⚽ CROUD MEADOW ⚽
Shrewsbury Town — Your Complete Travel Guide for 2025-26
ℹ️ 2025-26 Season Guide: All information has been researched and verified for the current season — Shrewsbury Town’s first in League Two following relegation from League One in 2024-25. Always check shrewsburytown.com for the latest ticketing and matchday updates before you travel. Note: Enhanced security measures are in place for the 2025-26 season — bag checks and handheld wand searches apply to all supporters entering Croud Meadow.
🏟️ ABOUT CROUD MEADOW
Croud Meadow — officially The Croud Meadow since June 2023 when Shrewsbury-based digital marketing agency Croud took over naming rights — is a modern, purpose-built stadium on the southern outskirts of Shrewsbury. It opened in July 2007, replacing the much-loved Gay Meadow, where the River Severn’s floodwaters were a recurring hazard. Many fans still call it “New Meadow” or “Montgomery Waters Meadow” after its previous sponsor.
The ground holds 9,875 and is made up of four single-tiered stands of near-identical design, arranged in a neat rectangular bowl. It’s clean, modern and well-organised — a functional lower-league stadium that prioritises clear sightlines and practicality over architectural ambition. The Roland Wycherley Stand (West) houses the main facilities, offices and executive boxes.
Away supporters are housed in the DM Recruitment North Stand, situated behind one of the goals, with an allocation of up to 1,796. The stand is fully covered with good sightlines. The fanzone outside the stand — open to home and away fans — features live music, food, and drink and is a welcome addition to matchday atmosphere.
Shrewsbury Town were founded in 1886, though they weren’t elected to the Football League until 1950. They’ve spent the vast majority of their Football League life in the lower two divisions. A memorable League Cup run in 2013-14 saw them host Chelsea at New Meadow, setting the ground record of 10,210 — the corners were filled with temporary seating.
The 2025-26 season sees the Shrews in League Two after relegation from League One at the end of 2024-25. The club will be pushing for an immediate return to the third tier, and there’s a strong community identity here — Shropshire’s professional football club is a focal point for a large, largely rural county.
Shrewsbury also made history in 2017 as the first EFL club to install safe standing, fitting rail seating to the back of the South Stand. The club play in blue and amber — colours reflected in the town’s identity across Shropshire.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS — 2025-26
| Ground Name | Croud Meadow (also known as Montgomery Waters Meadow / New Meadow) |
| Capacity | 9,875 (all seated) |
| Opened | July 2007 (replaced Gay Meadow, home since 1910) |
| Address | Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6ST |
| Away Section | DM Recruitment North Stand — single-tiered, fully covered, behind the goal |
| Away Allocation | Up to 1,796 seats. Day-of-match ticket office at the away stand. |
| Record Attendance | 10,210 vs Chelsea, League Cup 4th Round, October 2014 |
| Nickname | The Shrews / Salop |
| Division (2025-26) | Sky Bet League Two — first season back after relegation from League One |
| Club Website | shrewsburytown.com |
| Ticket Office | 01743 273943 | shrewsburytown.com/tickets |
🚗 GETTING TO CROUD MEADOW
Croud Meadow sits on the southern edge of Shrewsbury, just off the A5 and A49, next to the Meole Brace Retail Park. The postcode for sat-nav is SY2 6ST. It’s well signposted from the main approach roads and easy enough to find, though it does sit away from the town centre.
The ground is roughly two miles from Shrewsbury railway station — not walkable in match conditions, but easily covered by taxi, local bus or a pre-match stroll if you’re keen. The smart move is to arrive in the town centre first, explore Shrewsbury’s excellent pubs and medieval streets, then make your way to the ground closer to kick-off.
