A Saxon settlement referred to as Draitune in the Domesday Book and granted its market charter by Henry III, Market Drayton has been home to one of the liveliest street markets ever since, running for over 759 years!
In times gone by Market Drayton was famed for its Damson Fairs, when the textile makers from the north would buy the damsons to make dye for their cloth. Nowadays you'll find damsons in jams, cheeses, pies and of course, gin. Find them on the WI market stall at the Wednesday market.
Market Drayton is also the spiritual home of gingerbread. After all, it has been baked in the town for over 200 years.
With over 46 miles of canal ways to discover in the area, the Shropshire Union Canal passes just a few hundred yards from Market Drayton’s town centre. A chance to moor up, explore the town and stock up on supplies.
For landlovers, the tow path walk, including the 40 steps aqueduct, is breathtaking, whilst the town trails are unusual, even bloodthirsty.
Nearby, there are the award-winning gardens of Hodnet and Wollerton Old Hall Garden, Dorothy Clive Gardens and Bridgemere Garden World. Also Hawkstone Park, a unique landscape of follies, cliffs, caves and grottoes.