The Darwin Centre image

The Darwin Centre

Shopping center

One of the Most Revieweds in Shrewsbury


Address

Raven Meadows, Shrewsbury SY1 1PL, United Kingdom

Website

www.shrewsbury-shopping.co.uk

Contact

+44 1743 272322

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: centre (58) shops (56) shopping (54) clean (21) good (20) Shrewsbury (17) stores (17) town (16) visit (16) Darwin (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mr. W. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful small shopping centre the Darwin they got Costa and few others the best clothing shops love it every second in vc a beautiful town of Shrewsbury. Mr. Wig. YouTube
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Petter G. 2 years ago on Google • 889 reviews
    An indoor antiseptic place... Not my cup of tea.... But I'm sure someone enjoys this type of place... We basically used the very expensive car park... Having never visited before we followed the "sat nav" However Shrewsbury is worth a visit if you like the ancient architecture
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nick W. 2 years ago on Google
    Cracking shopping centre, it's vibrant, very clean and a good mix of shops. Excellent access for the infirm or disabled with escalators, ramps and easy access. The toilets are superb, clean, modern and well thought out with wide easy access. We all enjoyed it and will be going again soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rafa 2 years ago on Google
    In general its nice little shopping mall. It had few nice shops. Looks to me that place has come to alive after the lockdown and some development is going on which is good thing. However I hate the multi storey parking attached to the center which is old. Parking spaces are very small that barely fits one car, and getting out of it is difficult, becouse really thick pillars which are built everywhere. Thanks
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kat P. 1 year ago on Google
    It does what it says on the tin. Toilets are nice now they've been redone. However, half were blocked off when we went.. Sure it will be fixed soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Billy-Joe R. 2 months ago on Google • 186 reviews New
    Title: A Disappointing Visit to Darwin Shopping Centre When I decided to visit the Darwin Shopping Centre, I expected a pleasant shopping experience. Unfortunately, what I encountered was far from it, turning my day into a sequence of frustrations and disappointments. Firstly, the car park situation was a nightmare. After navigating through the cramped and poorly lit parking area, I discovered that the escalator leading directly to the shopping centre was out of order. This left me with no choice but to take a detour through the streets. Expecting a short, convenient trip turned into an unnecessary hassle. The walk to the centre was like stepping into a dystopian version of Shrewsbury. The streets, which should have been bustling with life and energy, felt abandoned and desolate, reminiscent of a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. The lack of street maintenance and the eerie quietness added to the discomfort, making me feel as if I was walking through an area forgotten by time and progress. Upon finally reaching the Darwin Shopping Centre, the disappointment only grew. The phrase 'dead as a dodo' perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere inside. The corridors were sparsely populated, with more closed shutters than open shops. The few open stores seemed to be hanging on by a thread, with minimal customers and a lack of vibrancy. This somber environment was a far cry from the lively shopping hub I had anticipated. The layout of the centre did no favors either. The signage was confusing, leading to a labyrinth-like experience where finding a specific store became a challenge in itself. Several areas were poorly lit, adding to the overall unwelcoming ambiance. It seemed as if no effort was put into making the shopping centre an inviting place. Customer service was virtually non-existent. In the few stores that were open, the staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful. It was as if the general air of neglect had permeated their service attitude. In a retail environment where customer experience is key, this was a significant letdown. Moreover, the centre's facilities were in dire need of an upgrade. Restrooms were unclean and poorly stocked, and many of the digital directories were out of service, making navigation even more challenging. In conclusion, my experience at the Darwin Shopping Centre was thoroughly disappointing. From the inconvenient parking and dismal walk through the streets to the lifeless atmosphere and poor customer service inside, it was an experience I do not wish to repeat. The centre, with its current state, is a shadow of what a bustling, vibrant shopping hub should be. It urgently needs revitalization and a renewed focus on customer experience to bring it back to life. As it stands, I cannot recommend a visit to this centre and will not be returning myself.

  • 5/5 Jean-Marie P. 3 months ago on Google • 116 reviews New
    My favourite shopping centre. Signage makes it very easy to find what you're looking for. Toilets are always clean. Plenty of choice for food and coffee.

  • 4/5 Al D. 6 months ago on Google • 67 reviews
    Relaxed shopping centre, all indoors. Range of shops, including Primark, Wilkos, Home Bargain, Marks and Spencer, WH Smiths, JD Sports and a few independent coffee shops and public toilets. Shrewsbury is a lovely town, well worth visiting to see the architecture, park and good choice of shops.

