10 Best Things to Do in Bridgnorth, Shropshire
If you are looking for things to do in Bridgnorth, look no further! I’m embarrassed to say I had never heard of Bridgnorth. I visited solely based on one photo I saw. I had no idea if there were things to do in Bridgnorth, but I knew I wanted to see the cute little cliffside railway.
Nestled in the heart of Shropshire, Bridgnorth is brimming with old-world charm. The town is divided into two distinct areas – High Town, perched dramatically atop the cliffs, and Low Town, set alongside the River Severn.
The town’s historic streets, medieval buildings, and charming atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those seeking both scenic beauty and a glimpse into England’s heritage.
Best Things to Do in Bridgnorth, Shropshire
How to Get to Bridgnorth
- By Car: The easiest way to get to Brigenorth is by car. The town is situated just off the A442, which connects to the M54, the M5 is also close by. If you’re coming from London, you can expect a journey of about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Once you get into Bridgnorth, you’ll find plenty of public parking around town.
- By Train: The closest train station is Wolverhampton and the journey from London is under 2 hours, however, once you get to Wolverhampton, you will have to take a bus or taxi to Bridgnorth which is 15 miles away. (I always use TRAINLINE to book my tickets)
- By Bus: Bridgnorth is well-served by local bus routes, connecting it to nearby towns and cities like Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury, and Telford. There is also a bus service from Birmingham.
10 Best Things to Do in Bridgnorth
Explore Bridgnorth’s High Town and Low Town
Since the town is divided into two sections it feels like you’re exploring two places at once.
High Town feels most hustle and bustle with lively restaurants and a busy market square while Low Town has more of a peaceful vibe. High Town offers you picturesque views over the town, while Low Town offers a more intimate setting sitting cozy against the River Severn.
Many of the town’s key attractions are in High Town so you will likely spend more time here, but do not miss out on walking the river banks or taking in the view of the Bridgnorth skyline with St Mary Magdelene Church standing tall.
If you are staying in High Town and don’t want to get stuck walking up the steep cliffside, be sure to check when the Cliff Railway closes!
Ride the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway
This is one of the best things to do in Bridgnorth! I’m a sucker for anything vintage, anything classic, anything charming… this is all three! Although very much a functional part of town life with residents, this has become a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Bridgnorth!
The Bridgenorth Cliff Railway is the oldest and steepest inland funicular in England that opened in 1892. The funicular was originally operated on a water balance system until it converted to electricity in the 1940s.
It’s a small fee to take the trip and it’s well worth it for the views across Bridgnorth. It’s not a long journey, but it’s definitely an experience you don’t want to miss!
Walk down The Cartway
The path connecting High Town and Low Town is known as The Cartway. This historic route was once vital for transporting goods between the river and the upper part of town. At one point, up to 50 pubs lined the streets!
This narrow, cobbled street is now a picturesque walkway, offering a glimpse into Bridgnorth’s past while leading down the rows of charming old houses.
It’s a really nice walk down, but it is quite a steep climb up, so I recommend taking the Cliff Railway back to the top!
There are other routes down to low town that are equally picturesque, but I think this is the best because of its historical significance.
Visit Bridgnorth Castle and Gardens
Perched on top of the cliffs is Bridgnorth Castle, now a ruined castle, it was originally built in 1101. The castle was a key defensive stronghold during the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian forces captured the castle and ordered it to be destroyed, leaving only the leaning tower we see today.
The tower now leans at 15 degrees, making it more “leaning” than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The castle gardens surround the ruins, making for a lovely walk on a sunny afternoon. It’s the perfect place to explore the perfectly manicured flower beds and enjoy the view over the Shropshire countryside.
Visit St Mary Magdalene Church
St. Mary Magdalene Church is one of the defining features of Bridgnorth’s skyline, with its tower that rises 139 feet above the town. The church dates back to the Norman period and is one of the oldest places of worship in the town.
I found this to be quite a unique church as there are very few stained glass windows. Giving the church an open and airy feel with the giant white columns lining the interior.
The view from the church over the River Severn is very pretty here and there is even a walkway down if you want to challenge all the steps to the bottom!
Enjoy the View from Castle Walk
This short yet picturesque trail leads through the remains of Bridgnorth Castle to the Cliff Railway, providing stunning views of the town and the River Severn.
It’s amazing at sunrise when the town is slowly waking up around you or during autumn when the leaves are turning.
Journey on a Steam Train on the Severn Valley Railway
I LOVE steam trains! I’m such a nerd sometimes, or maybe it’s just my inner Gryffindor begging to be taken to Hogwarts. The Severn Valley Railway is one of my favorite things to do in Bridgnorth. It’s the perfect day out for any kind of explorer!
