Attractions
Wandering through Market Drayton is like stepping into a living tapestry of English market‑town history and charm. The town’s famous weekly street market along Cheshire Street has been held for centuries and continues to thrive, offering everything from fresh produce and plants to crafts and homewares. Backed by a fine collection of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture, the core of the town centres around landmarks such as the posted Butter Cross, built in 1824 for dairy traders, and the lofty tower of St Mary’s Church, Market Drayton (dating from the 14th century) whose red and grey sandstone exterior dominates the skyline. For a visitor, this mix of heritage buildings, lively market life, independent shops and cafés creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere — perfect for a relaxed stroll, a coffee stop, and a little retail discovery.
Opportunities to explore…
Beyond the town centre, Market Drayton offers plenty of opportunities to explore the countryside and enjoy nature and local character. For example, Fordhall Farm is an organic community‑owned farm where visitors can get a taste of farm life and natural landscapes.
Meanwhile, the tranquil 12‑acre Dorothy Clive Garden, just outside town, is a beautifully landscaped quarry garden perfect for an unhurried, scenic walk among rhododendrons, alpine plants, woodland and water features.
With the surrounding Shropshire countryside and the gently flowing River Tern nearby, the town becomes a great base for combining history, nature and relaxed exploration, whether you’re browsing markets or venturing beyond for a green escape.
A world of discovery is within easy reach of Market Drayton…
Hawkstone Follies
Fordhall Farm
Dorothy Clive Gardens
Tyrley Wharf Moorings
Alderford Lake
Moreton Corbet Castle
Trentham Gardens
Bridgemere Garden Centre
Market Drayton Indoor and Street Market
Market Drayton has been a shoppers paradise for more than 750 years. The bustling and vibrant street market and indoor market is held every Wednesday featuring a variety of stalls selling a diverse range of goods and produce.
The indoor market is also open on a Saturday where you can discover all manner of local produce, gifts and handicrafts.
Highlights
Joule’s Brewery
Joule’s Brewery and Flagship Brewery Tap, the Red Lion, offers excellent food and drink, as well as brewery tours, live music nights and private events.
Livestock Market
The professional auction team host one of the country’s largest livestock markets in the County every Wednesday and a dedicated barren cow sale every Monday.
Skatepark
Market Drayton Skatepark is a concrete park featuring bowls, transitions rails, banks and ledges. The park is designed for all ages, abilities and disciplines.
Festival Drayton Centre
The centre provides a coffee shop, a state-of-the-art theatre for movies and live events, meeting rooms and an extensive arts and leisure programme.
Museum
Drayton Museum tells the Story of Drayton and its development through time. Examine and explore the displays and find interesting tales about the town.
Walkmill Meadows
Rich in flora and fauna, the town’s green space provides a pleasant walk along the River Tern.
Talbot Wharf
Talbot Wharf is a traditional wharf boatyard, located on the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal beside bridge 62, offering moorings and a busy chandlery.
Swimming & Fitness Centre
Dive into a world of fitness and fun at Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre, with a range of splash-tastic facilities suitable for the whole family.
The Buttercross
The Buttercross has stood in the town centre since 1824 when it was built to
provide shelter for traders selling dairy products and poultry.
Canal Walks
There are a number of beautiful walks around the Shropshire Union Canal, a 3 mile circular, Tyrley Locks and the town centre are only a short walk away.
St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church stands on the top of a prominent outcrop of red sandstone rock above the River Tern. The church is a designated Grade I listed building.
Market Drayton Golf Club
Established in 1906 it is a beautiful course with elevations that afford spectacular views.