  • 3/5 Christopher “Chris” W. 4 months ago on Google • 43 reviews
    Relatively small indoor mall in the centre of Shrewsbury. Good multi- storey car parking. Public toilets etc. ok selection of shops. Costa coffee. Access to M &S. Unfortunately Wilco now closed and feels as though footfall is pretty low. Dogs allowed in centre but not into all shops. Worth a visit but probably won’t be worth spending much time there.

  • 4/5 Amanda D. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Nice shopping centre. Only called to visit a couple of shops, but would visit again, for a better look around

  • 2/5 Reece 1 month ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    Security ban people for speaking their minds and standing up for themselves! They chase people as if they have robbed the place, just to tell them they're banned... They don't seem to care about your side of the story and just want to try and pick on people. They chased me down the escalators and felt the need to make sure everyone who was around hears the conversation.

  • 5/5 Ray p. 2 years ago on Google
    As always very clean and tidy. There are a good number of shops selling a wide variety of goods. Worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Cameron R. 1 year ago on Google
    It's very clean and bright, plenty of shops and places to eat. It's got a good variety of shops to meet everyone's needs, definitely recommend a visit to this shopping centre.

  • 4/5 Lee J. 1 year ago on Google
    Not as busy as I remember from previous visits, but still a good place to visit with quite a few shops. Car park could be better.

  • 5/5 Naiomi 1 year ago on Google
    The best thing personally about this particular shopping center is that there is a family room toilet (private breastfeeding booths, changing and bottle warming facilities and small toilets for the children) a water foundation and a free soft play area. Makes tag - teaming the shopping a lot easier!

  • 3/5 Josh M. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean and spacious, usually a favourite if visiting the town centre. A nice experience if visiting Shrewsbury but the centre as a whole have been known to use shady tactics. Currently they seem to prioritise large chain companies to fill the centre however Shrewsbury town is hurting and companies like Disney tried and failed to keep a footing. I would give anything to go back to the days when there were no gaps and several small to medium businesses.

  • 3/5 Kira L. 1 year ago on Google
    The Darwin Centre lacks personality sadly. I work in Shrewsbury, not the shopping centre itself so walk through most days and do shopping there too. Big issue with groups of kids running riot at times. Shopping wise if you goto the area alot, it is quite stagnant. Yes there are shops but honestly most now just go to Telford as a wider variety of places to shop at. In the centre some of the shops are - h&m, primark, clares, home bargains, the duck store, wilkos .... they've got Costa coffee too. Parking is a nightmare in the town in general and is quite costly. Its sad as Shrewsbury is a nice area but they spent so long faffing with the other centre (now closed) and what they were going todo with the town in general that it caused alot of shops to close and move. Serious funding is needed too which I believe is a major issue for the Darwin centre. There is alot of potential but something needs to be done - advertisement, events and please inject some personality and life back into the centre!!

  • 2/5 Brian R. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve never known a shopping centre with so little seating. In fact I don’t think there is any. As someone with a partner who has dodgy legs and hips, it ruined the shopping experience.

  • 3/5 LINCS 1 year ago on Google
    Never much atmosphere or particularly inviting. It's a mall, but really just a collection of stores with a connected car-park and pedestrian zone access to town. Apparently the toilets were ranked high. Mainly chain brand stores.

  • 4/5 Steve C. 1 year ago on Google
    Parking was very confusing, driving around trying to find the Darwin Centre Car Park ... follow signs for "Raven Meadow" Car Park. Plenty of spaces on multiple floors with stairs (for the energetic) & lifts (for us 'oldies'). The shops are plentiful with great variety & very helpful & knowledgeable 'Security' staff. Visited various shops & had a lovely bite to eat & latte coffee at the coffee shop just inside "The Collective" opposite Wilko.

  • 4/5 Andrew W. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a shopping Mall, one of those on which the useless council lost a fortune. The only bonus is they had to close one of the others so now there aren't so many empty shops here. Bright, clean, very clean toilets, easy access to the car park. Still a shopping mall.

  • 5/5 adrian h. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited this centre for the first time. Was impressed with the number and size of household name chain stores, such and M&S, Primary, Clarks,, Body Shop etc. Shops are on 3 floors, with escalators to each floor. Had an amazingly big Home Bargains store, even licenced to see alcohol. It had a steady flow of people and was spacious and clean. Worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Akkas R. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a very nice place but one request to the customers please don't take your dogs on escalators nether leave your kids unattended on them

  • 3/5 David J. 1 year ago on Google
    Clean and tidy the lifts actually worked today not many staff around at all toilets are on the middle floor a variety of shops.

