Bridgnorth is a small town in Shropshire in England. The town itself contains a lower town and an upper town as part of the town resides on top of a cliff. The lower part of the town is in a valley with a river, th Severn, flowing through it. Bridgnorth is known for its clifftop funicular railway, castle grounds and views, town hall building, and a music festival in August. I visited Bridgnorth at the end of August.
For those who wish to walk up from the lower town to the upper town or visit during hours when the clifftop railway is closed, the cartway track can be walked. It isn't that far nor difficult. The cartway was the only way to the upper town until 1786. The goods would come in from the river and be carted up by horses. Cut into the hill where the cartway is were caves, and these were used as dwellings. The town had many inns and lodges for sailors and visitors, but only one of these still remains.
The clifftop railway was opened in 1892. It used to be water-powered, but it is run on electric today. The cars date from 1955 as they replaced the original 1892 designs. This is the steepest and shortest funicular railway in the United Kingdom.
The views from the top were beautiful.
From the cliff railway ticket office, the rest of the upper town can be accessed.
I had a wander around the streets of Bridgnorth.
Next to Shakespeare pub is Castle Tea Rooms, and I had a late lunch here consisting of cream tea. This included a choice of sandwich and a scone with clotted cream and jam. I had cheese sandwich.
I also enjoyed a meal at The Castle pub, which has a nice display of flowers.
I took my time to explore the town and even went to the castle, which I already covered: Bridgnorth Castle.
The town hall, which is pictured below, dates from the middle of the 1600s.
For those looking for somthing to do besides pubs and music, the Board Room cafe can be visitd. This cafe allows visitors to play a variety of board games and enjoy some snacks and drinks, and they host other events. The owners were also the owners of the bed and breakfast that I stayed at.
I discovered this cute "Harry Potter" sorting hat themed postbox topper.
The lower town is not as picturesque, but the views along the river did look good. There's some good pubs and a nice Indian restaurant here as well.
While I was in Bridgnorth, I stayed at Stoneway Guest House, which is in the same building as the clifftop railway and is located next to the cartway. There is a small garden located outside from the door that leads to the cartway, which was built into the rock.
The breakfast room had views over the funicular railway, which was unusual. We were told that this was the waiting room in Victorian times.
I watched the trains come up and down.
The room I was in had views out toward the river and lower town.
I enjoyed my stay in Bridgnorth, and I wish that I had enjoyed more of the town and got to listen to some of the live music.
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