Shrewsbury Library

Two floors of books, computers and quiet corners occupy this modern library in Shrewsbury's town centre, just off Castle Street. It's the sort of place that proves proper useful when holiday weather turns or the kids need a break from caravan life.

Families staying at nearby parks like Oxon Hall or Love2Stay will find the children's section well-stocked with picture books and activity packs. The ground floor computers offer free internet access - handy for checking weather forecasts or booking that restaurant table. Upstairs, local history buffs can dig into Shropshire archives and old maps of the county.

Library staff are genuinely helpful, and they run regular story sessions for little ones during term time. The building feels contemporary rather than Victorian stuffy, with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating areas.

Open six days a week with those traditional midday closures on weekdays, it's worth timing your visit accordingly. Allow an hour or so - longer if researching family history or the kids get absorbed in the activity corner. Free parking can be tricky in town, but there's a decent-sized car park nearby.

Perfect rainy day refuge when you're based at places like Beaconsfield Holiday Park or Condover Park. The central location means you can easily combine it with Shrewsbury's medieval streets and independent shops for a proper town day out.