Darwin's Townhouse

5.0 star property
Victorian bed & breakfast in Shrewsbury with a bar
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Darwin's Townhouse

Miscellaneous
Lounge
Exterior
Restaurant
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Bar
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
37 St Julian's Friars, Shrewsbury, England, SY1 1XL
  • Place, Old Market Hall
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Shrewsbury Abbey
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Shrewsbury Castle
    ‪9 min walk‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

Room options

Twin Room, Ensuite

  • 1765 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Twin Room, Ensuite (Garden Room)

  • 183 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Single Room, Ensuite (Garden Room)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 140 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Superior Double Room, Ensuite

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 291 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Double Room, Ensuite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 140 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Single Room, Ensuite

  • 86 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Double Room, Ensuite

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(9 reviews)
  • 183 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Double Room, Ensuite (Garden Room)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(8 reviews)
  • 1894 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Shrewsbury

Darwin's Townhouse places you within a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions such as St. Mary's Church and Old Market Hall. This 19-room, 5-star bed & breakfast welcomes guests with conveniences like a bar/lounge, free in-room WiFi, and laundry facilities.

What's nearby

  • Old Market Hall - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Shrewsbury Abbey - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • The Quarry Park - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Shrewsbury Castle - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Attingham Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Shrewsbury Station - 11 min walk

Restaurants

  • ‪The Golden Cross - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪House of Grain - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Cromwell’s Tap House - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Nag's Head - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hop & Friar - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Darwin's Townhouse

Victorian bed & breakfast in Shrewsbury with a bar
Guests staying at Darwin's Townhouse enjoy free WiFi in public areas, laundry facilities, and a garden. Staff members can help with accommodation requests, and provide luggage storage. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls.
Guests can enjoy free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Coffee makers and ironing boards are other standard amenities.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Offsite parking available (GBP 12 per day)

Food and drink

  • English breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends; GBP 10 per person
  • A bar/lounge

Family friendly

  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden

Accessibility

  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1760
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Victorian architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Crib (surcharge)
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathtub or shower
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 7:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • 2 total pets
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 25.0 per stay
  • Cribs/infant beds are available for GBP 20.0 per stay

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for English breakfast: approximately GBP 10 per person
  • Nearby parking fee: GBP 12 per day (400 ft away)
  • Pet fee: GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: GBP 20.0 per stay
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 25.0 per stay

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 3 PM—-7:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitEngland, the National Tourist Board for England.

Property is also known as

Darwin's Townhouse B&B Shrewsbury
Darwin's Townhouse B&B
Darwin's Townhouse Shrewsbury
Sandford Hotel Shrewsbury
Darwin's Townhouse Shrewsbury
Darwin's Townhouse Bed & breakfast
Darwin's Townhouse Bed & breakfast Shrewsbury

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Darwin's Townhouse?

Darwin's Townhouse provides free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

How much does it cost to stay at Darwin's Townhouse?

As of Jan 15, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Darwin's Townhouse on Jan 26, 2026 start from $114.11, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What's there to do near Darwin's Townhouse?

Located steps from Henry Tudor House, this bed & breakfast is in Shrewsbury, and within a 10-minute walk of Old Market Hall and Shrewsbury Abbey. You'll also find The Quarry Park and Shrewsbury Castle less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Darwin's Townhouse?

No, there isn't parking at this bed & breakfast.

Does Darwin's Townhouse include a casino?

No, Darwin's Townhouse doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Darwin's Townhouse?

No, there is no indoor pool at this bed & breakfast.

What do couples enjoy most about Darwin's Townhouse?

Couples staying at this bed u0026 breakfast will appreciate amenities like a bar plus some guestrooms include premium bedding and garden views.

Are there hot tubs at Darwin's Townhouse?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Darwin's Townhouse have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Darwin's Townhouse offers an English breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does Darwin's Townhouse allow pets to stay for free?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Darwin's Townhouse for a fee of GBP 25.00 per pet, per stay. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Are there connecting rooms at Darwin's Townhouse?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Darwin's Townhouse?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Darwin's Townhouse.

