while performing a stunt on a rope attached to the church steeple. There are guided tours of the church on Saturday morning.
Shrewsbury Abbey
Shrewsbury Abbey is situated on Abbey Foregate on the eastern side of the town over the English bridge. The Saxons had a church here before the Normans came in 1070 but the Benedictine Abbey was started in 1083. During the dissolution of the abbey in 1540 much of building was demolished but the original Norman arches remain. It is well worth a visit, wheelchairs need to use the entrance on the right hand side and there are ramps inside to assist access. There is a small car park at the front as well as disabled parking in the street.
Across the road on the original site of some of the abbey buildings is The Shropshire Wildlife Trust. There is a small herb garden, a shop with displays about the Shropshire countryside and a disabled toilet. It is possible to obtain from here a key to the bird hide at Monkmoor Pool on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. Both the pathway and hide are wheelchair accessible.
The towpath along the old canal
In and around Shrewsbury are several wheelchair friendly footpaths including the old canal that runs from Ditherington to Uffington. This can be accessed from various points, I chose to park in Lesley Owen Way off of Sundorne Road. The path has a hard surface and is a pleasant mostly level walk. Out of town near Bomere Heath is Merrington Green which has a suitable pathway around woodland and a small pond. Also there is Haughmond Hill mentioned below.
The courtyard at Battlefield Visitor Centre
Battlefield 1403 is a visitor centre newly opened for 2008 and is situated on a farm, 3 miles north of Shrewsbury just off of the A49. There is designated parking, two designated toilets, a farm shop selling a wide variety of local products and a cafe selling light snacks and meals on site.
The 1403 Battle Exhibition
The exhibition is housed in a redundant farm building and describes the events that took place during the Battle of Shrewsbury which was fought on the 21st of July, 1403 in the fields adjacent to the farm. Nearby is Battlefield Church which has a 4 inch (approx) step and the Battlefield Heritage Trail. Wheelchairs users will need to drive the three quarters of a mile to the trail car park as the path from the visitor centre is unsuitable for wheelchairs. You can download a copy of 'The Wheelchair User's Guide for Accessible Countryside Sites and Trails in Shropshire and the Borderlands' which features the trail from our publications page. Alternatively you can request a copy to be sent by post from our contact us page.
Melverley Church
Approximately 10 miles west of the town is the black and white timbered church of St. Peter's at Melverley. It was built in 1406 on the site of an older church that was burnt down by Owain Glyndwr. There is a small step into the churchyard and a ramp inside the door under a staircase which can be laid down for wheelchair access into the church. Although the church is only small it is beautiful and an interesting place to visit.
The Kitchen at Attingham
About 4 miles Southeast of Shrewsbury on the B4380 is Attingham Park owned by The National Trust. The house built in 1785 is very interesting with many fine paintings and access is very good, you can see all the rooms on the first and ground floors, including the kitchen and servants quarters. Every effort is made to encourage families with children, including quiz sheets available for two age groups and a room where youngsters can have hands on experience of life at the time. There is a tearoom but unfortunately this is not wheelchair accessible however if you have someone with you who can negotiate two steps there is seating outside that you can access in suitable weather. If not then there is a kiosk that provides hot drinks and snacks, this is situated in the stable block near the entrance. The Park has extensive paths which are suitable for wheelchairs, there is also a farm, secret garden and play area. Attingham also host's many events and activities throughout the year and on a sunny day you could spend the whole day here. There is disabled parking and a disabled toilet on site and also access to a powered buggy ( on a first come basis ).
Haughmond Hill Woodland Walk
About four miles east of Shrewsbury on the B5062 is Haughmond Hill, on top of which there are several pathways laid out through the woodland. One of these is signposted with yellow markers and is suitable for wheelchairs (with an able assistant to push). It is just over three quarters of a mile long and provides a chance to access the very pleasant countryside.
The old Guildhall at Much Wenlock
About 12 miles southeast of Shrewsbury on the A458 is the small historic town of Much Wenlock. It has an interesting selection of small shops and old buildings. There is a small museum, situated to the rear of the Tourist Information Centre, that explores the history of the local area including the towns connection with the Olympic Movement. On Saturdays there are stalls selling local produce situated underneath the Guildhall and in front of the library. There is a pottery and craft centre in the town with a shop, small tearoom and a disabled toilet. There are several accessible places to eat in the town but we tried the 14th century Talbot Inn which is situated in the High Street. We had an excellent lunch freshly prepared from local produce. There is access through the archway to tables in the courtyard on fine days and via the second doorway and down a shallow step to the inside dining area.
Wenlock Priory
Several hundred yards walk from the town centre is the ruins of Wenlock Priory now owned by English Heritage. It is a very old site, a religious house was first founded here in around AD 680. There is a free car park opposite the priory and ramped access to the entrance. There are audio guides available from the shop to make your visit more informative and enjoyable. The site is level although at the start there is some loose gravel. There is a disabled toilet, please ask for the key in the gift shop.
A view from the top of the Long Mynd
Approximately 15 miles South of Shrewsbury on the A49 is the small town of Church Stretton that has a good selection of small shops, a reasonable proportion of which you can access and an antique centre (with a lift to all floors). In the main street is a cafe called Mr Bun the Baker that only has a shallow step to negotiate and that serves home cooked meals and snacks. Nearby is Carding Mill Valley, a beautifully scenic part of the Shropshire countryside that is also owned by The National Trust. You can access the valley from the All Stretton road and about halfway along there is a tearoom, shop and disabled toilet. Unfortunately due to the unspoiled naturally hilly terrain, the pathways are unsuitable for wheelchairs but there are wonderful views from the car park and picnic area. If you go back into Church Stretton and follow the signposts to The Burway you can drive up the very steep single tracked road on to The Long Mynd. These are the hills that tower above the town on the Welsh side, the views over the surrounding countryside from the various viewpoints along the roadway are some of the most beautiful in England. If you do not wish to drive yourself then why not try the shuttlebus (see details further down).
