Market Drayton – The most quintessential of Shropshire’s Market Towns……
Located in North Shropshire Market Drayton is a traditional Shropshire Market Town with origins dating back to before the Domesday book, in 1245 King Henry III granted a charter for a weekly Wednesday market, giving Market Drayton its current name. The bustling and vibrant market is still held every Wednesday and attracts residents from all over Shropshire and surrounding Counties.
A wealth of appeal await those wishing to explore Market Drayton, the streets have much historic character with a mix of half-timbered, Georgian and Victorian buildings, the streets converge on The Buttercross market shelter, a covered market area that was erected in 1824 on the spot where a buttercross had been since the 16 Century, from where farmers’ wives sold their dairy produce.
The Shropshire Union Canal is a short walk from the Town Centre, Talbot Wharf is a regular stop off for canal traders operating a ‘floating market’ with a unique brand of merchandise, The canal offers some delightful circular countryside walks, together with walks through the Tern Valley and Walkmill Meadows…., countryside, nature and wildlife in abundance.
The town has an active arts and culture scene, the Drayton Festival Centre, established in 1984 is run by volunteers and has expanded considerably over 30 years which now includes a cinema and theatre, an art gallery and a range of modern meeting rooms.
The Drayton Arts Festival is held every year in October, the annual Ginger & Spice Festival in September and the Town’s very own annual Festival of Lights at Christmas where the whole Town get together to celebrate the turning on of the towns Christmas lights whilst enjoying a Christmas street market.
Market Drayton has a spectacular hospitality offering; authentic and welcoming public houses offer all manner of nightly entertainment, whilst restaurants, bistros and retail outlets offer a unique blend of artisan appeal.
Visitors to Market Drayton can be assured of a very warm welcome…..
5 top sees and do’s
24hrs in Market Drayton and surrounding area
(Wednesday) Up early and look around the cattle market which provide a snapshot into Country life, calling in at the Grazers Café for breakfast.
Heading into town look around the Wednesday Street Market on Cheshire Street and the Indoor Market browsing the wares for sale.
Pop into the Market Drayton Museum & Resource Centre, 53 Shropshire Street (open Wednesday and Saturday, 10.30am until 1pm from May to October.
Travel a short distance out of town to Wollerton Old Hall Gardens and spend the afternoon looking around a world class example of an English garden.
Back into Town for an evening meal at one of the local pubs and possibly a tour of the local brewery or attend an event at Festival Drayton.
Charming Accommodations in the Heart of Market Drayton
Are you planning a visit to the picturesque town of Market Drayton? Located in north Shropshire, this town offers a delightful escape with its quaint charm, rich history, and friendly locals. To make your stay even more memorable, we have curated a list of charming accommodations right in the heart of Market Drayton. Read on to discover the perfect place to call home during your visit….click here
Canals and walks around Market Drayton
Explore the canals and scenic walks around Market Drayton!
The Shropshire Union Canal (Shroppie) was completed in 1835 and played a crucial role in the transportation of goods between the West Midlands and Liverpool. Despite facing competition from the railways, the Shroppie remains a significant waterway today, attracting thousands of boaters each year. this canal offers picturesque views and is perfect for a day of strolling! Click here
Embark on a journey through Ludlow`s enchanting streets on a sunny Saturday market day! 🌞✨
Witness the lively atmosphere as local traders bring colors and flavors to the scene. Explore quaint independent shops, bask in the aromatic charm of cafes, and savor culinary delights at local restaurants.
Ludlow`s picturesque streets are a canvas of culture waiting to be explored! 🛍️🍽️
Brilliant 🎥 IG @letsgoludlow
🌸✨ Mark your calendars for a bloomin` good time at Frankly Alpacas – it`s Springtime Fun on the Farm! 🦙💐
Join Frankly Alpacas Monday 12th - Sunday 18th and Monday 25th of March - Sunday 7th of April for an unforgettable experience with alpacas, lambs, and adorable Dexter cows. Get up close and personal with these furry friends through farm tours and hands-on encounters. It`s a day filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of Spring in the air. Don`t miss out on this farmtastic adventure!
Check all the details and secure your spot! @frankly_alpacas
#visitshropshire #familyfun #shropshire #thingstodo
"🏰✨ Dive into the heart of Shrewsbury`s Castle Quarter – the epicenter of history and grandeur! 🏰 Home to four of the town`s largest historic treasures – Shrewsbury Castle, Library, Prison, and Train Station.
Did you know Shrewsbury Castle`s foundations were laid in 1083 by the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, Roger de Montgomery?
Montgomery, a cousin of William the Conqueror, earned this castle and more as a thank-you for his aid during the Norman conquest.
From royal stronghold to a 16th-century transformation, Shrewsbury Castle has quite the story. Now, it stands majestically, housing the Shropshire Regimental Museum. 👑🏰 Ready to step into the pages of history?
#visitshropshire #shrewsburycastle #historic #shrewsbury #thingstodo #shropshire
Embark on an extraordinary half-term adventure at the enchanting Hawkstone Park Follies! 🌲✨
This hidden gem invites you to explore a sprawling landscape filled with magical surprises. Hawskstone Park Follies are offering 50% off general admission from February 9th to 18th, making it the perfect opportunity to uncover the mysteries that await.
Set in 100 acres of Parkland The Follies is a range of dramatic and rugged natural sandstone hills that were developed to include gullies, caves, towers and bridges, becoming one of the most visited landscapes in Britain during the 19th Century. However, throughout the 20th Century this romantic landscape became forgotten, overgrown and ruinous, unvisited by all but the locals.
Now recognised as a Masterpiece of the School of Naturalistic Landscape and designated as a Grade I listed landscape by English Heritage, this magical and exhilarating landscape had a new lease of life with a multi-million pound restoration project enabling it to reopen to visitors in 1993. Overgrown but never fully forgotten, pathways were cleared, gullies reopened and handrails reinstalled to allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular views and surprises that The Follies reveals around every corner.
Friends of the Follies can also enjoy special annual pass upgrade offers available at the gate, ensuring that the magic doesn`t end after one visit!
Ready for an immersive experience where you can adventure, explore, and discover?
Secure your spot now at @hawkstoneparkfollies
#visitshropshire #hawkstoneparkfollies #shropshire #halfterm #thingstodo
🌲✨ Join The Gruffalo on a birthday adventure at Haughmond Hill! 🎉🎈
Celebrating 25 years of magical tales, Forestry England presents a brand new family trail for an unforgettable experience in the deep dark woods.
Follow the path from the visitor car park, embark on a quest to find party items, and help choose the perfect present for the Gruffalo. 🐭🎁
Enjoy fun, games, and discover the wonders of forest life along the way. Don`t forget your activity pack for just £4 at Haughmond Hill Café—it`s packed with party-ready surprises! 🎂🌳
Warm up, bundle up, and make this winter a Gruffalo birthday celebration to remember! ❄️
@haughmondhillfc
#visitshropshire #halfterm #halftermfun #shropshire #haughmondhill #shrewsbury
