Wem: Market History and Sweet Peas

Wem is an ancient town with a history dating back to Saxon times, and has been a market town since 1202. Markets, recurring events and routes through the countryside offer different reasons to stay. You can plan your trip around a specific date or focus on local history and walks.

Market History, Sweet Peas and Events

Two dates mark different aspects: Wem has been a market town since 1202; Wem Market was founded in 1205. Another local connection is to sweet peas. Henry Eckford first grew sweet peas commercially in Wem in 1887. Held every July, the Eckford Sweet Pea Show celebrates old-fashioned sweet pea varieties and has a dedicated competition class for blooms dating from before 1910.

Another recurring event is Wem’s annual Carnival, held on the first Saturday in September. Along with the Sweet Pea Show, this gives you two different times of year around which to plan your stay. If an event is the deciding factor for your trip, check its specific date before finalising your travel dates.

Markets and Local Offerings

The indoor market is held at Wem Town Hall on the High Street. Wem Farmers’ Market follows its own monthly schedule: from March to December, it takes place on the second Saturday of each month. At the market, local bakery Vermulens offers signature breads, cakes and pastries. Artworks, crafts and gifts are also available, including products marked “Made in Wem”.

Market history and today’s market activity are two sides of the same local life: the market was established long ago, while the market hall and recurring market days offer practical points of reference for planning. If you want to visit on a particular market day, check its date against your travel dates.

Georgian Buildings and Local History

Wem’s architectural character includes attractive Georgian buildings. Park House is also of considerable local interest: it was once the home of one of Wem’s most prominent families. The building can therefore be appreciated as part of local history without requiring a visit inside. Together with its history dating back to Saxon times, this architecture offers a different way to experience Wem from its events and markets.

Walking Routes, Gardens and Countryside

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 follows the River Roden, passes close to Ruewood Nature Reserve, crosses meadows, follows a short stretch of the Shropshire Way and also returns to Wem. The route features described can help you choose between them: Walk 6 includes woodland, meadows and the Hundred Steps; Walk 4 takes in the river, the reserve nearby and the short stretch of the Shropshire Way.

The Millennium Gardens are within easy reach of the town centre. Nearby, Ruewood Nature Reserve consists of two damp, wildflower-rich meadows. A footpath leads to the reserve. Alongside the two routes described, this gives you gardens close to town and a dedicated nature reserve as distinct ways to enjoy the landscape.

Getting Here and Travel Dates

Wem is accessible by train and bus. Wem station has connections to Shrewsbury and the Cheshire region. If you are travelling by public transport, check the services for your travel day.

Discover more destinations: Criggion, Burlton, Longville, Trefonen, Welshampton, Cleobury Mortimer, Ellesmere, Harley.

For the broader travel overview: Shropshire.