Whitchurch, Shropshire: An Insider’s Guide [2025 Edition]

LOOKING FOR BEST THINGS TO DO IN WHITCHURCH SHROPSHIRE?

Welcome to Whitchurch, Shropshire, a compact town steeped in history and brimming with charm. Nestled in the heart of the Shropshire Plain, this quaint market town offers a unique blend of heritage and countryside beauty.

The oldest continuously inhabited town in Shropshire, Whitchurch has Roman origins and is packed with sightseeing spots and local attractions.

Things to Do in Whitchurch: Top Sightseeing Spots and Historic Sites

Below are my top recommendations on what to do in Whitchurch and the local region.

1. Step inside St. Alkmund’s Church

St. Alkmund’s Church is a must-visit. Even if you’re strapped for time, at least admire the towering church from the outside.

This historic church, with origins in the Saxon period, is a testament to Whitchurch’s long-standing history. Its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere make it a favourite among visitors.

Hidden Gems: Explore off-the-beaten-path spots like the secluded green spaces behind St. Alkmund’s Church or the charming cafes tucked away in hidden courtyards. (Tip: Ask locals for recommendations to discover Whitchurch’s best-kept secrets).

St. Alkmund’s Church (Google Maps)
Location: Church Street, Whitchurch SY13 1LB
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm daily

→ Related post: Shropshire’s Royal Market Towns [Complete Guide]

2. Visit Whitchurch Heritage Centre

Another key sightseeing spot is the Whitchurch Heritage Centre. The home of Whitchurch Museum and Archives, the centre provides a wealth of insight into the town’s history and its clock-making industry, and features an impressive collection of Roman artefacts reflecting the town’s Roman origins.

Here, you can also learn about notable figures like John Harrison, who invented the marine chronometer.

Whitchurch Heritage Centre (Google Maps)
Location: 12 St Mary’s St, Whitchurch SY13 1QY
Opening Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-4pm (closed Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)

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3. Admire the town’s Medieval, Tudor and Victorian Architecture

Whitchurch’s architecture is a mix of medieval, Tudor, and Georgian buildings.

Walking through the town is like stepping back through different eras since the town is quite compact and walkable.

The historic railway station building and the Victorian Park are also worth a visit.

Whitchurch (Google Maps)
Location: High Street
Opening Hours: 24/7

4. Enjoy the local Cuisine

One of the highlights of dining in Whitchurch is the local produce. The town’s location in the heart of Shropshire’s farming country means that restaurants have access to fresh, high-quality ingredients. Expect to find menus featuring locally sourced meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

For those with a taste for international flavours, Whitchurch also has several restaurants serving world cuisines. From Italian to Indian, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Here are some recommended restaurants to try in Whitchurch:

• Etzio: For authentic Italian cuisine.
• The Black Bear: For traditional English pub food in a preserved 16th-century pub
• Docket Restaurant: Michelin-starred restaurant with award-winning tasting menu
• The White Bear: preserved 16th-century pub in a courtyard off the high street
• The Combermere Arms: Country pub with a mix of British and Mediterranean dishes.

5. Sip a pint at The Black Bear

The Black Bear Pub is one of the oldest pubs in Shropshire and England, dating back hundreds of years (yes – English pubs date back that far!).

It’s a great place to enjoy a pint of local ale, and the place also doubles as a hotel, making it an excellent option for an authentic stay over in the town.

Historic pub tales tip: Strike up a conversation with the pub patrons, and you might uncover fascinating stories and anecdotes about the town’s past from a local’s perspective.

The Black Bear (Google Maps)
Location: 49 High St, Whitchurch SY13 1AZ
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:30am-11pm, Sunday 11:30am-10pm

6. Browse Whitchurch’s Outdoor Markets

Whitchurch’s local market is a vibrant hub of activity. Held on Fridays, it offers fresh produce and goods, making it a great place to sample local flavours and mingle with the locals.