The lines start/end at Bridgnorth, so you’re not missing out on any of the cute stations or scenic countryside. And I highly recommend booking the afternoon tea on the Severn Valley Railway!
Stroll Along the River Severn
The path along the river is a pleasant mix of paved walkways and natural trails, allowing you to take in the stunning landscape at your own pace. You can leisurely stroll along the river or enjoy a coffee (or pint) in one of the many cafes and pubs.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the Severn Valley Way offers a longer walking route that follows the River Severn and connects several towns in the region. This well-known trail runs for over 60 miles, providing an extended adventure for those who want to explore more of the Shropshire countryside.
Visit the Bridgnorth Town Hall
You cannot miss the Bridgnorth Town Hall standing in the middle of the market square. The hall was erected in the mid-17th century and was originally a barn.
The black and white timber upper floor sits atop large stone pillars creating a covered area that was used for shelter during market days so business could continue in all weather conditions.
You can visit the town hall for free when it is accessible to the public, but the market is still held here on weekends so plan your visit accordingly if you are interested.
Indulge in Bridgnorth’s Trendy Food Scene
I wasn’t sure what to expect from a small-town foodie scene, but it surprised me. The town is home to a range of unique eateries and pubs, offering everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine.
I will include some of my favorite venues, but do not be afraid to stray from this list and pick your own dining options—I have never had a bad meal!
- The Fat Olive Tapas Company: Cozy upstairs restaurant with great food and a great vibe
- The Atrium: Upscale style restaurant without the price tag. Gorgeous interior and a large outdoor seating area
- The Viking Chef: Amazing terrace with a view and the perfect place for lunch
- The Shakespeare Inn: This great traditional pub has a wonderful atmosphere
- Graze: Fresh food and great service
- Thai Art: Cozy Thai restaurant with authentic Thai cuisine… and it’s delicious!
Bridgnorth Art Trail
The town council installed this immersive art trail bringing together local businesses, artists, and the community to create 13 painted train statues dotted throughout the town on a 2-mile trail.
A different local artist created each train to further explore Bridgnorth’s history and points of interest.
Unfortunately, the Art Trail ended in 2023 after 5 years on display throughout the town. I’ve included this because it was a great installation and I’m hoping something like this will be done in the near future! *fingers crossed*
Day Trips from Bridgnorth
There are plenty of day trips to experience if you are staying in Bridgnorth.
Ironbridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and only a 20-minute drive! The bridge that runs over the River Severn was the world’s first cast iron bridge, which many believe, sparked the industrial revolution.
Shrewsbury is about 40 minutes away and a must-visit for anyone spending time in the area! The cute town is the birthplace of Charles Darwin and you can follow in his footsteps by visiting St Chad’s where he was christened and the Shrewsbury Library (which used to be the school) where Darwin studied.
Ludlow is a 30-minute drive from Bridgnorth and a charming market town with a gorgeous medieval castle and a big foodie scene. They even have an annual food festival.
Blists Hill Victorian Town is an outdoor living museum that brings the Victorian era to life. The museum is close to Ironbridge so you can pair the two together for one day! The museum covers 52 acres of authentic streets, houses, shops, and work buildings during the 19th century.
You can even get a taste of Victorian-era food at the bakery or the Fish and Chips shop! And I cannot recommend the fish and chips enough! They are so delicious! The local pub in the town also has a live sing-along which is really fun.
Where to Stay in Bridgnorth
If you are planning on staying in this charming town (which you should!), there are plenty of amazing places to choose from!
I prefer staying in High Town as opposed to Low Town, but I will include both places!
- The Croft: This is where I stayed and the location was perfect. The rooms are cozy, the hosts are fabulous, and the breakfast is delicious. The perfect B&B for your weekend in Bridgnorth!
- Bell Cottage: If you want more of a traditional British feel, then this cottage is for you and it’s in a great location!
- William Oakes House: If you are visiting Bridgnorth with a group, then why not splurge and scoop up this 3-bedroom house?
- Barn Cottage: If your group would rather stay in Low Town then this 4-bedroom cottage is the place!
- The Falcon Hotel: This hotel used to be a coaching inn in the 17th century, this modernized hotel in Low Town still has lots of charm.
Are you planning a trip to Bridgnorth? Or looking for places to visit in the area? What’s your favorite thing to do in Bridgnorth? Let me know in the comments below!
Check out other posts around England that you might be interested in:
- First Timers Guide to Cornwall
- The Perfect One-Day in Bath
- The Best Weekend Breaks in England
- Epic One Week Itinerary for Yorkshire
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