As a junior doctor living and working in Shropshire, you’ll be able to enjoy the full experience, both from an academic and a personal perspective.

Rural Splendour

With rolling countryside, Shropshire is perfect for pursuing outdoor activities. Discover the Milky Way with the naked eye from locations around Carding Mill Valley and the Long Mynd, which have been certified with Dark Sky Discovery Site status. Or jump on your mountain bike and take a trail through the open heathland, cooling down with wild swimming in the reservoir.

Enjoy the landscapes of the Shropshire Hills – an area of outstanding natural beauty. Walk Offa’s Dyke or ride through bridleways, passing historic towns and villages along the way.

You could also get involved with the 135-year-old Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury, the Ironbridge Rowling Club or the newly-formed Shropshire Adventure Rowing Club.

New Meets Old

Shropshire’s country town, Shrewsbury, offers a historic centre coupled with independent retail stores, restaurants and bars. You can hunt down some history at the town’s churches or Shrewsbury Castle, visit exhibitions at the Museum and Art Gallery or walk in the steps of Charles Darwin. Darwin was born in the town – he fished for newts in the River Severn and studied rocks in the Quarry Park.

The cobbled streets are packed with cocktail lounges ready to shake and stir your perfect drink and a thriving real ale scene. Menus across Shrewsbury range from seriously good burgers to fine Italian, expert Asian cuisine and the freshest fish dishes. There is a flourishing café culture, with expert baristas opening up in spots across the town to suit every taste.

The music, theatre and comedy scene in Shrewsbury brings up-and-coming names to unique venues most weekends, including the impressive Theatre Severn, which sits on the bank of the river. The Old Market Hall independent cinema is the place to go for art house films and blockbusters. The Grade I Elizabethan building also houses a café and bar, so you can sit in front of the screen with a glass of wine.

Large events bring crowds to the town throughout spring and summer, including the Cycle Grand Prix in May, the Food Festival in June and the Folk Festival in August.

Modern Town Life

Telford is a large, modern town with lots going on. Southwater offers loads of leisure facilities in one place, including a host of restaurants like Nado’s and Zizzis. The centre also includes an IMAX cinema, ice rink, bowling and adventure courses.

The Southwater Library is a mecca for bibliophiles, which houses over 25,000 books. There are dedicated spaces for quiet working and reading, meeting friends and taking part in events and activities.

Telford Shopping Centre is another place to visit, with a huge range of stores, including all the big brands you know and love.