One Reddit user has shared their thoughts on an ‘underrated’ UK town that they visited for a weekend – and they were surprised by its shopping and foodie-friendly offerings
Social media users have been sharing their top picks for underrated UK towns and cities to visit, with one town surprising a visitor with its array of shops, restaurants and historical buildings.
While most tourists flock to the UK’s capital city or the seaside charm of Brighton, there are many hidden gems across the country that often go unnoticed. One Reddit user shared a list of underrated UK towns and cities they believe deserve more attention.
In the comments section, another user chimed in with their recommendation, expressing surprise at how much the town had to offer. “We went for a weekend and had a great time,” they disclosed. The town in question is Shrewsbury, nestled in Shropshire in the west of England.
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Shrewsbury’s streets, lined with half-timbered houses, give a sense of stepping back in time, and it boasts numerous attractions that have won praise from tourists in the past.
While the original post highlighted Hull, Coventry, Halifax and Bury as must-visit locations, one response championed Shrewsbury as an excellent choice. They praised its “lovely town centre, great shops and restaurants and interesting historic buildings.”
“I’ve lived less than a couple of hours from it for years (Cheshire) but it’s never been on my radar at all until I was looking for a vineyard to take my GF to for her birthday,” they said. “I surprised her with a prearranged gift voucher at a specialist whiskey shop, we went for an escape experience at the former prison, and saw a Pink cover band at a place with very sticky floors and stickier punters.
“We were both a bit surprised that there was a proper decent town in a part of the country I just thought was a bit of a nowhere between Brum and Wales.”
Amongst Shrewsbury’s most highly-rated destinations sits Attingham Park, a magnificent 18th-century mansion boasting spectacular gardens and woodlands, alongside historic structures and several coffee houses.
One visitor remarked about this location: “What a wonderful and informative way to spend some time at Attingham Park. Why not book on to the Hidden Home Tour. For the minimal cost of just £6 per head, you’ll be transported in the knowledgeable company of your guide.”
Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy numerous activities throughout Shrewsbury, such as Hawkstone Park Follies, The Quarry Park, Battlefield Bird of Prey Centre, and Stiperstone Nature Reserve.
Additionally, Shrewsbury boasts the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, Shrewsbury Abbey, St Mary’s Church, and Market Hall Shrewsbury, reports the Express.
Four Michelin-starred establishments, The Walrus, The Bear Inn, Wild Shropshire and Docket Restaurant, can be found within Shrewsbury. One Reddit user gushed about Shrewsbury, saying: “Me and my girlfriend (27-year-olds) visited Shrewsbury now a fair few times and have fallen in love with the place! I honestly, cannot fault the place currently.”
Another chimed in: “Lived here for 31 years. It genuinely is a lovely place to live. I love how close it is to such beautiful countryside. Sure there are some not so nice areas to avoid living in but you get them anywhere.”
A third added: “It’s a fabulous town with a wonderfully vibrant hospitality culture; great restaurants, bars along with all the food outlets in the indoor market. Shropshire is the land that time forgot, in the nicest possible way. There’s so much beautiful scenery along with pretty towns and villages.”
