What To See In Bridgnorth, Shropshire

Severn Valley Railway

While in Bridgnorth take a break at the Old Castle, an 18th Century traditional English pub. From Severn Valley Railway Station cross the pedestrian bridge and take a short walk up the hill, The Old Castle Pub is just below Bridgnorth Castle.

Construction first started in 1858 to build a railway line along the Severn Valley linking Hartlebury (near Droitwich) with Shrewsbury the county town of Shropshire. The line opened in 1862 with a track of around 40 miles.

In 1963, due to the rail rationalisation program the track was dismanted north of Bridgnorth.

The formation of the SVR Society Kidderminister by a group of enthusiasts made efforts to restore the line and by 1970 the first section of the line from Bridgnorth to Hampton Loade was opened.

The Severn Valley Steam Railway now runs regular tourist passenger services between Kidderminister and Bridgnorth Stations via Bewdley, Arley, Highley & Hampton Loade

Bridgnorth Castle

Visit Bridgnorth Castle then stop for lunch at the Old Castle Pub – traditional English pub located just below the Castle.

We understand that Cromwell came and stayed here using the Old Castle as his barracks and stables during the civil war. Fortunately he left our building standing for you to enjoy your visit to Bridgnorth.Bridgnorth castle was less fortunate.

Bridgnorth Castle was built in 1101 by Robert de Belleme and used as a garrison by the royalist troops around 1642. Cromwell ordered that Bridgnorth be taken by the Parliamentarians in 1646.

By 1647 Cromwell took control but as the royalist troops retreated they set fire to houses and buildings in Bridgnorth’s high town in order to hinder the progress of the roundheads. Cromwell ordered that the castle be demolished and the remains of the castle be left pretty much as they are today – leaning at an alarming angle.

Bridgnorth Castle is a great place to visit and stands next to St. Mary Magdalene’s Church.

Bridgnorth Cliff Railway

Break for lunch at the Old Castle Pub whilst visiting England’s only remaining inland electrical funicular railway.

Bridgnorth is divided into two parts – Bridgnorth’s High Town sitting on a sand stone cliff and Bridgnorth’s Low Town, which sits along sit Britain’s longest river – the River Severn.

Bridgnorth’s funicular railway connects Bridgnorth High Town and Bridgnorth’s Low Town and is open all year round.

This working railway is an important means of transport for the local residents as well as an essential part of any tourist’s itinerary.

The railway operates two carriages on parallel tracks connected by steal cables and counterbalanced with each other.

 

Bridgnorth Town Hall

Visit the Bridgnorth Town Hall before stopping for lunch at the Old Castle Pub.

Dominating the High Street since 1652 this beautiful timber framed building stands in the middle of Bridgnorth High Street with traffic and the market wrapped around it.

Bridgnorth’s Town Hall has an unusual stained glass window which depicts the English monarchs.

Northgate Museum

Further down the road is Bridgnorth’s North Gate Museum. Anyone that wishes to find out more about Bridgnorth’s history should start their journey here.

The museum also houses a collection of images from the former RAF Station at Stanmore, Bridgnorth.