Darwin’s Townhouse

Named in honour of Shrewsbury’s famous son, the Grade II* listed Sandford House, moments from the Severn towpath, has evolved into a contemporary but 'cosy and welcoming' B&B. Guide inspectors, visiting in a spirit of scientific inquiry, were impressed by the ambience, ‘as if walking into a friend’s home. The decoration is fun and characterful, with animal and plant wallpapers, maps, natural history objets and antiques.’ An octagonal drawing room has ‘a splendid decorative ceiling’ depicting signs of the Zodiac. The snug has a well-stocked honesty bar. Muted bedroom decor offsets ‘Darwinian-appropriate patterning on curtains and cushions’. Two ground-floor bedrooms have garden access. Two superior rooms have a super-king bed, a bath and shower. There is a ‘terrific lawned garden’, a ‘light-filled conservatory’, where a locally sourced breakfast with 'plenty of options' brings artisan jams, free-range eggs from Hollowdene’s happy hens. Guests can claim a 10% discount at two sister restaurants. Book one of the ‘more functional, smaller’ rooms in the garden annexe if you want to bring the beagle. 'It was incredibly good value.' (Donald Reid, and others)