Laura's Tower at Shrewsbury Castle

An 18th-century folly by Thomas Telford offering stunning panoramic views atop Shrewsbury Castle’s historic motte.

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Laura's Tower

Laura's Tower is an enchanting late 18th-century folly perched atop the Norman motte of Shrewsbury Castle in Shropshire, England. Built around 1790 by renowned engineer Thomas Telford as a summerhouse for Laura Pulteney’s 21st birthday, this Grade II listed sandstone tower offers panoramic views over Shrewsbury’s medieval townscape and the surrounding countryside. Though open to the public only on special occasions, its charming architecture and historic significance make it a captivating landmark within the castle grounds.

A brief summary to Laura's Tower

Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury, GB
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Budget
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Visit during Heritage Open Day in September when Laura's Tower is open to the public.
Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up the motte to the tower for the best views.
Explore the nearby Shropshire Regimental Museum within Shrewsbury Castle for military history.
Check accessibility options in advance, as the tower and some castle areas may have limited mobility access.

Getting There

Bus

Take the Arriva Midlands bus services 1 or 2 from Shrewsbury town center to the castle area; journey times are approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day with fares around £2-£3. The castle is a short walk uphill from the nearest stop.
Train

Arrive at Shrewsbury Railway Station, about 1.5 km from the castle. From the station, a 20-minute uphill walk or a short taxi ride costing around £5 will get you to the castle grounds.
Car

Drive to Shrewsbury Castle using local parking facilities such as the Riverside Car Park or Abbey Foregate Car Park, both about 10-15 minutes on foot from the castle. Parking fees typically range from £3 to £6 for a few hours. Note the castle grounds have no dedicated parking.
Walking

From Shrewsbury town center, a 15-20 minute walk along paved streets and gentle uphill paths leads to the castle entrance. The route is accessible but includes some slopes and cobbled areas.

Laura's Tower location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Laura's Tower

A Gift from Thomas Telford: The Origins of Laura's Tower

Laura's Tower was constructed circa 1790 by the celebrated Scottish civil engineer Thomas Telford, commissioned by Sir William Pulteney MP as a summerhouse and birthday present for his daughter, Laura Pulteney. The tower stands on the footprint of a medieval watchtower that once guarded the Norman motte of Shrewsbury Castle, blending historical layers of defense and leisure architecture. Built from coursed and squared red sandstone, it features a distinctive octagonal shape, a conical copper roof, and an embattled parapet supported by corbels, reflecting Telford’s early architectural experiments beyond his engineering fame.

Architectural Charm and Historic Features

The tower’s design includes a double-curved external staircase leading to a roll-moulded arched doorway, wide lancet windows, and narrow arrow slits above, evoking a romanticized medieval style. Its interior was intended as a banqueting or garden room, offering an intimate setting with commanding views. Despite falling into disrepair by the mid-20th century, Laura's Tower was restored in the 1960s, preserving its delicate features and historical character. Graffiti etched on the exterior window from 1945 adds a human touch to its storied past.

Strategic Location atop Shrewsbury Castle Motte

Sitting on the castle’s motte, Laura's Tower occupies a site with deep military significance. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of a 12th-century timber watchtower and medieval buildings beneath the current structure, revealing the layered history of this defensive stronghold. The motte itself was part of the original Norman fortifications ordered by William the Conqueror around 1067. From the tower’s elevated position, visitors can appreciate the strategic vantage point that once guarded the town and surrounding landscape.

Panoramic Views and Visitor Experience

Climbing Laura's Tower rewards visitors with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of Shrewsbury’s medieval rooftops, the winding River Severn, and the rolling Shropshire countryside. On clear days, the Welsh hills are visible in the distance. The tower’s location within the castle grounds offers a peaceful retreat, complemented by the nearby Castle Gardens. While the tower itself is rarely open to the public—typically only on special heritage days—the surrounding grounds and the Shropshire Regimental Museum housed within the castle provide rich historical context and engaging exhibits.

Connection to Shrewsbury Castle’s Rich History

Shrewsbury Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I listed building, notable for its well-preserved Norman earthworks and its role in English history, including the Civil War. The castle grounds encompass Laura's Tower and the Regimental Museum, which houses military artifacts spanning centuries. The castle and tower together illustrate Shrewsbury’s strategic importance and evolving use from medieval fortress to elegant residence and cultural site.

Preservation and Cultural Significance Today

Laura's Tower remains a cherished historic landmark, symbolizing both the architectural ingenuity of Thomas Telford and the heritage of the Pulteney family. Its preservation as a Grade II listed building ensures its continued protection. The tower and castle grounds are occasionally used for cultural events and private functions, maintaining their relevance as living parts of Shrewsbury’s heritage landscape.

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Step into the magic of Harry Potter at this enchanting gift shop nestled in Shrewsbury’s historic Grope Lane.

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Shrewsbury Abbey

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Laura's Tower at Shrewsbury Castle

A brief summary to Laura's Tower

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Train

Car

Walking

Laura's Tower location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Laura's Tower

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Laura's Tower

A Gift from Thomas Telford: The Origins of Laura's Tower

Architectural Charm and Historic Features

Strategic Location atop Shrewsbury Castle Motte

Panoramic Views and Visitor Experience

Connection to Shrewsbury Castle’s Rich History

Preservation and Cultural Significance Today

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Ffridd Faldwyn, Montgomery

Plas Newydd Historic House & Gardens Llangollen

National Trust - Wightwick Manor and Gardens

Llangollen Bridge

Castell Dinas Brân

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre

Capel Y Groes (Chapel Cross)

Stafford Castle

Llangollen Motor Museum

St Mary’s Church, Nantwich

Cae-Llywd Bunker

Abaty Glyn Y Groes / Valle Crucis Abbey

Bantock House

Horseshoe Falls

World's End

Unmissable attractions to see

Shrewsbury Castle

Shrewsbury Prison

The Darwin Centre

Montgomery Waters

Labyrinth Brings Harry Potter to Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Abbey

House Clearance Emporium

Albert & Co Frankville

The Quarry

Lord Hill's Column

Haughmond Abbey

National Trust - Attingham Park

National Trust - Attingham Park Estate: Cronkhill

Wroxeter Roman City

Acton Burnell Castle

Essential places to dine

Royalist Restaurant

Chambers Restaurant

House of the Rising Sun

La Lanterna at the Old Vestry

The Peach Tree

Bombos

The Hayward Restaurant

Lion + Pheasant Hotel

La Dolce Vita

The Restaurant at Theatre Severn

The Loopy Shrew

The Exchange Pub & Restaurant

Hickory's Smokehouse Shrewsbury

The Walrus Restaurant and Bar

The Cote Kitchen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Parade Shops

Vinegar Hill

Shrewsbury Duck Store

The Enchanted Labyrinth Ltd

White Orchard

Maggie Mae's Vintage

Vinterior

TFA POP SHOP SHREWSBURY

Ella Cru

La Vie