The West Mid Showground Campsite, Shropshire

A perfect choice to be within walking distance of Shrewsbury, with pitches by the river or close to the facilities, with electric hook-up.

Camping at The West Mid Showground, within 15 minutes’ walk of Shrewsbury, offered us an unusual venue. We chose a hardstanding pitch with electric hook-up, near the facilities of toilets, showers, waste disposal and fresh water, though others pitched by the river on this 60-acre site. 

Toilets and showers are unisex. They were clean with hot water, but access is up steps and there were no hooks for clothing. The only campsite lights at night are at this block. There was also a laundry room with two very ancient washing machines. As the campsite is run by a charity, this area will no doubt be improved over time.

With few campers and little coming and going, it was very peaceful at night. Our little patch and also the pitches by the river had trees, but otherwise the campsite was flat and grassed.

A few yards outside the campsite we found Pig Trough Lane, running between people’s houses and their gardens following the Severn river. 

We spent the whole day in Shrewsbury, starting with panoramic views from Laura’s Tower in the grounds of the castle, which houses Soldiers of Shropshire Museum. 

Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery showcased some enormous woolly mammoth bones and antlers from a gigantic deer, as well as replica Bronze Age huts, among other things.
Another interesting landmark was the Quarry, now an award-winning garden. The nearby leisure centre had four swimming pools, one of which is 33m long. We had a cuppa here while watching swimmers drifting past.

There is good shopping in Shrewsbury with plenty of restaurants and cafés, though we managed to get lost in M&S; built on different levels, we had to be rescued by a friendly shop assistant.  

In summer, there are boat trips along the Severn while the attractions at Ironbridge are also within visiting range. 

We found Shrewsbury to be a vibrant but relaxed town with a history going back to fifth century. It was easy to find our way around and with a campsite within walking distance of the town centre, it was the ideal place to stop on our way back from Wales.

An ideal choice for visiting historic Shrewsbury, especially for motorhomers since you can walk into the town easily from the campsite.