On the Origins of Charles Darwin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Shrewsbury
Free Cancellation
4.4 (18)
from
EUR 10.00

E-voucher


English


Free Cancellation

Overview

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.

Operated by

VoiceMap

Ratings & Reviews

Average Rating

4.39

/ 5

18 traveller ratings

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Not up to date

RobertLundemo_A, May 2026

The route included 2 gardens with limited opening hours that I could not access as they were not open. No warning about this. It also included a special cafe that closed the summer of 2025. The rest was OK.

Worth giving self guided a try

Alaine_S, Apr 2026

Interesting and useful narrative. Good that App caught up with we were. App fairly easy to use. Just the right amount of detail. Possible to go at own pace.

Informative and interesting without being too much

mooses357, Aug 2025

Excellent and informative, surprisingly easy to follow directions. Not having to follow a map on your phone was a bonus as the audio directions were excellent.Just about the right amount of information.

review-image

Enjoyable tour

Arich131, Jun 2025

Interesting tour once we’d got the hang of the app. Starting point was not too obvious. We took two and a half hours to do the tour as it was worth stopping and looking more closely at some of the places. Really surprised that the Cathedral was not included in the tour.

Itinerary

  • Shrewsbury Castle

    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.

  • Shrewsbury Library

    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

  • The tour passes by St Mary's Church where Darwin worshipped as a boy.

  • The tour takes you through Dogpole where you'll here the origins of the street's unusual name.

  • The tour takes you through Wyle Cop where you'll here the origins of the street's unusual name.

  • 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.

  • The tour passes by several Tudor-style houses.

  • Shrewsbury Abbey

    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.

  • The tour passes by Saint Alkmunds Church. You'll hear about the church while you walk.

  • Old Market Hall

    On this tour, you'll see the 16th century Old Market Hall.

  • Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery

    On this tour, you'll find out what treasures are hidden in plain sight within the Shrewsbury Museum.

  • The tour passes by St Chad’s Church, the largest circular church in Britain.

  • The Quarry Park

    The tour guides you through Quarry Park. Here you'll hear how Darwin was inspired by what he observed.

  • The tour guides you through Dingle Gardens. Here you'll hear how Darwin was inspired by what he observed.

  • On this tour you'll take in the many areas around Shrewbury that inspired Charles Darwin.

Meeting Point Map

Location

Address

Castle St, Shrewsbury SY1 2AT, UK

Open Google Map

Experience

Inclusions

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • The VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions

  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transportation
  • Food and drink

Additional Information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Guide Languages

  • English

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.

  • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

from
EUR 10.00