I’ll never forget the drive to Shrewsbury – what should’ve been a straightforward jaunt from the motorway turned into a comedy of errors thanks to my dodgy sat-nav. It kept directing me down these tiny lanes that barely qualified as roads, with hedges scraping the sides of the car like they were auditioning for a horror film. Then, just as I was swearing off technology forever, I took a wrong turn into a one-way system that looped me right back past the same bewildered sheep three times. By the time I pulled up outside this first-floor apartment in the heart of town, I was frazzled, parched, and questioning my life choices. But honestly, that anticipation bubbling up as I parked – wondering if it’d live up to the photos – made the chaos worth it.

Climbing the stairs with my overstuffed weekend bag (why do I always pack like I’m off to the Arctic?), I fumbled the key code twice before the door clicked open. And blimey, what a payoff. Stepping inside was like sinking into a proper hug after a long day. This Victorian retreat has been done up to a wonderful standard – modern décor with these beautiful finishing touches that give it an elegant flow from room to room. It’s perfect for a couple or mates, cosy without feeling cramped. The lounge wrapped me in its calming blue tones straight away; I flopped onto the comfortable sofa, armchairs begging to be claimed with a cuppa. In the corner, a well-presented dining table set the scene for lazy suppers – I could already picture cracking open a bottle of wine there after a wander.

The kitchen’s a proper gem too, well-equipped with all the gadgets you need, plus a breakfast nook for those bleary-eyed mornings with toast and marmalade. I unpacked in a daze, still buzzing from the drive’s madness, and had a good chuckle at myself in the mirror – windswept hair, red cheeks, looking like I’d wrestled a bush. It was one of those moments that makes you reflect: why rush anywhere when arriving knackered heightens the joy of a cracking spot like this?

First impressions? Spot on. We headed out for a gentle stroll along the River Severn, just a stone’s throw away – the weir’s gentle roar and those weeping willows framing the water were pure magic in the late afternoon sun. Popped into a nearby café for a cream tea (scones still warm, clotted cream divine), then wandered Shrewsbury’s quirky streets, peering into independent shops and nipping into the abbey grounds for a bit of history without the crowds. Back at the flat, I whipped up pasta in that ace kitchen, the aroma filling the place as dusk fell. Sat at the dining table with the window cracked, listening to the town hum below – it felt like our little haven amid the bustle.

That mishap-filled arrival only amplified how brilliant it all was. No grand adventures needed; just unwinding in a place that nails comfort and charm. If you’re after a Shropshire escape that ticks every box, this is it. Can’t wait to go back – sat-nav permitting.