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Bear Steps

Bursting with historic architecture and street names you want to say out loud.

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About Bear Steps

Connecting Pride Hill, the High Street, Wyle Cop and St Mary’s, the Bear Steps area encompasses many of Shrewsbury's most historic streets, including Butcher Row, Fish Street and Grope Lane.

The area is home to many of Shrewsbury’s independent eateries and shops. Explore vintage fashion, stylish homeware, pick up the perfect gift and more. Quench your thirst at traditional pubs or quirky cocktail bars, and eat around the world with food hailing from all corners of the globe.

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Notable history

Historically, the area was filled with traditional traders which gave the surrounding streets many of their names; Butcher Row, Fish Street, Grope Lane. Bear Steps itself is named for The Bear Inn Pub which sat on the corner of Fish Street and Grope Lane. Although local legend claims the area was historically home to one of Shrewsbury’s bear pits.

At the centre of Bear Steps sits two of Shrewsbury’s five churches; St Alkmund’s and St Julian’s. Founded in 902, St Alkmund’s Church stands at the highest point in town, read more about it here. St Julian’s tower dates from the 12th century, and the present nave was designed by Thomas Farnolls Pritchard who also designed the Iron Bridge at Telford.

so many places to see

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Live & Work

Courtyard Collective

The nature of work is changing; work, personal and social lives are no longer separate. Our workspace makes for the perfect environment for creators…

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Eat & Drink

The Loggerheads

The Loggerheads is a traditional beer house, selling good food and real ale. Situated on the corner of St Mary's Street and Church Street, the…

Open Today 12:00PM - 11:00PM

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Shop

White Orchard

Often described by customers as an Aladdin’s Cave, White Orchard is nestled into the ground floor of the historic timber-framed Abbots House at the…

Open Today 10:00AM - 5:00PM

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See & Do

St Alkmund's Church

At the heart of the historic and beautiful town of Shrewsbury, founded in the year 912, stands the church of St Alkmund which celebrated its 1100th…

Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM

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Shop

The Pearl Button

A gorgeous boho chic and romantic bridal boutique in the centre of Shrewsbury.

Open Today 9:00AM - 5:00PM

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Hotel

Prince Rupert Hotel

Situated in the very heart of medieval Shrewsbury, the historic Grade II listed Prince Rupert Hotel is firmly established as one of the town's finest…

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Eat & Drink

Bull Inn

The Bull Inn is located on Butcher Row, right in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre. The Bull Inn has seven rooms available, which provide excellent…

Open Today 9:00AM - 12:00AM

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Live & Work

Maddox & Co

Shrewsbury's largest flexible workspace and co-working community. Maddox & Co has a combination of flexible private office spaces, monthly…

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Shop

Pengwern Books

Pengwern Books is an independent bookshop located on Fish Street in the heart of Shrewsbury. It has been serving book lovers in the town and beyond…

Open Today 10:00AM - 4:00PM

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Live & Work

Clarkes Solicitors

Clarkes Solicitors is one of Shropshire's leading law firms with five offices around the county. Clarkes has an excellent reputation for providing…

so many things to do

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History & Heritage

Extended History of Shrewsbury Series 1 Episode 5: Norman Society

Social structures and the Domesday Book, the power of the Church, the founding of Shrewsbury Abbey, other religious houses in Shropshire and facts…

6 December - 9 November 2026
4:00pm - 9:00pm
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Music

Xuan Wu Trio

Chamber music from Manchester-based young musicians – enjoyment guaranteed!

10 November
1:00pm - 2:30pm
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Music

Hwan Hee Kim (piano)

Korean musicologist and pianist Hwan Hee Kim is already making a name for himself as a student and exponent of the ‘Korean sound’ of…

17 November
1:00pm - 2:30pm
St Vincent Charity
Christmas

Christmas Walk Around Wine Tasting

Vin's Cellar Shop will be pouring more than 50 carefully chosen wines from around the world—just the thing to help you discover your festive…

17 November
6:00pm - 10:00pm
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History & Heritage

Extended History of Shrewsbury Series 1 Episode 4: The Norman Conquest

The Normans and resistance to Norman rule, the purpose of the castle, the early days of Shrewsbury Castle, the legend of Edric the Wild, Roger de…

15 November - 18 November 2026
4:00pm - 9:00pm
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Art

Exhibition: Ffeisty Ffelters

Annual exhibition of all things felted, centring around the theme of 'Change.' Main Gallery.Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm.

8 November - 21 November 2026
10:30am - 4:00pm
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Music

Joao Correia (saxophone)

Portuguese saxophonist Joao is currently studying as a post-graduate at the Royal Northern College of Music. We welcome him on his first visit to…

24 November
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Gema
Christmas

Gema Lu (piano)

Another good friend of St Alkmund's concert series, Gema is back with a new programme to usher in the Christmas season.

1 December
1:00pm - 2:30pm
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Art

Exhibition: Arthur Philip

Balcony & Link room. Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm.

8 November - 5 December 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm
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Art

Exhibition: John Willetts & Pat Griffiths

Exhibition of watercolours by John Willetts & Pat Griffiths. Main Gallery.Open daily, 10 am - 4 pm.

22 November - 5 December 2026
10:00am - 4:00pm

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