I explored Shropshire’s oldest pubs, from historic inns to hidden gems

While a lot of old-fashioned and traditional pubs have fallen by the wayside, been demolished or given new life as housing or restaurants, plenty of historic pubs still remain and continue to thrive in the modern day.

We've compiled a list of 10 of the oldest pubs still open and serving in Shropshire, based on when they were built and when they originally opened.

These pubs can be found in a wide range of towns and villages across the county, with plenty having kept historic features from the time of inception, while also introducing modern touches to ensure it can still run in the 21st century as a viable business.

Is there a pub we have missed? Please let us know in the comments.

Dun Cow, Shrewsbury - c.1085

There is some debate over the origins of the Dun Cow on Abbey Foregate, with some local records saying the pub was allegedly built by Roger de Montgomery in 1085, as a hostel for imported masons and craftsmen working on the nearby Shrewsbury Abbey.

However, it has been argued that the Dun Cow might actually have been built in Tudor times, with beams and other period features, such as wattle and daub construction, demonstrating the style of the time.

Whichever side of the discussion you are on, the pub is certainly an historic one and part of the Shrewsbury pub scene, named after a mythical cow that gave an inexhaustible supply of milk.

The pub also has a resident ghost, last seen in 2003.

Rose & Crown, Ludlow - 1102

Those exploring the narrow side streets and courtyards of Ludlow may encounter a building which has had a pub on it since 1102 and, upon entering, find themselves in Ludlow's oldest pub, the Rose & Crown.

The pub is a small slice of the Norman era in Ludlow and continues to carry much of the history while also providing modern touches as following a careful restoration by owners Joule's Brewery, it is a spacious pub but with intimate areas to relax. 

The restoration uncovered a hidden fireplace and beams have been revealed which had remained hidden since the 1960s, while the pub also has oak flooring blended with old quarry tiling and reclaimed parquet, while a panelled Mouse Room has been set up to match the brewers hall at the Joule's Brewery in Market Drayton.

The Swan Inn, Aston Munslow - c.14th century

The Swan Inn in Aston Munslow benefits from its look, being a Tuder-framed white building with parts of it built from an old ship, and is reputedly the oldest pub in Shropshire, having sat on the site since the 14th century and been visited by notorious highwayman Dick Turpin.

It sits on the main road which connects Craven Arms to Much Wenlock and surrounded on all sides by the Shropshire countryside, as well as being regarded as the best start and end point of the Corvedale Three Castles Walk, an 11.5-mile walk around the Corvedale.

Upon entering The Swan, customers will find two separate dining areas, a cosy bar, large beer garden and pool room, as well as a roaring fire.

The Nags Head, Shrewsbury - c.14th century

Situated on the historic Wyle Cop, the main features of this Grade II-listed timber framed building are best appreciated externally.

There's the upper storey jettying, and to the rear, the timber remains of a 14th-century hall house including a screened passage.

The old style interior has remained unaltered for many years, featuring seating in the front of the pub looking out onto Shrewsbury's Wyle Cop, as well as seating behind the bar, adjacent to the garden.

King’s Head, Shrewsbury - 1404

The timber-framed pub on Mardol is one of the more striking pubs in the town, with a double jettied frontage and Tudor framing.

It also saw, after a refurbishment in 1987, the revealing of a Pre-Reformation painting of the Last Supper on an old chimney breast, which now takes pride of place in the pub together with a plaque describing its history.

The pub is a Grade II listed building, with The King pictured in the pub sign (Henry VII) having stayed in Shrewsbury on his way to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Three Horseshoes, Alveley - 1406

Within the Shropshire countryside, sitting between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, is a pub which has a claim as the oldest licensed premises in the county, with a lineage that goes back to the start of the 15th century.

The Three Horseshoes sits at the centre of Alveley, offering views across the Severn Valley to the Clee Hills, as well as acting as a vibrant and welcoming community hub.

The pub has become well-known for providing a warm welcome and great beer and has been acknowledged for that with several awards, including Telford and Bridgnorth CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2024 and a place in the Good Beer Guide 2025.

Golden Cross, Shrewsbury - 1428

Records show that the pub was used as an inn since as far back as 1428, but previous owners suspect that the Princess Street business has had a role in quenching thirsts since monks were brewing in town in the 1100s.

The Golden Cross is a Grade II-listed building which stands at the end of one of the many 'shuts' or passages linking the town's roads,

It is reputed to be the oldest inn in town still in use and was known as the Sextry in 1495 due to its connections with old St Chads Church across the road.

Henry Tudor Inn 1429, Shrewsbury - 1429

Henry Tudor House has been sympathetically renamed as “Henry Tudor Inn 1429,” marking both its historical significance as an “Inn” during Henry Tudor’s stay and the carbon-dated construction date in 1429.

The taphouse, which is owned by Joule’s Brewery, boasts an eclectic design to celebrate its heritage, with several unique spaces offering a variety of experiences, history, character, and intrigue.

The private dining room remains a central feature of the building and now bears the name “Earl’s Quarters.”

This naming pays tribute to Henry Tudor, who once graced these very chambers on his way to the pivotal Battle of Bosworth, where he ascended to the throne as King Henry VII in 1486. The space preserves the memory of the final place he stayed in before battling towards full royalty.

The Pound, Leebotwood - c.15th century

Sitting in the Church Stretton hills, The Pound is a thatched 15th-century drovers' inn which has undergone a modernisation over time.

Although very much a dining pub, there is a comfortable bar area where drinkers are welcome that mixes old-fashioned beams with contemporary features, such as overhead beams.

It is also a popular spot with walkers and had a distinctive frontage, with its thatched roof and cream colour.

The Royal Oak, Cardington - c.15th century

Built around the 15th century, this cosy, countryside pub is famous for its 'fidget pie' made with gammon, apples and cider from a recipe that has been passed down through landlords, and enjoyed by Prince Edward more than 35 years ago.

The rambling, low-beamed bar has a roaring winter log fire, cauldron, black kettle and pewter jugs in vast inglenook fireplace, the old standing timbers of a knocked-through wall, and red-and-green tapestry seats solidly capped in elm.

The pub's website claims that the building is the oldest continuously licensed pub in Shropshire, offering a range of traditional, local ales, with four cask ales on tap, cask cider and 'good value', homemade food.