The Stiperstones
If you cross the Long Mynd and head for Ratlinghope there is a signpost to The Stiperstones Nature Reserve. There are disabled parking spaces in the reserve car park and a gate to an all ability path with a good surface, a tapping rail and several benches. The path is approximately 500 metres long and there are 6 information points along the route. These have braille instructions and maps as well as audio recordings giving information about the area with local legends and stories.
The Bog Visitor Centre
A short distance away by car is the Bog Visitor Centre which has recently been improved to provide ramped access and an accessible toilet. It is staffed by a team of local volunteers who serve light refreshments and sell local crafts.
If you wish to see the Long Mynd, the Stiperstones and other parts of the Shropshire hills without having to use your own car the Shropshire Shuttle buses operate 3 routes in the area. Connecting services will depart from Shrewsbury's Meole Brace Retail Park (at the roundabout opposite McDonald's and Sainsbury's) at 0845, 0945 and 1000. They will return back to Shrewsbury at 1735, 1810 and 1835
For further details on accessibility and contact details visit our Ludlow page.
PLACES TO STAY
The following are the only accessible places to stay with wheel-in showers that we have found in Shrewsbury.
Sandford House Hotel Annexe
The Sandford House Hotel Shrewsbury :- This hotel has a separate annexe (accessed through a side gate and via a ramped pathway from the pretty courtyard garden) that includes two wheelchair accessible rooms. It is the only one within the town's boundaries with en-suites with a wheel-in shower (portable folding shower seat available) and toilet (no room to side transfer). The comfortable and compact rooms have twin beds that can be arranged as a double if required. Breakfast is served in the rooms as the main hotel has a stepped entrance and is not wheelchair accessible. There is limited parking at the hotel but within fifty yards is a public car park. This could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users.
Tel: 01743 343829
The Purple Hotel Shrewsbury
The Purple Hotel (tel: 01743 276020) is situated in Sitka Drive to the south of the town with easy access from the M54 and A5. This newly opened hotel has four accessible rooms, three with low level baths and one with a wheel-in shower. The hotel specifications are to a high standard including wider corridors and access around the hotel is extremely good. The accessible rooms are of an excellent size with access to either side of the bed for wheelchair users. In this particular hotel, access to the en-suite wheel-in shower is good but not ideal however the company that built the hotel were diligent in their efforts to ensure a fully accessible room was added to the already existing building plan. The accessible rooms have the option of an interconnecting adjoining room for families or persons travelling with a carer. There is a bar and restaurant on site and designated parking spaces in the car park. This could be suitable for accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users.
Battlefield Travelodge
The Travelodge Shrewsbury :- Two good sized rooms, one smoking and one non smoking with sufficient wheelchair turning space to allow right or left hand transfer to the double bed. A single bed can be added to the room for a child or carer if required and the wardrobe has a lowered rail. The en-suite wheel-in shower room has good wheelchair turning space and room to allow side transfer to the toilet. There is a fold down seat in the shower and the controls are within reach when seated. There is designated parking on site and adjacent to the lodge is an accessible restaurant. This could be suitable for accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users. more info
Tel : 0870 191 1620.
The Old Station Bed and Breakfast at Leaton
The Old Station is situated at Leaton approximately 3 miles north of Shrewsbury. The original station building has been tastefully restored and extended to provide seven themed guest rooms and suites including a ground floor accessible room with an en-suite wetroom.
Some of the themed decoration in the accessible room.
The room has a king sized antique bed with left hand transfer (and right hand by arrangement). The room is spacious but some furniture can be removed to allow access for larger wheelchairs if requested. Breakfast is served in the former waiting room. Although the station is adjacent to the main line (Chester to Shrewsbury) the B&B is surprisingly peaceful and the passage of the trains was hardly noticeable. Telephone 01939 290905.
For more detailed accessibility information click here
Lyth Hill House
Lyth Hill House Lyth Hill, Nr Shrewsbury :- This attractive and friendly bed and breakfast accommodation is situated on Lyth Hill overlooking the beautiful Shropshire countryside just five miles south of Shrewsbury. There are four rooms, two of which (one double and one super king/twin) have en-suites with level access showers and room to side transfer to the toilets (one left hand and one right). There is a pretty wheelchair friendly garden and the property has a ramped entrance. Mobility aids including a wheelchair and portable hoist can be arranged with prior notice. The breakfast (with extensive menu) is served in the dining room and guests also have use of a pleasant lounge and a heated indoor swimming pool. This could be suitable for accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users. more info
Tel : 01743 874660.
Newton Meadows
Lastly there is Newton Meadows approximately 6 miles north of Shrewsbury at Harmer Hill on the A528:- There are three pleasant level access self catering cottages, one sleeping up to 4 people and two sleeping up to 7 people. Each has a wheel-in shower room with turning space and room to side transfer to the toilet. They all have an easily accessed open plan kitchen/dining/lounge area and a sun room leading to an outside patio. The smaller of the cottages has one ground floor bedroom with twin beds with sufficient underneath clearance to allow use of a portable hoist. It also has an upstairs bedroom with ensuite bathroom. The other cottages (one only available for 2008) have one twin and one single ground floor bedroom (beds allowing use of a portable hoist) and one twin and one double bedroom upstairs with a separate bathroom. Guest may also access the grounds that include a pond. A portable hoist can be arranged with prior notice. This could be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users. Tel: 01939 290346 more info
Shrewsbury is a good base to explore the beautiful rural countryside of Shropshire, one of England's lesser known counties