Bishops 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.

For more information please visit the Bishops Castle Visitor Information website here.

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.” You can also 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 farmer’s 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, jewelers 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 Stiperstones, 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.

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 and a good meal. Please enjoy our site and visit us soon – you’ll be assured of a warm welcome!

“Highly recommended by friends the Hotel did not disappoint. charming and helpful staff, delicious food and drink and comfortable room made this a very pleasant overnight stay on our Journey.”

A. Person — Trip Advisor

This is a wonderful place to enjoy if you’re in Bishop’s Castle. We called in for coffee and cake on the Saturday and returned for Sunday lunch the next day. Fantastic service, excellent food and drink and a really nice atmosphere.

Keith G
1 August 2026
We had 2 specifications a walk in shower and a large bed bigger than a double! The Castle Hotel could meet both requirements! The room was large and well ventilated ,it was very hot, not anyone s fault. What there was an outside seating area close to our room.
The hotel is very dog friendly which we didn t mind but may not suit everyone.
The hotel is very old, lots of changes of level and very atmospheric. The Dining Room has wooden panelling , I expected Mrs Bennett to appear.
The cooking is excellent . We drank excellent local wine from the nearby winery, local beer was available. I suspect the ice cream was also local.
A daily what s on sheet was provided at breakfast , a nice touch to encourage local visits.

ahs1956
1 August 2026
The Castle Hotel is a very well managed hotel. Staff are well trained (and really pleasant and helpful) and everything was very efficient. This was a one night stay as we were cycle touring ; our bikes were safely stored and we were upgraded to a better room which was spacious and comfortable and really tastefully decorated. The only minor disadvantage was the proximity of the Town Hall clock which strikes every 15 minutes night and day - we had to close the window. The food in the restaurant is good, and well
priced, although for us the portions were too large. Breakfast was fine. Check in and checkout times are generous (3pm and 11am respectively) The garden is a very pretty and relaxing space and there is a guest terrace.
We would have no hesitation in returning.

Dajtrav
1 August 2026