The Shrewsbury Carriage Parade

This is well worth a visit to Shrewsbury to see, even grab a drink and sit outside one of the pubs on route. The Cariage Parade takes annually and it is usually the first sunday of the month in September. The actual parade is horse drawn carriages, and they travel in convoy from Attingham Park, (3 miles outside Shrewsbury, Attingham Pak is a National Trust Property), the journey continues down the A5, along Abbey Forgate, into the town centre of Shrewsbury into the Quarry, where the carriages and horse can be seen in their full order. A lot of effort goes into this parade, the horses vary in size from Shetland Ponies to Shire Horses, the horseman themselves are all dressed up in their finery. This is the must do, and the best thing its free.

The Shrewsbury Carriage parade is put on by local members of the British Driving Society. It takes place annually at the beginning of September on a Sunday. The exact date can be seen prior to the event on the British Driving Society website under Shropshire. Basically, local people drive their turnout (a horse (s) and carriage, in convoy from Attingham Park (a National Trust Property just outside the town), into Shrewsbury to The Quarry, where the Lord Mayor has a chat with participants before they return to Attingham for tea in The Orangery. All of us dress up in our finest and polish the horses and vehicles to perfection. Its a great spectacle. All types of horses from miniature Shetlands to Shires participate and the vehicles could be traditional, dating back 100 years or modern. Most of us drive horses for pleasure. Some compete in local shows, driving trials etc etc. We are very friendly and local people line the street to wave and appreciate the parade. If you are in the area, why not come along and have a look, as well as enjoying the many beautiful places the county of Shropshire has to offer.