By car, Shrewsbury is served by the M54 from the east (becoming the A5), and the A49 from the north and south. Parking is available at Meole Brace Park & Walk (£5, cash only), around a 10-15 minutes’ walk from the ground — the recommended option for away fans.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
📍 Oteley Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ST | Open in Google Maps
🚂 BY TRAIN — Direct Services from Birmingham & Manchester
The Key Fact: Shrewsbury station is well served by direct trains from Birmingham New Street (around 1 hour), Manchester Piccadilly (around 1 hour 40 mins) and Wolverhampton (around 50 mins). The station is roughly two miles from Croud Meadow — too far to walk comfortably with the kick-off approaching. A taxi (£6-8) is the easiest option; the football shuttle bus from Shrewsbury Bus Station is the budget choice.
Journey Times to Shrewsbury Station:
🔴 London Euston: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins (change at Birmingham New Street)
🔴 London Paddington: Approx. 3 hrs (change at Birmingham or Newport)
🟠 Manchester Piccadilly: Approx. 1 hr 40 mins (direct, Transport for Wales / Avanti)
🟠 Leeds: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins (via Manchester or Birmingham)
🟡 Birmingham New Street: Approx. 1 hr (direct, Transport for Wales)
🟡 Wolverhampton: Approx. 50 mins (direct)
🟢 Bristol Temple Meads: Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins (via Birmingham)
🟢 Cardiff Central: Approx. 2 hrs (via Hereford, Transport for Wales)
🔵 Crewe: Approx. 1 hr (direct)
🔵 Chester: Approx. 1 hr (via Crewe or Wrexham)
Getting from Shrewsbury Station to the Ground
🚕 Taxi (Recommended)
There’s a taxi rank right outside Shrewsbury station. The fare to the ground is around £6-8, and the journey takes 5-10 minutes. Taxi firms including Go Carz (01743 441144), Comet Cars (01743 344444) and Shrewsbury Taxis (01743 242424) all service the route. A sensible option — especially after the match when you want to get back sharpish.
🚌 Football Shuttle Bus (Budget Option)
Shrewsbury Town run a return football shuttle bus from Shrewsbury Bus Station (SY1 1PL) on matchdays. Timetables are published on shrewsburytown.com before each fixture — always check in advance as times can vary. Local buses 8, 16 and 23 also serve the route from the town centre.
🚶 Walking from the Station (Not Recommended for Matchdays)
The walk from Shrewsbury station to the ground is approximately 40-50 minutes and takes you through the town centre — fine if you’re making an afternoon of it, but not ideal when kick-off is close. Exit the station, follow Castle Gates south through the town centre, cross the English Bridge, then continue along Belle Vue Road and Hereford Road to Oteley Road. Signage picks up near the stadium.
💡 Top Tip: The best approach is to arrive in Shrewsbury with a couple of hours to spare. The town centre has excellent pubs (see Pubs section) and is genuinely worth exploring — it’s one of the most attractive medieval market towns in England. Then taxi or bus to the ground from the centre.
🔗 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com | Transport for Wales: tfwrail.wales
🚗 BY CAR — M54/A5 Access, Plan Parking in Advance
Croud Meadow sits just off the A5 and A49, making it easy to reach from the motorway network. From the east, take the M54 until it becomes the A5, then follow the signs for Shrewsbury and the football ground. The postcode SY2 6ST works perfectly for sat-nav.
Driving Directions (from the M54):
- From the East (M6/M54): Follow M54 west until it becomes the A5. Continue for around 7 miles. At the junction with the A49, bear left to stay on the A5. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto B4380, continue onto Thieves Lane, then straight over two roundabouts onto Oteley Road — the ground is on your left.
- From the North/South (A49): Follow the A49 into Shrewsbury and pick up signs for the football ground. The stadium is well signposted from the southern approach.
- From Wales (A5): Approach from the west on the A5, follow signs for Shrewsbury and then the stadium.
Parking Options:
- Meole Brace Park & Walk (SY3 9NB) — Recommended: £5 per car, cash only. A 10-15 minute walk to the ground, this is the official away fan parking. First-come, first-served. Club stewards are present. Arrive early to secure a space.