Darwin's Townhouse Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 297 out of 373 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 66 out of 373 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 373 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 373 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 373 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Geoffrey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Reception, location, decor, parking, breakfast room, menu and service; excellent. The single bedroom is poor. Space restricted, noisy street location, lack of ventilation, no additional pillow to better comfort the guests. Too many assumptions made.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terry

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hotel & breakfast

Great staff and excellent breakfast (with some of the best bacon I have ever had). The location is great and there is paid parking very close (£1:20 an hour) but only pay 08:00-18:00 otherwise free
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

steven

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lots of healthy or hearty options for breakfast .staff wonderful. Gardens were lovely if only it was summer. Paying car park next to hotel. Plenty of dining places. Rooms were stylish. Definitely a womans touch and thought had gone into the rooms
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great one night stay in Shrewsbury

We loved the styling of the hotel and the room we stayed in was comfortable. Breakfast also great. My only reason for a 4 star over a 5 star was the noise from the street did carry up so I had to wear ear plugs to sleep. Bit noisy inside too when people were coming back in on the evening too. Other than this, we found staff very friendly and loved the theme.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Breakfast is always outstanding and we had another lovely stay. Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Bill

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The hotel has a lot of good features and the Darwin theme is well represented. Choice at breakfast was great and service was quick and efficient. My wife has difficulty with stairs and would have appreciated a rail alongside the steps to the front door. Our room (7) was a bit noisy in the late evening. I found the loo lid poked me in the back when sitting on the loo. My sife found the loo hard to flush. But overall we enjoyed the location and the service.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pauline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Jeanette

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Easy to get to and convenient for pubs and restaurants
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely Stay

We had a lovely stay at Darwin's Townhouse. The room and lounge areas were very comfy and clean and the staff were brilliant.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dian

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
2nd visit to this beautiful boutique hotel. Loved the rooms,food & beautiful gardens with plenty of tables & seating areas. Staff very helpful & friendly. Car park close by you do have to pay however we downloaded app and where able to top up following morning. Very central to everything you need bars restaurants shopping and great walks near by. Would highly recommend
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location

Great location. Lovely decor. The staff were very friendly. The WiFi wasn’t great, which also affected the use of some TV channels. The room was lovely however the sound proofing wasn’t great, could hear the people in the room above from the early hours.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic hotel in the heart of Shrewsbury

A wonderful hotel right in the heart of Shrewsbury. The recommended car park is less than a minute's walk. The hotel is really tastefully themed with lovely homely touches. The breakfast and honesty bar were a highlight!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Helen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Darwins townhouse is a lovely place to stay. We loved all the quirky references to 'the origin of species'. Our room was small but perfectly adequate gor our one night stay. Breakfast was excellent and the staff were very friendly and attentive. We were on the front of the building which meant there was a lot of noise from people until quite late, we had the window open because we stayed on the hottest day of the year! Although, a fan was provided to try to help cool the room it was still extremely warm in the room. Overall we loved staying here and will be back at some point.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Spotlessly clean, unique property in the centre, near the river and all amenities with lots if extras
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great stay at Darwin Townhouse. We stayed in one of the garden rooms which was lovely. It had all the amenities needed eg hair dryer, iron, kettle etc. crisp clean sheets and comfy bed. The garden was lovely with seating areas for the nice weather. We bought a bottle of wine from the nearby wine shop and sat on in the garden one night. The breakfast was lovely and plentiful, as was the food at the Loopy Shrew (discounted if you stay in their property). Staff were lovey. The building is just a minutes walk away from one of the main streets but far enough away for a peaceful stay. Would recommend a stay here and would love to bring the family back here to visit the lovely town of Shrewsbury.
View of the garden rooms.
View from our room.
Recommend  eating here.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Colin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff at reception and breakfast were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was very good, too. Location is convenient. Our only wish would be that the room was a little bit larger. It was clean with good amenities: just a little cramped for two people and luggage. It’s a nice place to stay in Shrewsbury.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

LIJUAN

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent stay can't fault it
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Slice of Shrewsbury History

My second time in the Darwin Town House and location wise it's great. I am a huge fan of Shrewsbury and visit often. This quirky hotel is a slice of history and homage to CD himself. The room was pretty small, cosy so would not ideally want to stay in this room again but there are others which are not in the main building which would I would request. The honesty bar is cute and the staff are super. Totally recommend the breakfast, made to order and super location to start the day in the garden room.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everything about darwins townhouse was superb. Rooms lovely, sevice lovely, especially from the young girl serving us at breakfast (blonde ponytail) sorry, didnt get her name. The honesty bar is also a lovely touch. Thankyou, we will be booking again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2025