Hopping on the train for the two and a half hour trip to the glorious town of Shrewsbury allows you to arrive relaxed and refreshed. Use the free on board Wifi to download details of all the tourist attractions that will make your day out extra special.

The market town of Shrewsbury is a visitor’s delight. Full of stunning architecture with a long, rich history, and vibrant local characters, the medieval blends perfectly with the contemporary, creating an intriguing atmosphere packed with charm.

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Curled in a bend of the River Severn since pre-Roman times, the town has over 650 listed buildings and a street plan that remains unchanged for centuries. At its heart is the striking 11th century castle. Constructed from local red sandstone, it was designed to defend England from the Welsh, and this it did for many generations. Now, the castle is home to the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum. Dedicated in particular to the Shropshire Yeomanry and the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, it houses weaponry, uniforms, medals and so much more, and offers a fascinating insight into the past.  

The town’s famous son, Charles Darwin is celebrated with the Quantum Leap sculpture. Erected to mark his 200th birthday, it represents his love for the natural world and his groundbreaking research. Sinuous and gracefully beautiful, it was unveiled by Randal Keynes, Darwin’s great-great-grandson, in 2009. The gardens that surround it pay homage to Shropshire’s geographical diversity - that 10 of the 12 geological periods can be experienced in the county is considered unique among experts, and this is the inspiration behind Darwin’s numerous discoveries. Tours of the places that inspired the great man are a regular attraction and will add to your day out in Shrewsbury. 

Opposite the sculpture and gardens is the Theatre Severn. The packed programme offers something for everyone, and whether your taste lies with opera, film or live music, it’s all going on here. The restaurant, too, is well worth a visit, and just a glance at the luxurious menu will have your mouth watering and your taste buds tingling. 

If you fancy something a little different, though, head for some purr therapy at the Paws Cafe. One of the few cat cafes in the UK, enjoy afternoon tea and scones surrounded by purring felines. Play with them, fuss them or feed them treats, these cats are yours to love while you drink your tea. 

Relax in comfort on the train journey home, and start planning your next adventure via our downloadable user-friendly mobile app. This alerts you to all our latest money-saving special offers, including our flexible Anytime and Off-peak tickets, which both leave you plenty in your pocket for your next day trip.