- The Wild Pig & Charles Darwin Pubs: Both offer limited matchday parking for patrons — a handy combined park-and-pub option if you arrive early enough. Around a 10-15-minute walk from the ground.
- Warning — Sutton Road and surrounding streets are within a controlled parking zone on matchdays. Residents’ permits only — parking enforcement officers patrol regularly, and fines are issued. Don’t risk it.
- Lidl Supermarket (Oteley Road): 90-minute limit enforced by ANPR cameras — don’t use this for matchday parking.
💡 Top Tip: Meole Brace Park & Walk is the obvious choice for away fans driving in. It’s cash only, so make sure you have £5 ready. Stewards will guide you. Post-match, the walk back gives you time to decompress before the drive home.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS — WHERE TO GO IN SHREWSBURY
✔️ GOOD NEWS FOR AWAY FANS: Shrewsbury is genuinely one of the better away days for pre-match drinking. The town centre is full of character, with excellent pubs in atmospheric medieval surroundings. The best approach is to spend your pre-match time in town, then head to the ground for kick-off. There are also two solid pubs immediately near Croud Meadow for those arriving by car.
🍺 Near the Ground (10-15 Minute Walk)
🍺 The Charles Darwin (Sutton Road, near Oteley Road)
Named after Shrewsbury’s most famous son, this is the most popular pre-match pub for away fans arriving by car. Good range of beers, food available, multiple TV screens showing live sport, and a friendly atmosphere. Patrons can use the pub’s car park — making it a park-and-pub option. Around a 10-15-minute walk from the ground. Highly recommended.
Distance to Stadium: 10-15 min walk | Price: ££
🍺 The Wild Pig (Sutton Road area)
The other near-ground option recommended by the club itself, alongside The Charles Darwin. Similarly welcoming to away fans, serves food, and also offers limited matchday parking for customers. A solid choice if The Charles Darwin is busy. Check opening times ahead of a midweek fixture.
Distance to Stadium: 10-15 min walk | Price: ££
🍺 Town Centre Pubs (Recommended — 2 Miles from Ground)
🍺 The Albion Vaults (Castle Foregate — right outside the station)
Step off the train, and you’re almost at the door — The Albion Vaults is a well-regarded pub immediately outside Shrewsbury railway station, and a brilliant first stop for travelling fans. Welcoming landlady, good ales, food available, and sport on the screens. The obvious starting point for anyone arriving by train.
Location: Castle Foregate (station exit) | Price: ££
🍺 The Salopian Bar (Swan Hill)
A proper real ale pub beloved by visiting supporters and a stalwart of the Shrewsbury away day experience. Excellent range of cask ales, atmospheric setting, and a genuinely warm welcome. One of the best pubs in the town — make the effort to find it. Can get busy on matchdays, so arrive with time to spare.
Location: Swan Hill, town centre | Price: £
🍺 The Golden Cross (Princess Street)
A popular town centre pub that regularly welcomes away fans. Good atmosphere, well-kept beer and a central location that makes it easy to combine with exploring Shrewsbury’s medieval streets. Reliably recommended by visiting supporters of all clubs.
Location: Princess Street, town centre | Price: ££
🍺 The Belle Vue Tavern (Belle Vue Road)
Conveniently positioned on the route between the town centre and the stadium, making it a useful stop if you’re walking. A traditional local pub on Belle Vue Road — straightforward, no-nonsense and welcoming. Good for a pint en route to the ground.
Location: Belle Vue Road | Price: £
🍺 Wetherspoons Shrewsbury (Town Centre)
The reliable budget option in the town centre — cheap drinks, large capacity, and consistently welcoming to away supporters. If you’re keeping costs down or travelling with a large group, this ticks all the boxes. Check the location on the Wetherspoons app before heading out.