  • 5/5 paul b. 1 year ago on Google
    In the centre of the market town of Shrewsbury is a modern, light and bright shopping centre, which has all the shopping experience for the shopper. The Darwin Centre is well worth a visit.

  • 3/5 Teresa S. 1 year ago on Google
    A very odd collection of small and community based units on lower floors and more standard high street offerings on the high street level. Very awkward to get back to the car park...which is 24 hours...after the shopping centre closes at 6.00. As visitors not familiar with Shrewsbury, it was a very poor introduction to the town. Disappointing.

  • 5/5 hayley E. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful shopping centre in Shrewsbury town.10 minutes walk from the train station

  • 5/5 Lee A. 2 years ago on Google
    Looks as though most of the shops shut on a Sunday, but a nice place to do some windows shopping or buy something that you might nit be able to find else where

  • 4/5 Charlotte “Charlottosaurus” S. 2 years ago on Google
    Perfectly fine. Reasonable selection of shops, a lot of empty units though which I imagine is largely due to pandemic. Hopefully this improves.

  • 5/5 Dani W. 8 months ago on Google
    Likeable unpretentious but well kept shopping centre with a good mix of stores. It is neither really upmarket nor really downmarket. Seems to have taken over from the nearby Riverside Mall part which looks almost completely disused now with lots of empty units apart from Rob Buckley Cycle Shop.

  • 5/5 Ruth D. 2 months ago on Google New
    Great shopping centre. There is an area downstairs with some small unusual shops, a music shop which my daughter loved and a fantastic dress shop

  • 5/5 Neely R. 3 months ago on Google • 17 reviews New
    Visited The Darwin Centre today after 20 years and I was absolutely thrilled to see they are dog friendly. My little dog and I had a wonderful time and I will definitely be back. Always prefer to give my business to dog friendly establishments and well done to The Darwin Centre for being progressive. Other shopping centres could learn a lot from you!

  • 4/5 Susan S. 5 months ago on Google
    Had a couple of hours to spare so popped in here. Some of the usual mall shops and it was clean and tidy. Popped into one of the coffee shops for a lovely latte and tea cake. Some nice shops.

  • 5/5 Adventure with R. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice clean moden indoor shopping centre. Nice clean, swanky toilets with a seating area outside with mobile phone charging points.

  • 5/5 Laura A. 7 months ago on Google
    We only came for primark but it was a lovely and ve4y interesting building! All staff were very helpful too

  • 3/5 Andrew M. 7 months ago on Google
    Desolate in many parts, but with some decent stores dotted about. It's rather soporific. Also spotlessly clean. In many ways, a sad reflection of a what is becoming of many UK town centre shopping areas

  • 2/5 Alice w. 7 months ago on Google
    Shops ok carpark diabolical. Paying machines that don't take cash but say they do machines say transcation gone through but hasn't once get to exit. Spaces tiny and top floor closed off

  • 5/5 S Evans (. 7 months ago on Google
    What a lovely find on our visit to Shrewsbury. Had no idea this was here, so many shops, very clean and tidy, and toilet facilities also. Will be visiting again at Christmas x

  • 2/5 Hannah L. 7 months ago on Google
    No natural light or air - seems v outdated. Much preferred the pride hill centre and Riverside. Chain stores have mostly left, which was always the draw of this centre.

  • 3/5 Sam P. 1 year ago on Google
    It's all looking a bit run down, many empty or closing down premises, no unusual or different shops. Perhaps it will improve in time for Christmas, but I won't be rushing back.

  • 2/5 Emily G. 9 months ago on Google
    I find it difficult walking through the Darwin center. Great shops inside, some shops front on the main street, with multiple floors inside. It's knowing which level you want that I find difficult, as escalators either entrance of Darwin centre.

  • 4/5 Melanie B. 9 months ago on Google
    Nice enough place bit as I'm not a fan of shopping I wouldn't go in here unless I wanted a specific shop or service, which is usually just for the amazon lockers. But it is a clean and decent place. With a lot of shops.

