Stay (and drink) in Bishop’s Castle – pubs and accommodation aplenty.
Bishop’s Castle leads the way in Shropshire for real ale, with The Six Bells micro-brewery and the oldest working brewery in Britain, the Three Tuns. Both hold brewery tours so you can find out about their brewing heritage and sample them one by one*. How do they find the time to brew such special ales? Bishop’s Castle has a one handed clock on St. John’s Church, from the days before we needed to know the time down to the minute. This leaves locals with more time for the important stuff.
Other pubs and inns in Bishop’s Castle have a selection of real ales too; the locals like to share and a warm welcome is extended to all – refreshing in more ways than one.
The long distance paths of the Shropshire Way, Kerry Ridgeway, Offa’s Dyke and the ‘bc ring’ all run through or near the town, so it’s no surprise that Bishop’s Castle has ‘Walkers Are Welcome’ status. In addition to fantastic ‘proper walking’ (of the long distance variety), there are numerous short walks and circular trails from the town centre, many of which have pub pit stops (you won’t forget you’re in Bishop’s Castle!)
As you stroll around the medieval town centre you’ll find it has its own unique mix of architecture, too. Collectors and shoppers in search of the unusual are drawn to Bishop’s Castle by a collection of arts, crafts and independent shops. Its past is celebrated by two museums, one of local history and one about the Bishop’s Castle railway.
Whilst at the top of the town it is worth visiting the site of the old castle, where you can see the remains of the castle wall. It is a beautiful place for a picnic – pick what you fancy from the local food shops or farmers market and pack your hamper.
Stay in Bishop’s Castle and you will find the Castle Hotel (easy name to remember!) and many B&Bs, self-catering accommodation and caravan and campsites too.
(*The gradient of the main street in Bishop’s Castle is 1 in 6, so be careful not to roll between pubs!)
Bishops Castle Visitor Information
Visitor Information Point – Located at The Town Hall.
E-mail: info@bishopscastletownhall.co.uk or Tel: 01588 630023
Wednesday is traditionally early closing day.
Key Events
Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival
February – music, literature and art at venues throughout the town.
Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival
May – one of the leading small walking festivals in the Country – http://www.bishopscastlewalkingfestival.co.uk/
Michaelmas Fair – September – includes steam traction engines, classic cars, music, dancing, candlelight… and much more – www.michaelmasfair.co.uk