While the concept of two towns, one low, one high, sharing a name and separated only by a river, sounds like the set-up for a fable about how we’re all equal despite our differences, it’s actually a very real place—and no, we’re not talking about the Hungarian capital of Budapest, but Bridgnorth in Shropshire.
On one half of the River Severn is High Town, which sits about 200 feet above sea level, and on the other half is Low Town, which is only about 100 feet. Together, they form a charming town full of artisan boutiques, serene surroundings and a dramatic sandstone cliff, with a quirky funicular connecting the two halves.
If you don’t know what a “funicular” is, fear not, it’s just a cable-driven, cliff railway (said to be the steepest and the only inland railway of its kind in England) and boasts some of the most beautiful views in the whole town. From the top of High Town, enjoy cliff-top walks or just head back down for a riverside pint or vintage shopping.
History buffs will want to check out the ruins of Bridgnorth Castle, however, which dates back to 1101. King Charles I described the castle as “the finest in my domain”, but it was demolished only a few years later when Cromwell’s Roundheads arrived with orders to take it from the Royalists in a three-week siege in 1646.
Today, Bridgnorth Castle’s great tower is most notable for leaning at an angle of 15 degrees, four times the lean of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, thanks to damage caused during the Civil War. But while the castle is in ruin, the surrounding pleasure gardens are well-kept and ideal for a warm summer’s day picnic.
How do I get to Bridgnorth?
Just under an hour’s drive from Birmingham, take the M6 and M54 to Newport Road in Shropshire (exit 3), and from there, take Stanton Road, A4169, B4379 and A442 to Bridgnorth. To visit by public transport, catch the train from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton and then ride the number 9 bus to Hawthorns Junction.