  • 3/5 Gary T. 9 months ago on Google
    Lots of shops, and big name shops primark, wilko, entertainer 3* due to car park Car park is very expensive. £13.60 for about 6.5hrs. No surprise less and less people visit town centres at this rate/price Parking spaces are challenging when pillars are situated where the car doors open... be smart about which spaces you park in

  • 2/5 Claire D. 11 months ago on Google
    Slightly odd shopping centre with a strange collection of shops. Some big name stores like M&S and some nicer high street shops, but mainly fairly basic. Not terrible but very dated feeling, especially the lower levels. Shame really as the rest of Shrewsbury shopping is very impressive.

  • 5/5 Dawn L. 10 months ago on Google
    A lovely shopping centre spread over three floors. Great for when the weather is poor!! Good selection of stores with few empty units, lovely and clean and great toilet facilities. Always worth a visit!!

  • 5/5 James F. 8 months ago on Google
    A good little shopping centre. Toilets very clean and always hand wash to use. Easy from bus station to get in and out. Area outside run down but due for demolition at some point the old riverside area.

  • 5/5 Sue M. 1 year ago on Google
    Great array of shops Wish I'd had more time Very clean.

  • 5/5 David A. 1 year ago on Google
    Best experience I've ever had, got a bit of everything you would want in a shopping centre

  • 5/5 Geoff B. 1 year ago on Google
    All the stores you need under one roof, close to transport hubs. Toilet facilities are very good.

  • 2/5 Jonathan h. 2 years ago on Google
    Really need to get some decent shops in.

  • 5/5 Tim P. 2 years ago on Google
    Doing well under difficult pressures post Covid

  • 4/5 Marian B. 2 years ago on Google
    Clean, spacious but small shopping mall. Not too busy.

  • 4/5 barry M. 2 years ago on Google
    Shopping centre ok handy to get to Marks and Spencers with the parking disabled parking on ground floor no discounts though so bit disappointing

  • 4/5 Jean O. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice a light inside the shopping centre. Not too crowded

  • 4/5 Monica C. 2 years ago on Google
    The Centre is much improved as numerous stores have been moved here and in doing so the Centre has more to choices to offer its customers.

  • 4/5 Andrew F. 2 years ago on Google
    Good selection of shops. The centre is clean. Easy access to all levels

  • 5/5 Steve R. 2 years ago on Google
    Plenty on offer here, good selection of shops

  • 5/5 peter t. 2 years ago on Google
    Well upgraded. A good idea to move all shops in to one area.

  • 3/5 Derek B. 2 years ago on Google
    Sad to say this was a disappointing visit. I know we are just out of covid but the shopping centre is sad depressing place.

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    ALWAYS A NICE PLACE TO VISIT PEOPLE NICE AND PLESENT.

  • 2/5 Paul S. 2 years ago on Google
    Somewhat sad and sorry place now that Shropshire Council wasted £51m on buying the place which is now only worth £12m. Perhaps Shropshire council should consider what their core purpose is and stick with it. I.e. Supporting the people of Shropshire.

  • 5/5 Doug 2 years ago on Google
    Nice staff some very good stores

  • 4/5 Marion G. 2 years ago on Google
    Lots of thriving shops now, since the Pride hill centre closed.

  • 3/5 Neil D. 2 years ago on Google
    Useful to have alot of shops in one place undercover

  • 5/5 wrrlykam 2 years ago on Google
    A few empty shop but a nice shopping centre.

  • 5/5 Michael M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great shopping centre that's abit like the Tardis as it's massive inside with some good quality shops and the bargain ones eclectic mix of businesses but overall very good

  • 4/5 John O. 2 years ago on Google
    It's gone down hill the last few years with places closing ect but they seem to making some major improvements. Primark has opened, they condensed the 2 shopping centres and put them all in the one. It's heading in the right direction....the last stand of the high Street

  • 4/5 Tony L. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice to get back into town. Online shopping is OK for specifics but nothing beats a bit of random retail therapy, on foot. Be great to see more of the smaller stores opening to new businesses

  • 4/5 Hobbit P. 2 years ago on Google
    A really good shopping centre. Lots of variety. Clean! Plenty of space so you don't feel crowded. Coffee shops! M&S and Primark in one center! A win for me.

  • 4/5 K W. 2 years ago on Google
    Variety of shops, freindly and safe environment, disabled access available. Would recommend for shopping or just a day out. Some independent shops aswell like The Shrewsbury Duck Store, and of course chain stores like H&M and Pandora! All in all great shopping centre!