Farmers’ Market Finds: Visit the weekly farmers’ market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a taste of the local flavours. Don’t miss the opportunity to chat with farmers and artisans about their products. (Tip: Arrive early for the best selection).

Whitchurch markets
Location: at the junction on High Street and Green End
Opening Hours: Fridays 7:30am-12:30pm

→ Related post: Historic Market Towns of Staffordshire (An Insider Guide)

7. Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

A true marvel of Cheshire, Cholmondeley Castle and Gardens is a feast for the eyes. This 19th-century castle, surrounded by 70 acres of stunning gardens, is a playground for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Wander through the vibrant Temple and Rose gardens, lose yourself in the shaded Arboretum, or simply gaze at the castle’s impressive towers.

It’s a perfect spot for a picnic and a day of exploration. Don’t miss the unique ‘Temple Garden Walk’ – it’s like stepping into a fairytale!

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens (Google Maps)
Location: Cheshire, Malpas SY14 8ET
Opening Hours: Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 10am-5pm (closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays)

8. BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Get ready for a wild adventure at BeWILDerwood! This award-winning forest of family fun is inspired by the magical books of Tom Blofeld.

Zip lines, jungle bridges, slippery slopes, and quirky treehouses await brave explorers of all ages. It’s not just about physical adventures – storytelling sessions and craft activities spark imagination too.

With its focus on outdoor play and creativity, BeWILDerwood offers a refreshing break from screens and a chance for families to create lasting memories together.

BeWILDerwood (Google Maps)
Location: Malpas, Bickley Moss, Cheshire, Whitchurch SY13 4JF
Opening Hours: daily 10am-5pm

→ More Shropshire Guides:
Whitchurch: A Guide to Shropshire’s Oldest Town
Market Drayton: Ultimate Guide to Shropshire’s Historic Market Town
Shifnal Guide: Shropshire’s Hidden Gem
Wem, Shropshire: Discover the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO Site
Discover Broseley: Gateway to the Ironbridge Gorge
Collection of Shropshire County Maps (Free PDFs)

Discover Whitchurch’s Natural Beauty

Whitchurch’s natural beauty is a key part of its charm. The town is surrounded by stunning landscapes that offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

9. Explore the surrounding countryside

The countryside around Whitchurch is a picture of rural England at its best. It’s a patchwork of rolling fields, traditional farms, and picturesque villages. This area is perfect for walking, cycling, and simply soaking in the tranquil scenery.

Nearby, the Peckforton Hills offer more challenging hikes and stunning views. These hills are part of the Sandstone Ridge, a beautiful and diverse landscape that’s home to a rich variety of wildlife.

Whitchurch’s natural beauty also extends to its waterways. The town’s canal network, once a vital part of its industrial past, now serves as a scenic route for walks and boat trips.

10. Brown Moss Nature Reserve

10 minutes south of the town centre is Brown Moss – a region of marshes, heathland, pools and woodland, and a great spot for picnics and leisurely walks.

The 32 hectare site is one of Shropshire’s most important places for plants, home to over 200 species of native wildflowers including the rare Floating Water Plantain, as well as a great variety of wildlife such as frogs, crested newts, spotted woodpeckers, jays, dragonflies and more.

Brown Moss Nature Reserve (Google Maps)
Location: Brown Moss, Whitchurch SY13 4BX
Opening Hours: all hours

→ Popular post: Best Time to Visit The West Midlands (by a Local)

11. Watersports on Alderford Lake

Another hidden gem is Alderford Lake. This popular destination offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and wildlife watching.

It’s also one of the best paddle boarding spots in the Midlands. An afternoon here makes for a perfect family day out or a peaceful retreat.

Alderford Lake (Google Maps)
Location: Tilstock Rd, Whitchurch SY13 3JQ
Opening Hours: 8am-4:30pm (open til 8pm on Wednesdays)

Itinerary: One Day in Whitchurch

Morning

Start your day bright and early with a stroll down the High Street. It’s the perfect way to get a feel for this charming market town. As you walk, you’ll spot the Old Town Hall Vaults – a historic pub that’s worth noting for later.

