Wem combines a history stretching back to Saxon times with a lively market tradition. The town has been a market town since 1202; the market itself was established in 1205. A distinctive local story leads to the sweet pea: it was first grown commercially in Wem by Henry Eckford in 1887. This history gives the town its own cultural focus, which is also reflected in an annual event.
Sweet Peas and Event Dates
The Eckford Sweet Pea Show takes place every July. It celebrates old-fashioned sweet pea varieties, with a dedicated competition class for blooms dating from before 1910. Wem’s annual Carnival takes place at a different time: on the first Saturday in September. The two events can therefore also be distinguished by season—sweet pea tradition takes centre stage in July, and the Carnival in September. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the date for the year you intend to travel.
Markets and Local Produce
The indoor market is held at Wem Town Hall on High Street. There is also the Farmers’ Market, which follows its own schedule: it takes place on the second Saturday of every month from March to December. At Wem market, the local bakery Vermulens offers its signature breads, cakes and pastries. Artworks, crafts and gifts are also sold, including products labelled “Made in Wem”. This brings market history, food and locally labelled goods together as distinct reasons to visit. If a particular market day is important for your trip, check the date in advance.
Buildings and Gardens
Wem’s townscape includes attractive Georgian buildings. Park House is also of local interest: it was once the home of one of Wem’s most prominent families. The Millennium Gardens are within easy reach of the town centre. When visiting, you can include historic buildings and a named garden in your exploration of the town without having to plan an extensive excursion.
Two Routes with Different Landscapes
Walks Around Wem Walk 6 starts at the town car park, passes through woodland and across meadows, climbs the Hundred Steps and returns to Wem. Walk 4 offers a different experience: it follows the River Roden, passes close to Ruewood Nature Reserve, crosses meadows, takes a short section of the Shropshire Way and also returns to Wem. These details bring out the difference between the two routes: Walk 6 combines woodland, meadows and the Hundred Steps; Walk 4 offers the riverside route and a section of the Shropshire Way. Ruewood Nature Reserve, with its two damp, wildflower-rich meadows, is also near Wem. A footpath leads to the reserve.
Getting to Wem and Staying Overnight
Wem can be reached by train and bus. Trains from the station connect to Shrewsbury and the Cheshire region; check the timetables for your travel date. If you are looking for a hotel in Wem, first decide what you want to focus on: will an event date or a visit to the market determine your plans, or would you mainly like to explore one of the walking routes described? The dates can help you plan your travel, while the routes differ in their stated landscapes and features.
Discover more destinations: Weston Rhyn, Lydbury North, Bishops Castle, Shifnal, Clee Saint Margaret, Kinton, Saint Martin's, Cardeston
For the main travel overview: Shropshire.
