Bridgnorth is a historic town in Shropshire, on the border between England and Wales, along the Severn Valley and divided by The Severn (Britain's longest river). Bridgnorth is divided in two - a High Town and Low Town, with the high town offering spectacular views of the valley and low town. Even King Charles I commented on the view upon visiting the town in 1642 - he remarked that the view was "the finest in my domain".
There are also many old and historic routes through cobbled streets or stone steps to explore in High Town. Attractions in High Town include beautiful walled views over the River Severn, historic castle remains, St Leonard's Church (which can be seen from our lounge and from the letting rooms), the Northgate arch, the Old Town Hall and Richard Baxter's House.
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. In Low Town you will find scenic walks along the banks of the river Severn, Lavington's Hole, Bishop Percy's House and the world famous Severn Valley Steam Railway.
Many of Bridgnorth's historic and famous attractions are only a short walk away and The Bear Inn is an ideal base for exploring them.
Bridgnorth offers a castle, a cliff railway, shops, pubs and events galore, as well as many places to explore such as the lovely side streets with fine houses and cottages, the remains of a Friary, eight sets of steps to get up and down the town, a bridge, old residential caves and much more.
Bridgnorth has two unique heritage railways: Bridgnorth Cliff Railway, the oldest and steepest inland electric cliff railway in the country, which climbs from the Severn to the high town, and the famous Severn Valley Railway operating vintage trains on a beautiful sixteen mile stretch of riverside line to Kidderminster. For those looking to shop there are many interesting shops offering a wide variety of local crafts and gifts, antique shop and curio shops as well. The town's two markets - a livestock market and a street market, as well as a permanent indoor market area and a Friday market under the Town Hall offer the chance for great products and bargins to be had.
Bridgnorth Castle Gardens
The remains of Bridgnorth Castle, a Norman castle which at one time covered the whole cliff side and housed hundreds of people, are set on a cliff by the side of the River Severn. The tower was destroyed in 1646 by Cromwell's forces and now leans at an alarming angle of 15 degrees, three times greater than that of the leaning tower of Pisa. Although very little remains of the original structure, they now form the centrepiece of a castle walk and you can still can enjoy the spectacular views over the Severn Valley from the surrounding Bridgnorth Castle Gardens.
Popular Tourist Attractions Near Bridgnorth
Popular tourist attractions near to Bridgnorth include The Royal Airforce Museum at Cosford displaying over 80 aircraft and a flight and fun interactive gallery, Rays Farm Country Matters with unusual farm animals, woodland walks and a sculpture trail, Boscobel House - a 17th Century hunting lodge and site of the famous oak tree where Charles the 2nd hid to avoid capture and Broseley Pipe Museum - a Victorian clay tobacco pipe works.
Winter in Bridgnorth
Please take a moment to look through the photographs of Winter in Bridgnorth, Shropshire below: