A bustling Shropshire town has been named Britain’s best market town, thanks to its thriving network of independent traders and its award-winning market.
Shrewsbury, often celebrated for its medieval streets and riverside charm, has taken the top spot after its Market Hall was crowned Britain’s Favourite Market 2025. The accolade marks a record fourth win for the market and the third consecutive year it has claimed the title.
The recognition comes from The Telegraph, which praised Shrewsbury for its vibrant trading scene, saying the town “is rammed with 60-odd independent traders, from engravers and wine merchants to barbers and card shops.”
The market, which operates from Tuesday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm, is located inside a post-war building that replaced the town’s original Victorian hall in the 1960s.
While the exterior may be unassuming, the atmosphere inside is anything but. The hall buzzes with local life, offering everything from artisan produce and handmade crafts to vintage goods and street food.
Shrewsbury’s market success has helped cement its reputation as one of the country’s most authentic and community-driven towns.
Its medieval layout, timber-framed buildings, and cobbled streets provide a historic backdrop for a thriving modern marketplace that continues to draw locals and tourists alike.
The town’s achievement also highlights the enduring appeal of Britain’s traditional market towns, many of which trace their origins back to medieval trading hubs.
According to The Telegraph, the “prerequisite for a market town is, of course, a market,” and Shrewsbury delivers that in abundance.
With a rich mix of independent shops, cafes, and creative traders, Shrewsbury stands as a testament to the resilience and charm of Britain’s high streets, where local businesses continue to thrive against the odds.
