Discover Market Drayton
Nestled amidst serene waterways and picturesque farmland, Market Drayton is a vibrant town in North Shropshire, graced by the gentle flow of the River Tern. True to its name, the town boasts a rich history of markets, with the Wednesday market dating back to 1245. Initially established by the Abbot of Combermere as a venue for selling the abbey’s produce, it has evolved into a bustling street and indoor market that draws shoppers from across the region. The indoor Market Hall also hosts a lively Saturday market, complemented by a monthly artisan market near the historic Buttercross on Cheshire Street, and an annual floating market during summer at Talbot Wharf on the Shropshire Union Canal.
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Market Drayton’s Culinary Heritage
Market Drayton is famously known as the home of gingerbread. In the early 20th century, the town was home to four gingerbread bakers, and today, Billington’s Gingerbread continues this tradition, crafting and selling its signature spicy gingerbread fingers from a closely guarded family recipe. The town is also a hub of community activity, with numerous events hosted at the Festival Drayton Centre—a volunteer-run venue that features live music, comedy shows, exhibitions, and cinema screenings. Each September, the town holds the Ginger & Spice Festival, celebrating its rich culinary history and social heritage. For more details, visit visitshropshire.co.uk.
Getting There and Around
The nearest train stations to Market Drayton are located in Stoke-on-Trent (17 miles away) and Shrewsbury (20 miles), with the number 64 bus providing a connection between these locations. While the town itself is easily walkable, a car is recommended for exploring the surrounding rural attractions.
Where to Stay
For accommodations, Pass the Keys offers a variety of properties in Market Drayton, including a charming two-bedroom cottage on Church Street. This artist-owned property is filled with quirky artwork and retro furnishings, located just off the main street, ensuring easy access to markets, shops, pubs, and restaurants. The cozy beds guarantee a restful night’s sleep, with rates starting from £115 per night for up to four guests.
Just outside Market Drayton, in Hodnet, lies The Bear, a former 16th-century coaching inn turned gastropub. With 12 spacious bedrooms upstairs and fine dining options downstairs, this establishment has something for everyone. However, shorter guests should note that the beds are quite high, necessitating a boost to climb in! Double rooms start from £180, including breakfast, with one accessible room and two dog-friendly options available.
Shopping in Market Drayton
Market Drayton boasts a wealth of independent shops and businesses. The Fields Kitchen bakery and deli, located on High Street, is a delightful farm shop offering a range of Shropshire-made products, including Aberdeen Angus beef sourced from the owner’s family farm. Visitors can also find locally produced cheese and, of course, Billington’s Gingerbread.
For something unique, Flores Diem on Shropshire Street merges a traditional florist with an alternative store, Midnight Realm, featuring Goth, steampunk, and other eclectic gifts.
Cafés to Cozy Up In
Jones’s Coffee House on High Street is a family-run establishment that also serves as a gallery for local artists. Known for its delicious homemade food, the café offers standout soups and a selection of wines from the family’s vineyard in nearby Colehurst. The Shropshire blue cheese and Jones’s chutney toastie, priced at £8.15, pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of Colehurst white, available for £4.
At the end of Cheshire Street, The Hideout tempts visitors with a milkshake menu starting at £3.60, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Just a short drive from the town, Fordhall Organic Farm (open Tuesday to Sunday) features Arthur’s Farm Kitchen, where guests can enjoy a decadent Welsh rarebit for £8.95, made with mature organic cheddar.
Indoor Activities for Rainy Days
If you find yourself in Market Drayton on a market day (Wednesdays or Saturdays), the indoor Market Hall in Cheshire Street is a must-visit, hosting a variety of vendors including butchers, artisan crafts, and gourmet chocolates. The Market Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centre in Newtown offers two indoor pools and regular fun swim sessions for families.
St Mary’s Church, dating back to the 14th century, provides a warm refuge from the cold with its stunning Kempe windows and impressive views of the town from its grounds. This church is a great spot to escape the winter chill.
Pre-Dinner Drinks
Peony & Tonic on High Street is a unique flower and cocktail house. Downstairs, it serves as a florist, while upstairs features an intimate bar offering handmade cocktails, including their exquisite Porn Star Martini. The Red Lion, situated on Great Hales Street, dates back to 1623 and serves as the flagship tap for Joule’s Brewery. Adjoining the brewery via a malt bridge, The Red Lion sits atop Market Drayton’s aquifer—the water source for the brewery’s ales, visible via a well inside. Expansion plans are underway, with a visitor center in the works and a second pub expected to open by the year’s end. Core offerings from Joule’s include the refreshing Green Monkey, an excellent English craft lager.
Dining Options
The Bear in Hodnet, named after its historical connection to two sun bears housed beneath the building, underwent a significant £2 million refurbishment four years ago. Its fine dining menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes such as scallops with celeriac, apple, and samphire for £12, chicken breast with Parmesan gnocchi at £26, or a rich monkfish Wellington for £29.
Winter Walks
Market Drayton serves as a central hub for exploring Shropshire’s “garden triangle,” which includes Goldstone Hall & Gardens, Wollerton Old Hall, Hodnet Hall, and the Dorothy Clive Garden. The Dorothy Clive Garden charges £8 for adults and £2 for children and features seasonal flower trails, along with designated wheelchair-accessible routes.
In town, visitors can embark on a two-mile canal walk that begins at the Towers Lawn bus stop or explore the Town Trail, which starts at the Buttercross and concludes at the Festival Drayton Centre. Both paths include some steep steps, so be prepared!
Three Fun Facts About Market Drayton
- Historical Roots: The town has Saxon origins and was listed in the Domesday Book as “Draitune.” It was granted a charter in the 13th century to hold a market on Wednesdays, solidifying its current name.
- The Great Fire: In 1651, a devastating fire swept through Market Drayton, destroying nearly 70% of the town. The blaze, which started in a bakery, spread rapidly. The Crown Inn, still operational today, is one of the few buildings that survived the inferno.
- Gingerbread Traditions: Local lore suggests that farmers’ wives used to enjoy dunking their gingerbread fingers in port at the town’s former gingerbread café, which has since become a high-end optician.
