On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury
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See where evolutionist Charles Darwin grew up and found so much inspiration on this self-guided walking tour in Shrewsbury
• Find out the historic significance of Shakespearean characters like Harry Hotspur and Prince Hal
• Hear from producer Owen Bowles, a Blue Badge Tourist Guide for the Heart of England region
• Do it all in two hours or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
• Use the virtual tour option at home
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.
The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- The VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Not included
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Smartphone and headphones
- Transportation
- Food and drink
Itinerary
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Stop 1
This self-guided audio tour starts in front of Shrewsbury Castle. You'll hear about the castle, Darwin's connection to the town and how the tour works using the VoiceMap app before you get going.
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Stop 2
The tour passes by the Shrewsbury Library, once the Shrewsbury School which was attended by Darwin, the Conservative politician Michael Heseltine, and Monty Python actor, author and travel documentary maker Michael Palin
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Stop 3
The tour passes by St Mary's Church where Darwin worshipped as a boy.
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Stop 4
The tour takes you through Dogpole where you'll here the origins of the street's unusual name.
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Stop 5
The tour takes you through Wyle Cop where you'll here the origins of the street's unusual name.
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Stop 6
The tour passes by Lion Inn Hotel, where Darwin embarked on his five-year-long journey around the world that helped him form his theory of evolution.
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Stop 7
The tour passes by several Tudor-style houses.
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Stop 8
The tour passes by Shrewsbury Abbey. You'll hear how the abbey is the setting for The Cadfael Chronicles, a thriller series by Ellis Peter.
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Stop 9
The tour passes by Saint Alkmunds Church. You'll hear about the church while you walk.
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Stop 10
On this tour, you'll see the 16th century Old Market Hall.
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Stop 11
On this tour, you'll find out what treasures are hidden in plain sight within the Shrewsbury Museum.
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Stop 12
The tour passes by St Chad’s Church, the largest circular church in Britain.
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Stop 13
The tour guides you through Quarry Park. Here you'll hear how Darwin was inspired by what he observed.
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Stop 14
The tour guides you through Dingle Gardens. Here you'll hear how Darwin was inspired by what he observed.
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Stop 15
On this tour you'll take in the many areas around Shrewbury that inspired Charles Darwin.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day(s) before
- 0% refund if cancelled 0–1 day(s) before
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $9.59 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