Location: Shrewsbury Town Centre | Price: £
🍽️ Food Near the Ground
Croud Meadow sits next to the Meole Brace Retail Park, which has a McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Costa Coffee and Starbucks — useful if you’re arriving by car and want a quick bite before heading in. Inside the ground, the concourse serves Wright’s Pies, Rollover hot dogs, hot drinks and alcoholic beverages. The pies, in particular, get good reviews.
For a proper sit-down meal, the town centre has far better options — The Armoury, The Peach Tree and Drapers Hall are all well-regarded restaurants worth booking in advance if you’re making a full day of it.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN SHREWSBURY
Shrewsbury is a genuinely lovely town to stay in overnight — if you’re travelling any distance, it’s well worth making a weekend of it. The town centre has characterful independent hotels and inns alongside the usual chains, and you’re perfectly placed to explore the medieval streets, pubs and nearby Shropshire countryside the following morning.
💷 Budget Options (£50-90 per night)
Premier Inn Shrewsbury Town Centre
Reliable budget choice right in the heart of Shrewsbury, a short walk from the pubs, restaurants and attractions. Standard Premier Inn quality — comfortable, consistent and very good value for a one-night stopover. Book well in advance for matchdays.
Location: Town Centre | Book: premierinn.com
Holiday Inn Express Shrewsbury
Located on Shrewsbury Business Park, roughly 1.5 miles from Croud Meadow. Free parking, free breakfast included, on-site restaurant and bar. A practical choice for those arriving by car — you can walk to the stadium from here.
Location: Sitka Drive, Shrewsbury Business Park, SY2 6LG | Book: ihg.com
💷💷 Mid-Range Options (£90-150 per night)
The Lion Hotel
A historic coaching inn right in the heart of Shrewsbury town centre, dating back to the 15th century. Free Wi-Fi, on-site parking (charged), restaurant and bar. This is where Charles Darwin’s ship sailed from on his famous voyage — a genuinely atmospheric place to stay, full of character. Excellent location for the town centre pubs.
Location: Wyle Cop, Town Centre | Book: booking.com
Henry Tudor House
A stunning boutique hotel in the town centre, housed in a building where Henry VII reportedly stayed on his way to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Full of character, centrally located, with an excellent restaurant. A step up from the chains and ideal for making the most of Shrewsbury’s atmosphere.
Location: Barracks Passage, Town Centre | Book: booking.com
💷💷💷 Special Options (£150+ per night)
Rowton Castle Hotel
If you fancy something truly memorable, Rowton Castle is a 17th-century castle hotel just 6 miles from Shrewsbury. Stunning grounds, individually designed rooms and a fine dining restaurant. A real treat for a special away day — book well ahead and treat yourself to a Shropshire weekend to remember.
Location: Halfway House, near Shrewsbury | Book: rowtoncastle.com
🎯 THINGS TO DO IN SHREWSBURY & SHROPSHIRE
Shrewsbury is one of England’s finest medieval market towns — wrapped almost entirely by a loop of the River Severn and packed with half-timbered buildings, narrow medieval alleyways (called “Shutts”), independent shops and excellent pubs. It’s genuinely one of the best towns in the country for an away day that goes beyond football. Make time to explore.
🏰 Shrewsbury Castle & Soldiers of Shropshire Museum
A Norman red sandstone castle perched above the River Severn — one of the town’s most striking landmarks. Inside is the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, covering over 300 years of military history. The castle grounds are free to visit; the museum charges a small entry fee. Note: closed December to mid-February, so plan accordingly for winter fixtures.
Cost: Castle grounds free; museum £8 | Info: shrewsburymuseum.org.uk | Address: Castle Street, Shrewsbury SY1 2AT
📚 Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery (Free!)
Housed in the old Music Hall, the museum covers 650 million years of Shropshire’s history — from prehistoric artefacts and Roman finds from nearby Wroxeter, through to exhibitions on Charles Darwin (a Shrewsbury native) and local industrial heritage. Free entry, fascinating collection and a great way to understand the town you’re visiting.
