Bridgnorth, Shropshire
"The finest view in all my Kingdom" - Charles I
Whether you admire the view over the king's shoulder from the sandstone cliff of Bridgnorth, or stand on the bridge below, (at the height of summer the Severn is almost covered by the flowers of water crowfoot) you won't have to look far to find a superlative in the Severn Valley.
Like the King, most of our visitors can't restrain themselves.
Bridgnorth was once one of the busiest river ports in Europe, but nowadays, the Severn, clear and unpolluted, is a quiet haven for anglers, walkers and wildlife. The river divides the town into High Town and Low Town, the two being linked by seven sets of ancient donkey steps and a Victorian funicular, the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway.
"If you approach the High Town by the cliff railway you feel you are being lifted up to heaven." - John Betjeman
The oldest and steepest inland funicular railway makes the heavenly journey at least 150 times a day. In 1892, when it opened, the entrance was watched over by a temperance restaurant and refreshment house.
Just as rewarding for the pilgrim is the ancient Cartway, one of Shropshire's most interesting streets which leads down to the flower-filled Quayside, the cliffs and caves of Lavington Gardens and on to Severn Park.
Whichever route you choose to the top, you can enjoy King Charles' 'finest view' from Castle Walk, before checking out another of the valley's superlatives, the Castle Keep that leans at an impossible angle greater than the Tower of Pisa.
History abounds in Bridgnorth. Thomas Telford's church of St Mary Magdalene sits grandly next door, while the timber-framed Town Hall set on high brick piers, interrupts the traffic flow in the High Street. The redundant but revered St Leonard's Church set in its own cathedral-like close provides calm away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
The medieval Northgate, which houses the Northgate Museumstands guard at one end of the High Street whilst the Italianate splendour of the New Market Buildings with its Childhood and Costume Museum stands at the other.
18th century writers compared Bridgnorth's spectacular setting to old Jerusalem, or even Gibraltar.
Who are we to disagree?
Please click here to view a map of Bridgnorth town centre.
Attractions in Bridgnorth
The remains of Bridgnoth Castle are set on a cliff by the side of the River Severn.
Bridgnorth Town Council
College House
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 4EJ
01746 762231 Contact via Email Visit Website
Whether you are interested in fine china, fun interactives or a 'Victorian' town, its all to be found in this World Heritage Site.
Coalbrookdale
Telford
Shropshire
TF8 7DQ
01952 433424 Contact via Email Visit Website
FREE Admission. The award winning Royal Air Force Museum Cosford houses one of the largest aviation collections in the United Kingdom. 70 historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars and within the National Cold War Exhibition.
Cosford
Shifnal
Shropshire
TF11 8UP
01902 376200 Contact via Email Visit Website
Get up close and personal to Shropshire’s larger than life mammoth and step back into the Iron Age. If you're looking for somewhere to take the kids or grandkids during the summer holidays we have several family events to keep children and adults amused and entertained.
School Road
Craven Arms
Shropshire
SY7 9RS
01588 676060 Contact via Email Visit Website
Award Winning Cycling, Walking & Cottage Holidays.
27 Harthill Avenue
Liverpool
L18 6HY
0151 722 8050 Contact via Email Visit Website
This remarkable funicular railway is the oldest and steepest inland electric cliff railway in the country.
6a Castle Terrace
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 4AH
01746 762124 Contact via Email Visit Website
Choose from tiny tots woodland treks, Gruffalo trails, family rides, cream tea rides or enjoy a jug of pimms on return from your ride! We also offer superb tuition as we are home to 4 UKCC professional coaches and offer confidence building beginner lessons right up to X Country jumping and show jumping for the more advanced rider.
The Old Vicarage Centre
Stottesdon
Shropshire
DY14 8UH
01746 718436 Contact via Email Visit Website
Visit a working pottery, open all year round and create a masterpiece in the Ceramic Cafe or browse in beautiful surroundings for that special gift. Beautiful bed & breakfast accommodation also available.
Sheinton Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire
TF13 6HT
01952 727600 Contact via Email Visit Website
Open top canoe trips on river with pub stop and steam train return. Also 2 day river adventures. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
65 Friars Street
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 4BJ
07774 907326 Contact via Email Visit Website
Shropshire is blessed with many beautiful gardens – from grand estates to exquisitely designed town gardens – and many are open for charity as part of the National Gardens Scheme.
Throughout Shropshire
01588 620055 Contact via Email Visit Website
Accommodation in Bridgnorth
Peacefully situated in its own grounds, with beautiful views of hills & farm animals. Ensuite bedrooms, guests sitting room, log fires, local produce, warm welcome.
Cardington
Church Stretton
Shropshire
SY6 7LB
01694 771314 Visit Website
Early 19th century Granary in hill country. Sleeps two/four with view over farmland. Antique furniture compliments surroundings. Excellent walking, cycling. Pets welcome.
The Old Vicarage
Ditton Priors
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 6SP
01746 712272 Contact via Email
17th Century coaching inn offering 16 en-suite accommodation rooms, restaurant bar meals, Sunday lunches, private parking, guest ales, private beer garden.
High Street
Much Wenlock
Shropshire
TF13 6AQ
01952 727212 Contact via Email Visit Website
David and Linda offer a very warm welcome at the four star Croft offering B&B accommodation in the delightful market town of Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
10/11 St Mary's Street
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 4DW
01746 762416 Contact via Email Visit Website
Small, friendly family run establishment overlooking the historical bridge and the River Severn. Short walk to town and the Severn Valley Railway.
3 Underhill Street
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 4BB
01746 764616 Contact via Email Visit Website
Spacious, oak-beamed annex to listed family home, for up to 5 people with two en-suite bedrooms, in a quiet location close to English Heritage site, shops and the countryside. Free wifi.
Bull Ring
Much Wenlock
Shropshire
TF13 6HS
01952 728280 Contact via Email Visit Website
Atmospheric, family run Georgian coaching inn renowned for its award winning cuisine and hospitality. Our stunning 17th century Tithe Barn is ideal for Weddings, conference and banqueting.
Bridgnorth Road (A442)
Norton, Nr Shifnal
Telford
Shropshire
TF11 9EE
01952 580240 Contact via Email Visit Website
Holiday Caravans in 24 acres of glorious Shropshire countryside (near IRONBRIDGE). Small, secluded, safe family park. A separate 5 Touring Pitch Caravan Club CL with Hook-Up.
Park Grange
Morville
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 4RN
01746 714285 Contact via Email Visit Website
Our newly re-furbished and extended Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast accommodation offers five cosy, oak beamed en-suite bedrooms all with stunning views of the Shropshire countryside.
Chelmarsh
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 6AU
01746 861070 Contact via Email Visit Website
Peaceful and tranquil. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty below the famous Wenlock Edge. Ideal base for walking, cycling and riding.
Hughley
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
SY5 6NT
01746 785208 Contact via Email Visit Website
Bridgnorth Visitor Information
The Library, Listley Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 4AW.
Tel: 01746 763257 Fax : 01746 766625
Email: bridgnorth.tourism@shropshire.gov.uk
Open all Year: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30am - 5pm Saturday 9.00am-5pm
