The Quarry Park
The Story
The Quarry Park occupies a long strip of riverside land inside the River Severn loop, between the Welsh Bridge and the English Bridge. It has been Shrewsbury's main public open space for centuries — the town grew around it rather than over it, which is why it survives at 29 acres in the centre of a medieval town.
The formal gardens within the park are known as The Dingle. Percy Thrower designed them in the 1950s, when he was head gardener at Shrewsbury Corporation — a position he held from 1946 to 1974 alongside building a parallel career as one of the first television gardening presenters. The planting in The Dingle changes through the seasons, and the formal structure Thrower laid out remains the backbone of the park today.
The park is free to enter, well-maintained and connected to the rest of the town by riverside paths in both directions — south towards the English Bridge and Abbey Foregate, north towards the Welsh Bridge and The Armoury.
Free, well-kept and directly on the river, with a path that connects to the town without needing a road. Percy Thrower's formal gardens in the centre are worth finding separately from the wider park. One of the best free green spaces in any English market town.
Enjoy Your Visit
The main entrance is on Belmont, a ten-minute walk from The Square through the town centre. The most enjoyable route is along the riverside path from the Welsh Bridge — follow the river south and the park opens up on the left after about five minutes.
The formal gardens designed by Percy Thrower are in the centre of the park. Worth finding rather than stumbling across — look for the sunken garden area with the structured planting beds. The seasonal displays change through spring, summer and autumn.
The path along the Severn inside the park is one of the best stretches of river walking in Shrewsbury. Follow it south from the Welsh Bridge end and it connects to the path under the English Bridge towards the Abbey and Abbey Foregate.
The Armoury on Victoria Quay is ten minutes on foot along the river from the park's northern end — a natural stop before or after. The Sabrina Boat departs from Victoria Quay alongside The Armoury for 40-minute cruises along the river loop.
Perfect For
For Business Owners
Own The Quarry Park?
Upgrade your listing with professional photography, social media content and SEO articles. All handled for you every single month through Enjoy Business.