Darwins Townhouse Bed & Breakfast Shrewsbury Exterior photoDarwins Townhouse Bed & Breakfast Shrewsbury Exterior photoDarwins Townhouse Bed & Breakfast Shrewsbury Exterior photo

Darwins Townhouse

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Check rooms and rates
From$125 /night
Check-in
09Sept
Check-out
10Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

St Julians Friars, Shrewsbury
-
Close to the centre of Shrewsbury
Perfect
9.1
9.6
/10
4.8
4.6
/5

4-star boutique townhouse in historic Shrewsbury with 19 individually designed bedrooms

Amenities

The hotel offers a garden with lounge areas for relaxation and an honesty bar stocked with drinks and treats. Corporate events can be hosted in meeting rooms that accommodate up to 40 guests. The property is pet-friendly with dedicated amenities for dogs, including garden rooms with direct access.

Rooms

The 19 individually designed bedrooms are split between the main house and the Garden Rooms, each with unique Darwin-themed decor. Rooms in the main house occupy a Grade II* listed Georgian townhouse, while Garden Rooms offer ground-floor access with a small patio. Each room includes an ensuite bathroom, a comfortable bed, and furnishings that reference local history.

Dining

The on-site restaurant, The Loopy Shrew, serves a Modern British menu using locally-sourced ingredients. A complimentary full breakfast is served daily in the conservatory, with options such as egg Benedict and Shropshire full English. The hotel also offers customizable dining experiences for groups and events upon request.

Location

The townhouse is a 5-minute walk from Shrewsbury town centre and a 6-minute walk from Shrewsbury Cathedral. The River Severn with its riverside walks is 1 minute away, and the train station is a 12-minute walk. Nearby public car parks provide parking options, with free overnight parking available.

Business & Pets

Corporate clients can book meeting rooms for up to 40 guests, with the option of whole-property hire for private events. Pet owners can stay in designated Garden Rooms that include dog amenities and easy access to the outdoor garden. The hotel's quiet location and separate lounge areas make it suitable for both work and relaxation.

Highlights

Rooms: 19 individually designed bedrooms with Darwin-themed decor

Location: 5 min walk to town centre, 1 min to River Severn

Dining: The Loopy Shrew restaurant with locally-sourced ingredients

Business: Meeting rooms for up to 40 guests + whole-property hire

Pets: Garden rooms with dedicated dog amenities

Breakfast: Complimentary full breakfast with Shropshire full English

“This boutique hotel strikes me as a particularly welcoming place to stay, blending unique Darwin-themed decor with a genuinely attentive staff. The inclusion of high-quality amenities, from well-stocked tea selections to comfortable robes, elevates the experience, while the on-site dining options, including a superb breakfast, certainly add value. Its central location and pet-friendly approach make it a standout choice for those seeking a distinctive and convenient stay in Shrewsbury.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • Double Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Single Room Shower
    2 persons
    14 m²
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Room Shower
    2 persons
    18 m²
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Perfect
9.2/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Bowling
  • Darts
  • Squash
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Location

St Julians Friars, Shrewsbury
Explore Shrewsbury
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Shrewsbury Cathedral
6 minutes' walk
Gothic architectural beauty with serene gardens. Known for stunning stained glass and rich history.
Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery
6 minutes' walk
Local history and art exhibitions under one roof. Offers unique interactive displays and a café.
The Dana Prison
10 minutes' walk
Historic site with engaging tours revealing the life of past inmates. Unique architecture and stories.
Shrewsbury Flower Show
10 minutes' walk
Annual event showcasing stunning floral displays. Family-friendly atmosphere with entertainment and food stalls.
Hiking at The Quarry
12 minutes' walk
Scenic park with paths and gardens, perfect for walking and jogging. Ideal for families and leisurely strolls.
Cycling along the River Severn
15 minutes' walk
Cycling routes along the river offer stunning views. Rentals available nearby, creating a fun outdoor adventure.
Spa Day at The Lion + Pheasant
2 minutes' walk
Relaxing spa treatments in a historic setting. Booking recommended for a serene escape or wellness retreat.
The Masala
1 minute' walk
Authentic Indian cuisine with a cozy ambiance. Specializes in flavorful curries and tandoori dishes.
Lion + Pheasant
2 minutes' walk
Charming atmosphere with seasonal menus featuring local ingredients. Reservation recommended; caters to dietary needs.
Casa Naranjo
3 minutes' walk
Spanish tapas and paella in a vibrant setting. Perfect for casual dining; all dishes crafted with fresh ingredients.
Shrewsbury Theatre Severn
15 minutes' walk
Dynamic venue showcasing performances including drama and music. Regular events appeal to varied interests.
The Montgomery
10 minutes' walk
Intimate space for live music and comedy. Family-friendly events and weekly performances create a lively atmosphere.
The Buttermarket
12 minutes' walk
Lively nightlife venue with various bars and clubs. Live music and DJs attract both locals and visitors alike.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Shrewsbury 6 min  ·  500 m
  • Airports
    Chester Hawarden (CEG) 109 min  ·  72.1 km
    Birmingham (BHX) 145 min  ·  96.3 km
  • Train
    Shrewsbury Train Station 9 min  ·  700 m
    Yorton Railway Station 18 min  ·  11.6 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 8 min  ·  600 m
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-19:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
17
Former name
Sandford House Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Darwins Townhouse from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Darwins Townhouse is conveniently located in the center of Shrewsbury, within walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants, and the Severn River. Guests often praise the plentiful and delicious breakfast, sometimes mentioning the locally sourced produce. The honesty bar is a popular feature, as is the provision for dogs in some garden rooms, although access for dogs may be limited to the bedroom only. While most find the rooms spacious, a few guests have found the garden rooms to be small.
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Review score
Based on 915 verified reviews
9.2 /10
Perfect
96 %
Recommend
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.8/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Pros
Quirky place
Helpful staff
Excellent breakfast
Well-decorated hotel
Cons
Tired furniture
Meagre portions
Poor security
Guest reviews
based on 915 reviews
9.2/10
based on 1461 reviews
9.1/10
Ella from Spain
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 24, 2026
6/10
small room scuffed walls
the tea and coffee tray was a nice touch.
the room i stayed in felt rather small, especially considering the price. the walls had some scuff marks too, giving the place a bit of a worn feel. the noise from outside at night was UNwelcome.
0 Helpful
Ray from United Kingdom
Couple
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 12, 2026
9.3/10