Cost: Free | Info: shrewsburymuseum.org.uk
🌳 The Quarry & The Dingle Gardens
A beautiful 29-acre riverside park on the banks of the Severn, right in the town centre. The Dingle sunken garden within The Quarry is particularly impressive — a riot of colour in spring and summer. Perfect for a pre-match stroll. Shrewsbury Flower Show is held here every August, one of the UK’s oldest horticultural events.
Cost: Free | Info: visitshrewsbury.co.uk
🔬 The Charles Darwin Trail
Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury in 1809, and the town is rightly proud of its most famous son. A self-guided trail takes you past his former school (now the town library), St Chad’s Church, where he was christened, the Quantum Leap sculpture and his childhood haunts. A brilliant and free way to spend an hour or two before a match.
Cost: Free | Info: visitshrewsbury.co.uk
⛪ Medieval Streets, Shutts & Half-Timbered Buildings
Simply wandering Shrewsbury’s medieval centre is one of the great pleasures of visiting. The town has the highest concentration of half-timbered buildings in the UK outside Chester, and a maze of narrow alleyways called “Shutts” that connect the main streets. Ireland’s Mansion and Rowley’s House are the most spectacular — both genuinely jaw-dropping Tudor structures.
Cost: Free | Info: visitshrewsbury.co.uk
🚢 Sabrina Boat — River Severn Cruises
The Sabrina passenger boat offers short cruises along the River Severn loop that surrounds the town. A lovely way to see Shrewsbury from the water and understand the town’s geography — the meander of the Severn, which almost entirely encloses the old centre, is what gave the town its defensive strength for centuries.
Cost: Varies | Info: visitshrewsbury.co.uk
🏭 Ironbridge Gorge — World Heritage Site (15 Miles)
A short drive or bus journey from Shrewsbury lies Ironbridge — the cradle of the Industrial Revolution and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Iron Bridge itself, the Blists Hill Victorian Town and the Coalbrookdale museums make for a spectacular day out. Perfect for a Saturday or Sunday around a midweek fixture.
Cost: Varies by attraction | Info: ironbridge.org.uk | Distance: ~15 miles
💙 LOCAL TIPS — THE MONTGOMERY WATERS MEADOW EXPERIENCE
🛂 Enhanced Security in 2025-26: Bag checks and handheld wand searches are in place at Croud Meadow for all of the 2025-26 season. Leave bags at home if you can, and allow extra time to get through the turnstiles. Prohibited items must be checked on the club’s website — shrewsburytown.com/fans-page/away-fans/.
💰 Meole Brace Parking is Cash Only: The recommended Park & Walk at Meole Brace (SY3 9NB) charges £5 per car and accepts cash only. Make sure you have the right money before you set off — there’s no card payment option available.
🏺 The Fanzone is Open to All: Croud Meadow has a fanzone outside the community hub, open to both home and away supporters. Live music, food and drink before kick-off — a decent option if you’ve arrived at the ground with time to spare rather than drinking in town.
📍 The Town is a Mile from the Ground: Shrewsbury town centre is a mile-plus walk from Croud Meadow. Don’t underestimate this — it’s too far to walk comfortably in the last 30 minutes before kick-off. Factor in travel time between the pub and the ground when planning your day.
🥧 Wright’s Pies Inside the Ground: The matchday catering inside Croud Meadow features Wright’s Pies, which have a good reputation. If you’re a pie aficionado, this is worth knowing — they’re a step above the usual lower-league concourse fare.
🏛️ Shrewsbury is Genuinely Beautiful: Don’t rush straight to the ground — this is one of those away days where the town itself is a significant attraction. Arrive early, explore the Shutts, admire the Tudor buildings, follow a bit of the Darwin Trail, and have a pint in one of the atmospheric medieval pubs. It’ll make the whole day richer.
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AT CROUD MEADOW
🏟️ Away Section (2025-26): Away fans are in the DM Recruitment North Stand — single-tiered, fully covered, behind the goal. Capacity up to 1,796. Good sightlines with a covered roof keeping out the elements. A day-of-match ticket office is available outside the North Stand for supporters who haven’t bought in advance.
