Bishop’s Castle

Here is some tourist information about our lovely little town of Bishops Castle…..

Bishops Castle is a small and ancient market town encircled by the South Shropshire Hills, and is only a few miles from the Welsh Border. It is approximately equidistant from Shrewsbury and Ludlow. It therefore makes the perfect place to start your exploration of this beautiful corner of Britain.  The Castle Hotel is in a quiet square at the top of the town, and we aim to provide good hotel accommodation and great local food at an affordable price .

Bishops Castle was recently named as one of the Top 10 market towns in the UK, by BBC Countryfile & Lonely Planet Guides and described as “Old Mother Hubbard cottages and timbered townhouses.” Or pop in to one of the two micro-breweries for a pint or two of Real Ale. To find out more about the Beer & Breweries click here

Certainly collectors and shoppers in search of the unusual are lured up the town hill by a collection of arts, crafts and book shops. The gradient of the main street is 1 in 6. No wonder there’s a “House on Crutches”! It is still a lively rural market town, with cattle and sheep auctions and a farmers’ market in the Town Hall every week.

Antiques are big business in Bishops Castle, and there are a number of specialist shops selling ancient artifacts. With the history of the town going back a 1000 years there’s always a chance you’ll pick up a rare and special piece.

Bishops Castle plays host to over 14 major festivals a year and countless other smaller events and exhibitions. From the world famous Beer Festival and Michaelmas Fair to the Bishops Castle Stone Skimming Championship you are spoilt for choice when it comes to experiencing something truly unique. For more information please click on the Festival & Events page.

Bishops Castle also has a rich heritage in furniture making and fine art, and some impressive examples can be found in the town. From handcrafted Ash wood chairs, to specialist glassware, knitwear, jewellery and metal work, you won’t fail to be intrigued by the diversity of wares on display.

Bishop’s Castle Heritage Resource Centre is a local heritage store and activity centre celebrating local history and keeping it within the community for people to use and enjoy.

Bishop’s Castle Heritage Resource Centre is owned and run by the House on Crutches Museum Collection Trust, which is responsible for the displays in the House on Crutches Museum.

The nearby towns of Clun, Ludlow, Shrewsbury and Welshpool are all within easy reach. The South Shropshire Hills, including The Longmynd, The Stipperstones, Offa’s Dyke and the wild border country are all excellent for walking and cycling.

Bishops Castle Town Tours are an excellent way of exploring Bishops Castle in more intimate detail. All tours are run by local people and are very popular. For more information visit Bishops Castle Town Tours

After a leisurely day exploring this rather special corner of England, come back to The Castle and enjoy a relaxing beer from a local brewery,  a good meal, or even a game of bar billiards. (Yes, we still have the original table!) Please enjoy our site and visit us soon – you’ll be assured of a warm welcome!