Darwin's Townhouse

37 St Julian's Friars,

Shrewsbury

SY1 1XL

Phone: 01743 343829

Website: darwinstownhouse.com

WANDERING around the streets of Shrewsbury, taking in the beautiful Medieval architecture and winding roads it was easy to imagine you were sharing a street with the town's favourite son.

Once, Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, would have wandered along Wyle Cop and though he wouldn't have frequented the modern funky bistros and designer clothes shops, the view would have been much the same.

Shrewsbury is a good mixture of the old and the new - black and white Tudor buildings are occupied by contemporary independent shops and well known chains.

Cobbled streets, the red sandstone of Shrewsbury Castle and the interestingly named streets such as Grope Lane named after the manner in which you had to navigate the dark, uneven alley or naughty goings-on depending on who tells you its origins.

We were lucky to be staying in the boutique bed and breakfast Darwin's Townhouse, St Julian's Friars, a beautiful Grade II Listed Georgian townhouse.

Like the town, there is a mixture of the old with stunning 18th century classic plasterwork by the notable plasterer and architect Joseph Bromfield (1744-1824), original staircase a three fireplaces, Victorian-era Darwin-esque design touches and the modern touches you expect from a good B&B.

But first we explored the town to find the outdoor Evolution Explored, a Magnum Photos Exhibition in The Square and at St Mary's Church.

Using Darwin's place of birth, the pictures are a study of human life across the ages - a really eclectic mixture of images.

The majestic Music Hall was our next stop to take a look at the Museum and Art Gallery, a chance to explore 650 million years of history.

A beautifully put together temporary exhibition called Rhyme Around the World was a colourful and interactive look at verses and illustrations around the world perfect for little ones (and big kids too).

Lots of walking had left us hungry so we visited to O'Joy for lunch, a vegan restaurant launched by DIY SOS star Nick Knowles.

Even if you are a meat lover like me, this place is well worth a visit to try delicious bean burgers, cakes, smoothies and organic coffee.

We returned to the museum to see the rest of the exhibitions before taking the opportunity to indulge in a bit of retail therapy as well as a visit to the castle's delightful gardens.

Tired and in need of some rest, we made our way back to Darwin's Townhouse to enjoy the comforts of our room and warm up with a mug of coffee and a spot of Grand Designs.

Along Butcher Row, we found the cosy restaurant Number Four and took a seat upstairs next to the window allowing us a view of the busy street below.

It was a chance to enjoy some good food and a couple of cocktails before we headed back to the townhouse for a good night's sleep (well, we are both mums).

Sunday morning was grey but dry so a good chance to enjoy a morning riverside walk along Quarry Park to The Dingle, a stunning garden created by world renowned gardener Percy Thrower of Blue Peter fame.

A second visit to O'Joy - see I said it was good - for a smoothie and a slice of cake rounded off a wonderful weekend in beautiful Shrewsbury.