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Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Town Walls Tower

The exterior of Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The exterior of Town Walls Tower, Shropshire | © National Trust / Mike Henton
The kitchen and dining room at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The bathroom at Town Wall Towers, Shropshire

Town Walls Tower

A retreat in town for two, in the last remaining watchtower on Shrewsbury’s medieval walls.

Grid of 13 images
The kitchen and dining room at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The bathroom at Town Wall Towers, Shropshire
The exterior of Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The steep and twisting stairs at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The sitting room at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The sitting room at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The kitchen and dining room at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The bedroom at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The bedroom at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The bedroom at Town Wall Towers, Shropshire
The stairs and bedroom at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The bathroom at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire
The outdoor seating at Town Walls Tower, Shropshire

© National Trust / Mike Henton

A retreat in town for two, in the last remaining watchtower on Shrewsbury’s medieval walls.

At a glance

Guests
2
Bedrooms
1
Number of dogs welcome
0
Reference
018018
Acorn rating

About Town Walls Tower

Town Walls Tower is a four-storey tower that once formed part of Shrewsbury’s medieval town defences, with the bustling town on the doorstep. It’s full of original character, with arrow slits, wooden floors and exposed stone walls sitting alongside comfortable modern touches like the roll-top bath and a stylish kitchen.

Step through the original, carefully-restored door, then through your entrance door into the sitting room with a comfortable size sofa for two.  Follow the historic twisting stairs up to the bathroom with luxurious copper roll top bath to indulge in, then follow up to the top-floor dining kitchen.  

From the sitting room further characterful stairs take you down to the snug bedroom below with separate toilet.  There is a door through from the toilet level to the back of the tower where, down some steps, there is an outside space with bistro seating. Throughout there are restful colours and exposed stone walls, which are now a fresh cream. It's an interesting and relaxing place to stay after exploring the historical market town of Shrewsbury.

Part of the town walls remain next to the building. The walls were built between 1220 and 1242 during the reign of King Henry III during his campaign against the Welsh forces. Around 200 years later, Henry IV carried out repairs to the walls and may have added the watchtowers then. During the 1800s, the tower was used as a home for a watchmaker and then a coachman. The tower came into the care of the National Trust in 1930.

While being at the heart of the vibrant town of Shrewsbury, you are near to the Attingham Park Estate and its 200 acres of parkland and miles of trails. There’s a huge organic walled garden and welcoming Regency mansion there too. Close by, there are canals, the rivers Severn and Tern, great Shropshire walks, and attractions including Wroxeter Roman City and World Heritage Site Ironbridge Gorge.   

Features and facilities

  • Wi-Fi, available
  • Garden, available
  • EV charging, not available
  • Fridge, available
  • Freezer, not available
  • Microwave, available
  • Open fire / wood burner, not available
  • Television, available
  • DVD, available
  • Washing machine, not available
  • Dishwasher, available
  • Tumble dryer, not available
  • BBQ, not available
  • Cot & high chair, not available

Location

Accessibility

Steep step at entrance. Very steep and winding stairs. Some low ceilings. Find more information in the Accessibility Guide. Accessibility questions? Email holiday.enquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk or call us on 0344 800 2070.

Read our accessibility guide 

Layout

Ground floor layout

Enter from the street into a porch with a locked internal door. This leads into the sitting room with sofa and TV. Stairs lead up and down.

First floor layout

Bathroom with roll top bath (no shower).

Second floor layout

Kitchen with bench seating.

Other floors layout

Lower ground floor: Bedroom with double bed. Two steps lead to a separate toilet and sink. Internal stairs lead up to the first floor. External stairs lead down to the courtyard.

More information

Heating: ​The cottage is heated by electric heaters. Hot water provided by immersion heater.

Parking: Public parking spaces available in the town.

Garden: There is a paved courtyard with bistro seating.

Offers: Holiday cottage guests have free access to Attingham during opening hours and access at all times to the parkland. Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm. 

Wifi: We are pleased to provide free WiFi at this cottage, which is supported by BT. Please note that intermittent connection problems can sometimes occur so it should not be relied upon.  

Please note: There is a one way road in front of cottage with general traffic flow through the day.

We don't recommend this cottage for anyone with mobility issues due to the very steep and winding stairs. Some low ceilings.

Induction Hob: Guests with a pacemaker should note that there is an induction hob in this cottage.

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