Next, head to the Friday markets in the market place (if it’s Friday, of course!). Browse the stalls, chat with local vendors, and maybe pick up some treats for later.

After the markets, make your way to St Alkmund’s Church, a beautiful medieval building that’s been standing since the 12th century. Explore its nooks and crannies. Just a stone’s throw away is the Whitchurch Heritage Centre. Spend an hour or so here learning about the town’s rich past.

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with The Cock and Greyhound. This pub serves up hearty meals and has a great atmosphere to boot.

Afternoon

Make your way to Alderford Lake to relax by the water and admire the stunning scenery and browse the local shops and artisan stalls. While here, take up a watersport activity such as paddle boarding or canoeing.

Alternatively, take the short drive to Brown Moss Nature Reserve. It’s a lovely spot for an afternoon walk and some fresh air, while spotting local wildlife.

Back in town, pop into JoLi Spanish Coffee shop for a quick caffeine boost and a bite to eat. Their Spanish-inspired menu is a delightful twist in this English town. Then stroll through town admiring the mix of medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture during golden hour.

Evening

Head back into town for dinner at Docket Restaurant. They offer a fantastic dining experience that’s sure to cap off your day nicely.

If you’re up for a nightcap, The Black Bear pub is a great choice to round out your evening.

If you’ve got more time or want to switch things up, consider:

1. BeWilderwood: This is a fantastic option if you’re traveling with kids. It’s a whimsical adventure park that could easily take up most of your day.
2. Cholmondeley Castle: A bit further out, but worth the trip if you’re into grand architecture and beautiful gardens.
3. Hire your own authentic canal boat and explore Whitchurch’s hidden waterways! Book your Narrowboat tickets here:

Whitchurch is a small town with a lot to offer. Don’t rush – take your time to soak in the local atmosphere and chat with the friendly locals. They often have the best tips for hidden gems!

You may also like: 27 Top Things to Do in Shropshire with Family

A Brief History of Whitchurch

Ever wondered about the origins of the name ‘Whitchurch’? Let’s take a look into its historical roots.

The name ‘Whitchurch’ can be translated to mean a “white church”. This historically referred to a church made from white stone, a common building material in the area.

So, the next time you stroll through the streets of Whitchurch, remember the ancient white stone church that gave this charming town its name. It’s just another layer of history that makes Whitchurch so fascinating.

Interesting Facts about Whitchurch

✪ Whitchurch is a market town and civil parish in north Shropshire, England, situated 2 miles (3km) from the Welsh border, 2 miles south of the Cheshire border, 20 miles (30km) north of Shrewsbury, 20 miles south of Chester, and 15 miles (24km) east of Wrexham.

✪ Whitchurch is the oldest inhabited town in Shropshire, founded by the Romans, with Roman artefacts on display at the Whitchurch Heritage Museum.

✪ Whitchurch was home to the Annual World Cheese Fair – hosting the largest cheese fairs in the country each year since 1899 (with a pause during the First World War). In 1921, the average weight of cheese pitched there was a whopping 1,300 tons!

✪ Clock-Making Heritage: Did you know that Whitchurch has a strong connection to clock-making? The town’s clock-making heritage dates back to the 17th century when clockmakers like William Sparrow and Thomas Mercer established their businesses here.

✪ A place of strange names: Whitchurch has peculiar location names such as Chemistry: derived from an oak-acid making business located nearby that was used in the tanning industry in the town, Dodington: derived from Dodtune, a settlement of the people of Dodda (an Anglo-Saxon chieftain), and Pepper Street: a common name in Roman settlements derived from the Roman Via Pepperatica, where peppers and spices were traded.

✪ Ghostly Encounters: Whitchurch is said to have its fair share of ghostly encounters. The historic buildings and winding alleyways provide the perfect backdrop for spooky tales and paranormal sightings.

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