  • 3/5 Annie L. 2 years ago on Google
    Not a bad little shopping centre. 3 floors with bottom on parking level. Large primark on 2 floors, H&M, M&S, molly sweets, Claires, Pandora, F. Hinds, river island, JD, Costa and a few more. Lots of empty stores at the moment though. Would be better with a food court and less empty spaces.

  • 3/5 Trevor W. 2 years ago on Google
    Easy to get around. Bright and airy. 'Anchor' store is a large Primarily. Plenty of vacant units, however, and you'll want to go out into the rest of the town to complete a day's shopping.

  • 3/5 Mark K. 2 years ago on Google
    So many empty units needs a refresh for sure, was clean and maintained though

  • 4/5 Gordon 1 year ago on Google
    A vast shopping centre cleverly built on to the rear of the high street. Stores can be entered from the centre or the high street. Both Primark and M&S have large footprints. Shortage of retailers to the lower bus station side do let it down a little, but overall not bad.

  • 5/5 Natalie L. 2 years ago on Google
    Good location. Lovely center and facilities. Nice variety of shops. Pet friendly, so special.

  • 3/5 MARTIN P. 2 years ago on Google
    Suffered from closures of units over Covid19. Shopping Centres on Pride Hill are both owned by Shropshire Council and are making massive million pounds losses. Not good for local peoples's financial well being. Primark has helped.

  • 5/5 JB 2 years ago on Google
    Wednesday 2nd February 2022: One of the best shopping centres around, has all the favourites and a great Primark store too! Darwin Centre because Charles Darwin was born here...that's if you believe in his theory of Evolution..? I love Shrewsbury and all it's facilities here, on the river Severn, historical buildings and landmarks and the cobbled streets, medieval red brick houses and walks are stunning!! Thanks Shrewsbury for such a beautiful experience and historical Medieval town although it should be granted the "small city" status and accolade...

  • 3/5 Davz e. 2 years ago on Google
    Just another bland shopping centre, once inside you could be in any other shopping centre in any part of the country. I wish this country would stop copying the Americans and keep the high street individual

  • 5/5 Damian D. 2 years ago on Google
    Family changing/feesing room facilities are great there, best I've experienced. M&S is main draw to the centre for us.

  • 5/5 Beverley G. 2 years ago on Google
    Plenty of shops and a good variety. I visited a local furniture store. Bedside cabinets are made to order. Using oak and made locally. Important to support local shops.

  • 5/5 ALICE W. 2 years ago on Google
    Was as always nice to visit the centre went to post office was quite a wait but I know they are short of staff so was quite happy to wait the staff on duty are brilliant and very much appreciated by me

  • 4/5 Stephen J. 2 years ago on Google
    Better now there are less empty shops and like how they have been creative in making a space were QVC used to be with a multiple of shops, café together.

  • 4/5 william r. 2 years ago on Google
    Good range of stores in historic district. Many good walks around town and river. Some roads are pedestrian only Saturday and Sunday.

  • 3/5 Anna S. 1 year ago on Google
    Just your average shopping centre that could be anywhere in the world. A bit odd as very, very quiet. Not a bad thing, but ibwas concerned it may be the start of the zombie apocalypse and no one had told me.

  • 5/5 Cat7842 2 years ago on Google
    Nice Christmas decorations, good range of shops and friendly staff. Also, dog friendly!

  • 4/5 Kathryn E. 2 years ago on Google
    At least its indoors few good shops,lovely staff in there as couldn't find toilets they were doing covid jabs and so helpful telling me directions

  • 5/5 Malcolm B. 2 years ago on Google
    Really first class teamy of workers.

  • 5/5 JUNGLE DRUM N BASS CUMFI N. 2 years ago on Google
    Good shopping centre with toilets and lots of different shops

  • 5/5 Alfie H. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean and secure would recommend going again

  • 5/5 pam t. 2 years ago on Google
    Love it been to the Oxford Street one this one is far calmer and staff wear gloves when serving to protect the public and very friendly

  • 5/5 Sarah J. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this centre fact you can bring dogs I makes it so amazing. Recommend Checking it out it has a great range of shops

  • 5/5 Lorna Tan n. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the fact this place is never too busy

  • 3/5 Michael A. 2 years ago on Google
    Prefer to shop in the surrounding lanes, streets and alleyways

  • 4/5 cloudy s. 2 years ago on Google
    always come with friends, nice place but can get very busy, clean place and toilets are lovely


Call +44 1743 272322 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • ✓️ In-store shopping

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