About Bishop's Castle & Beyond
The Bishop's Castle and Beyond project was delivered by Enterprise South West Shropshire, in partnership with Bishop's Castle & Clun Tourism Group, and funded by Shropshire Council's Economic Recovery Programme.
Nestled in and alongside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bishop’s Castle and Beyond is your comprehensive guide to this popular area.
Steeped in history, the area dates back to the Bronze Age with the Kerry Ridgeway. This ancient 15 mile track holds a long tradition as a trade and drovers’ route between Wales and England. The successful route caused many nearby villages to flourish and established Bishop’s Castle as a market town featuring the oldest licensed brewery in Britain, The Three Tuns.
Just a few short miles from the Welsh border, Bishop’s Castle, Clun and the wider surrounding South West Shropshire are ideal for those seeking an enriched experience exploring both sides of the famous Offa’s Dyke.
Recognised for its beauty and inspiring landscape, this popular area attracts visitors from around the world. The lush countryside and quiet surroundings prove fruitful for artists, photographers and others with creative interests. While those with a more adventurous side, can take advantage of the various pursuits and natural spaces to make the most of the great outdoors.
With so much to offer, explore more of Bishop’s Castle and Beyond and we look forward to welcoming you.
Bishop’s Castle
Bishop’s Castle . . . a small and ancient town surrounded by an area of outstanding natural beauty. Bishop’s Castle provides a unique centre for the exploration of the South Shrophire uplands.
Walk or cycle through the hills of the wild border country. Eat and drink well in our pubs and cafes. If you want to get away . . .
The emblem on the left is a facsimile of the seal King James 1st gave to the town in 1609, when he confirmed the rights and privileges given in the 1573 Elizabeth the 1st Great Charter. The seal is in the British Museum and Bishop’s Castle Town Council have the rights over its reproduction. (but we all use it!)
Town tours of this historic centre are on Saturdays and Tuesdays, they start at 6.30. Tours last about 1 hour and start at the Church Lytch gate near the Six Bells pub. Parties can be accommodated if booked in advance. Please check the tours website as they don’t run throughout the year.
The town has a marvellous 140 seat Theatre which stages both streamed live and touring productions as well as excellent music, films and exhibitions (www.sparctheatre.co.uk)
At Easter the Town Museum in the fascinating House on Crutches will open its doors and regular Flea Markets will be held in the Town Hall.
Brewery Tours can be arranged and the Leisure Centre will also be open throughout the coming season.
The town stages regular and interesting events. Visit our interesting local Crafts, Antiques and Bygones. Stay a while in friendly accommodation and delve into our Local history. There are many interesting places to visit including Bishop’s Castle’s three Museums.
Clun
The small town of Clun is the largest of the settlements along the valley from where the river rises high in the Clun Forest on the Montgomeryshire border to where it meets the River Teme at Leintwardine. The impressive Norman castle is on the bend of the river and downstream is the ancient packhorse bridge which is the only river crossing.
Historically a thriving commercial centre, Clun is now a town of tradition and tranquility, quieter and more picturesque than Bishop’s Castle, six miles away. But it still offers a wide range of shops and services. There are pubs, newsagents, cafes, butchers, general stores, antique shops, galleries, a garage, B&BS, self-catering accommodation, camping, caravan sites and a youth hostel based in the old mill.
Clun Castle
Built in stone in 1195 on the site of an original motte and bailey. Now a ruin and under the care of English Heritage.
Clun Museum
The museum is on two floors of the Town Hall in the Square, an ancient monument, and once including local flints, Civil War helmets and Clun chairs. It achieved Museums, Libraries & Archives Council Accreditation in 2011.
Opening times: Tuesdays: 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm, Saturdays: 11.00 am – 1.00 pm 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm, Bank Holiday Mondays and Tuesdays 11.00 am – 1.00 pm 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Trinity Hospital, Clun
A group of almshouses built in 1614 by the Earl of Northampton. The gardens and grounds only are open to the public.
The Clun Town Guide and the Clun Heritage Trail (pdf documents)

Bishop’s Castle Tourist Information Centre
Bishop’s Castle Town Hall
High Street
Bishop’s Castle
SY9 5BG
01588 638038
info@bishopscastletownhall.co.uk
bishopscastletownhall.co.uk
Opening Hours: The town hall is open Monday - Saturday, including bank holidays 10am to 4pm.
The Countryside Code
We are a rural community and as such we comply with the countryside code. For more details regarding this, please visit: The Countryside Code

Craven Arms Tourist Information Centre
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
School Road
Craven Arms
SY7 9RS
Contact us by telephone or email or by using the contact form
01588 676060
info@shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm
Bright Flowers
Church Street
Clun
SY7 8JW
01588 640541
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm (closed Wednesdays)