Bridgnorth & District Tourist Association

Welcome to Bridgnorth

Bridgnorth High Town

Bridgnorth, in reality, is two towns: the High Town (good views down) and the Low Town (good views up). Now connected by the steepest inland funicular railway in Britain.

The Low Town was once a thriving port along the banks of the River Severn, while the High Town held the castle, the churches, and many fine 16th and 17th century mansions. Charles I, lost his head here completely, declaring the view to be "the finest in all my kingdom."

Cartway

Bridgnorth Castle

The more energetic amongst you can amble up one of the seven sets of steps, or the steep old Cartway, where goods were once hauled to the market above. The carts are gone, but the markets remain. Antiques and local produce are particular specialities.

By the time you reach the top, you'll probably need a sit down - and where better than the Castle Gardens? What's left of the Castle leans at an alarming angle, even greater than the Tower of Pisa. The

building was blown up in the Civil War by the parliamentarians - who botched it, as parliamentarians are wont to do.

Nearby an iron footbridge takes you to the Severn Valley Railway Station. If you want to explore the beautiful Severn Gorge to the south, you should definitely let the steam train take the strain. And you can enjoy wonderful 1940's and 1960's steam nostalgia weekends. (Hurry, before they reach the 1970's).

Much Wenlock

Much Wenlock Guildhall Did you Know? The modern Olympic Games were first revived in Much Wenlock, Shropshire in 1861. The brainchild of William Penny Brookes, his lofty aim was to provide the locals with an alternative to one of their favourte pastimes - drinking. More About Much Wenlock

Explore north-west and you'll find the dramatic escarpment and fine walking country that is Wenlock Edge, the perfect backdrop to the 'Festival at the Edge', the world-famous international storytelling festival.

More stories can be heard at the Biggest Liar in Shropshire Competition, overseen by a real (as in wig-wearing) Judge. Honest, it's true.

Both of these events take place in the pretty little town of Much Wenlock. But Much Wenlock also has an importance that belies its size, for it was here that the modern Olympics were revived in 1850 by the town doctor, William Penny Brookes, as an antidote to the local men's drinking.

Perhaps that's why the first Games included a wheelbarrow race; although the precise purpose behind the 'Old Woman's Race for a pound of Tea' remains obscure. But you can forget London 2012: we still maintain that this is where you'll find the real Olympics each July.

And best of all, Britain always tops the medals table.

The Surrounding Area

The Surrounding Area

Around Bridgnorth you'll find small towns and villages all sitting beautifully in pictuesque countryside. There's Broseley a town hoping to make Church Wardens of us all - in a pipe smoking sense that is. In fact, you can learn all about pipes at the Broseley Pipeworks museum, unless of course you're trying to kick the habit.

Highley is another pretty town located in Bridgnorth's surrounding countryside.

The Severn Way, the Jack Mytton Way and the many footpaths on Wenlock Edge and the Clee Hills have been created for the walker. The highest point in Shropshire, Brown Clee Hill, and its ancient hill fort, may be climbed from a car park south of Ditton Priors.

Accommodation

For a full list of all the best places to stay in Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, Ironbridge and the surrounding area, please check the accommodation page. You'll find a full range of accommodation including Hotels, Country Inns, Bed and Breakfasts, Farmhouses, Self Catering Cottages and Caravan and Camping sites.

Alternatively, for those of you a little less virtual, you can request your very own glossy brochure which will be delivered post-haste to your front door. Simply click the 'Request A Brochure' link.

Click the link to search Bridgnorth's Accommodation

Attractions

Boscobel House

Bridgnorth is fortunate to have many attractions and things to see scattered around its luscious countryside. You can have an unforgettable days time travel; a combined journey by steam railway, and historic river ferry to a beautiful house and garden.

As the crow or missile flies it isn't far to The Royal Air Force Museum, Cosford where there are four collections, over 80 aircraft, and 50 missiles.

Royal hide-and-seek was invented at Boscobel House. Built as a 'place for concealment', children will delight in the warren of priests' holes. A descendent of the most famous tree in England, the Royal Oak, where the future Charles II hid from the Parliamentarians, is in the grounds.

A few miles upstream of Bridgnorth is Shrewsbury, England's finest Tudor town, which has one of the best waterfronts. Attingham Park, Benthall Hall, Dudmaston, all are well worth a visit.

Click the link for more information about Bridgnorth's many attractions

How to Get Here

How to Get Here

Bridgnorth & The Severn Valley is twenty minutes from the motorway, two and a half hours from London; one and a half hours from Manchester; and under an hour from Birmingham.

The Severn Valley Railway connects with regular train services at Kidderminster station.

Bus services take you round the area, contact the Visitor Information Centre for timetables. The Highley Explorer runs between Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley Railway's Highley Station at weekends from April - October. You can use this shuttle to discover the treasures of the countryside at your own pace.

Click the link for more information about how to get to Bridgnorth