🔊 Atmosphere: Shrewsbury’s supporters are vocal and passionate, particularly in the Roland Wycherley Stand. The compact bowl design at Croud Meadow helps carry noise — a well-supported away end can significantly add to the atmosphere. A great place to make some noise.
🍺 Concourse: Food and drinks available inside the away end concourse — Wright’s Pies, Rollover hot dogs, hot drinks and alcohol. Clean, well-maintained facilities. The ground also has a bar that accepts away fans and shows live TV football on screens — check with stewards on arrival for access details.
🛂 Enhanced Security (2025-26): Bag checks and handheld wand searches are in place from the North Stand turnstiles following the club’s implementation of enhanced security measures. Allow extra time to get through. Those who leave the premises during the match will not be permitted to re-enter. Check shrewsburytown.com/fans-page/away-fans/ for the full prohibited items list before visiting Croud Meadow.
🎫 Ticketing: Away tickets available via your own club or on the day at the away stand ticket office. Advance tickets: shrewsburytown.com/tickets. Ticket office phone: 01743 273943. League Two pricing is very reasonable — check current match categories on the club’s website.
♿ Accessibility: The North Stand includes platform seating for disabled supporters. Contact the club in advance to arrange accessible parking and seating. Phone: 01743 289177 | Email: [email protected]. The Meole Brace Park & Walk has accessible parking — contact the club ahead of your visit.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Croud Meadow may not have the romanticism of Gay Meadow — the old ground on the banks of the Severn where balls were occasionally retrieved by coracle — but it’s a well-run, modern stadium that serves away fans well. Good facilities, the Fanzone, clean concourses and a compact bowl that amplifies the atmosphere all make it a solid matchday venue.
What elevates this above most League Two away days is Shrewsbury itself. It’s one of England’s most beautiful market towns — medieval, atmospheric, packed with half-timbered buildings and superb pubs. Arrive early, explore the Shutts, trace Darwin’s footsteps, watch the Severn from The Quarry, and then head to the ground. You’ll leave wondering why you hadn’t visited sooner.
And if you’re within striking distance, add Ironbridge to your itinerary for the day before or after. One of England’s most important heritage sites is just 15 miles away — and a natural complement to an already rewarding trip to Shropshire.
⚽ Shrewsbury — where medieval England meets lower-league football at its finest. ⚽
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS & LINKS
🏟️ Shrewsbury Town FC: 01743 289177 | shrewsburytown.com
🎫 Ticket Office: 01743 273943 | shrewsburytown.com/tickets
🚂 National Rail: nationalrail.co.uk | thetrainline.com
🚌 Football Shuttle Bus: Runs from Shrewsbury Bus Station (SY1 1PL) — times at shrewsburytown.com
🚕 Taxis: Go Carz: 01743 441144 | Comet Cars: 01743 344444 | Shrewsbury Taxis: 01743 242424
🏥 Meole Brace Park & Walk: SY3 9NB | £5 cash only | 10-15 min walk to ground
🏰 Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery: shrewsburymuseum.org.uk
ℹ️ Visit Shrewsbury: visitshrewsbury.co.uk
🏭 Ironbridge Gorge Museums: ironbridge.org.uk
♿ Disability Enquiries: 01743 289177 | [email protected]
💬 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Been to Croud Meadow? We’d love to hear all about it — did you explore the medieval Shutts, track down The Salopian Bar, or make the pilgrimage to Gay Meadow’s old site by the river? Share your Salop away day stories with the Football Nonsense community!
Hashtags: #CroudMeadow #MontgomeryWatersMeadow #ShrewsburyTown #TheShrews #Salop #LeagueTwo #AwayDays #STFC #FootballNonsense #Shrewsbury #Shropshire
⚽ Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
For more away day guides across all four divisions, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
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John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.