If you enjoy local history, fascinating stories and a visit to some of Market Drayton’s traditional pubs, then two Historic Pub Walks taking place this summer are not to be missed.
Organised by the volunteers at Market Drayton Museum & Heritage Centre, these guided walks offer a unique opportunity to explore the town’s rich pub heritage while supporting the museum’s work to preserve and share Market Drayton’s history.
Saturday 8 August – Town Centre Historic Pub Walk
The first walk takes place on Saturday 8 August, meeting at the Stag at 3pm before setting off on a leisurely guided walk around the town.
Along the route you’ll explore the sites of former inns, taverns and alehouses, alongside visits to five pubs that continue to serve customers today.
Even if you’ve joined one of the previous Historic Pub Walks, there will be plenty that’s new to discover. This walk includes an additional section that hasn’t featured before, visits at least one pub that hasn’t previously been included, and introduces several lost pubs that have not been covered on earlier tours.
Thanks to ongoing research, visitors will also hear new information about one former pub that corrects details shared on previous walks, demonstrating that local history is always evolving as new evidence comes to light.
Historic photographs of many of the pubs in their former glory will also be shared throughout the walk, bringing Market Drayton’s past vividly to life.
Sunday 30 August – Little Drayton to Market Drayton
The second walk takes place on Sunday 30 August, meeting at The King’s Head, Little Drayton, at 3pm.
This walk follows the route from Little Drayton into Market Drayton, exploring both current and former pubs along the way and uncovering another chapter of the area’s fascinating history.
If you’d like to make an afternoon of it, you’re invited to enjoy one of The King’s Head’s popular Sunday roast dinners before the walk begins. The meal is not included in the ticket price, so if you’d like a table reserved, simply let the organisers know when booking and they’ll arrange it for you.
Support Your Local Museum
Market Drayton was once home to dozens of inns, coaching houses and alehouses, each playing an important role in the town’s social and commercial life. These walks bring those stories back to life through expert research, fascinating tales and historic photographs.
Tickets are just £5 per person, with proceeds helping to support the work of Market Drayton Museum & Heritage Centre and its dedicated volunteers.
Previous walks have proved extremely popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
Book your place
Saturday 8 August – Town Centre Historic Pub Walk
📍 Meet at The Stag, 3pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/historic-pub-walk-tickets-1991591943114?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Sunday 30 August – Little Drayton Historic Pub Walk
📍 Meet at The King’s Head, Little Drayton, 3pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/historic-pub-walk-tickets-1991593485728?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, enjoy discovering hidden stories or simply fancy an afternoon exploring Market Drayton’s historic pubs, these guided walks offer a wonderful way to spend a summer afternoon while supporting one of the town’s most important heritage organisations.