Solid and Clean Stay

clean room local ingredients friendly staff
The room was very clean. Breakfast had many options with local ingredients. The staff was friendly. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for them.
Sensor lights were slow turning on when I returned to the room after dark.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel provides an honor bar . Communal lounge rooms are available for relaxation. I noticed a garden, it also had chairs.
Rooms
9/10
The room included nice towels. Water and hard candies were also in the room. The bed and pillows are very comfortable.
Location
10/10
The hotel sits right in the middle of everything. The location allows for walking access to restaurants and bars. The river walkway is beautiful.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast included cereals, fruit, and nuts. Fresh pastries were available on another table. Yoghurts were also available. The cooked breakfast used local items.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
luke from united kingdom
Business traveller
king room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 04, 2025
6/10

decent stay at the hotel

friendly staff good location small room scuffed wall
The breakfast included many options. i liked the breakfast staff. They were friendly. the hotel location is good for exploring the area. it's central and easy to reach different places.
the room was small and some walls looked scuffed. i also found the room hot and the provided water bottle wasn't refilled daily. it's annoying.
0 Helpful
Rosie from Australia
Couple
King Room
1 night in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 18, 2025
9/10
king bed luxury toiletries
I enjoyed the king room. The super king bed felt AMAZING. Noble Isle toiletries were also provided. Such A LUXURY!
the sink tap dripped.
0 Helpful
Hudson from United States
Couple
King Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: November 17, 2025
9.3/10

Blown Away by this Place!

sunny garden ample choice
The garden was a true delight, I sat there every evening. Breakfast offered freshly cooked options and plenty of choice, I definitely started my days right here.
The self-service bar had some confusing pricing. I got charged a high price for a bottle of wine. I wish they were more transparent and consistent with prices.
Dining
10/10
Breakfast was a standout, I found many choices available. Freshly cooked options added a special touch. The dining area was always clean and well-stocked. I enjoyed every meal.
Service
9/10
I found staff members very friendly and helpful throughout my stay. They provided quick responses to any questions I had. Their cheerful demeanor enhanced the whole experience for me.
Rooms
9/10
My King Room was beautifully decorated and well-appointed. I found plenty of space and great attention to detail. The bed was comfy and I got amazing sleep.
0 Helpful
|
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pamela from united kingdom
Couple
twin room shower
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 06, 2025
9.3/10

charming stay

relaxing atmosphere warm room
the walled garden provided a relaxing atmosphere, and i found plenty of chairs and tables. the room included various teas and the room felt warm (a very nice touch!).
i noticed everything could be heard through the walls, especially noises from the floorboards above. this impacted my sleep quality, and fixing this could greatly improve future stays.
Location
9/10
the hotel had convenient proximity to local attractions and offered ease of access. it was close enough to the town center for easy walking, maintaining a quiet and nothing noisy.
Rooms
9/10
my room had a comfortable twin setup and followed the darwin theme. it was well-equipped with tea options.). it was always warm.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel featured a lovely walled garden for guest relaxation with ample seating. it also had a variety of amenities that added value to the stay. the facilities were well maintained.
Dining
10/10
breakfast offered an amazing assortment with options for various dietary needs. the honesty bar added another layer of convenience to the stay. there seemed a variety of options for everyone.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
FAQs
About Darwins Townhouse
What is the check-in and check-out time at Darwin'S Townhouse?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
What are the parking options at Darwin'S Townhouse?
Public parking is available nearby with charges applicable between 08:00 and 18:00.
Is there an on-site restaurant at Darwin'S Townhouse?
The Loopy Shrew offers an on-site restaurant with a Modern British menu.
What type of breakfast is served at Darwin'S Townhouse?
A complimentary full breakfast is served daily in the conservatory.
How close is Darwin'S Townhouse to the city center?
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the center of Shrewsbury.
What room amenities are available at Darwin'S Townhouse?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, televisions, and coffee/tea making equipment.
What is the nearest airport to Darwin'S Townhouse?
Birmingham Airport is 89 km away from the hotel.
Are pets allowed at Darwin'S Townhouse?
Pets are allowed on request.
What kind of activities can guests enjoy at Darwin'S Townhouse?
Guests can enjoy darts, fishing, hiking, and squash on-site.
Are there any notable attractions near Darwin'S Townhouse?
Nearby attractions include Shrewsbury Cathedral (0.5 km), the River Severn, and The Quarry Park (1 km).
Does Darwin'S Townhouse have disability access?
There are rooms with ramped access suitable for guests with wheelchairs.
What facilities are available for corporate events at Darwin'S Townhouse?
The hotel offers a casual room that can accommodate gatherings for up to 20 guests.
What restaurants are within walking distance of Darwin'S Townhouse?
Nearby restaurants include Stop. Coffee Shop, The Masala, and The Hayward, all within 0.5 km.
Is there a bar available at Darwin'S Townhouse?
Yes, there is a lounge bar available on-site.
What unique features does Darwin'S Townhouse offer for guests?
The hotel features unique Darwin-themed decor and beautifully maintained garden spaces.

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