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Discover the best things to do in Bewdley, Worcestershire

Local attractions near the Running Horse Inn

There are so many enchanting things to do in Bewdley that we couldn’t resist hand-picking some suggestions. With its gorgeous Georgian architecture and lovely riverside location, Bewdley really is a dreamy destination for a few days away.

Worcestershire offers so much in the way of fun days out, including safari adventures, rides along the heritage railway, and plenty of local history to uncover. And after you’re done exploring, you’ll be able to settle down in the cosy bar at the Running Horse Inn with your favourite pint and some home-style classics. Perfection.

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Severn Valley Railway

For a unique experience that’s also incredibly scenic, take a ride along the Severn Valley Railway. This heritage railway route meanders through 16 miles of charming countryside between Worcestershire and neighbouring Shropshire.

You can begin your railway adventure in Bewdley or nearby Kidderminster. There’s a variety of experiences to choose between too, including short journeys to Highley station where you’ll be able to explore the station’s historic Engine House.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a full day out on the tracks with a Freedom of the Line ticket, which lets you hop on and off the steam train at your leisure. Feeling thirsty after all that fun? The Running Horse Inn is the perfect pub near the Severn Valley Railway for a refreshing drink and a bite.

West Midland Safari Park

Perhaps one of the best things to do in Bewdley, Worcestershire is a day out at the West Midland Safari Park. It sits right on the edge of the village and is a magical destination for animal lovers. The park is home to over 160 different species from around the globe, which you can catch a glimpse of on a two-hour safari drive.

Hop in your car and follow the four-mile route through various habitats, spotting all kinds of extraordinary creatures as you go. Highlights include the Kingdom of the White Lions, the Land of the Wild Dog and the Wild Asia area, where you can glimpse rare armoured Indian rhinos.

You can also go on a safari walk to get a little closer to the enclosures, or check out the onsite theme park that’s packed with exhilarating, animal-themed rides.

Wyre Forest

This Forestry England-run woodland is a fantastic spot for a leisurely Sunday stroll. You’ll find Wyre Forest just a short hop west of Bewdley town centre and it’s actually the largest woodland reserve in England.

As well as uncovering this majestic forest on foot via one of many scenic walking trails, you’ll have a host of outdoor activities at your fingertips. Swap hiking shoes for riding boots on a guided horse trek through the trees. Bring your bikes and embark on a leisurely cycle ride. Or challenge your balancing skills at the forest’s Go Ape centre. With or without kids, we think it’s one of the best things to do in Worcestershire.

Bewdley Museum

If the town’s Georgian heritage has captured your attention, take a stroll down the road from the Running Horse Inn to Bewdley Museum. This free local history museum is awash with brilliant displays, vintage photographs and ancient artefacts that paint a vivid story of the town’s past.

Step foot into a 19th-century slaughterhouse, visit Bewdley’s historic town jail cells or see what it was like to hunker down in a Second World War air raid shelter. The museum is also brimming with brilliant artwork featuring the town and surrounding countryside throughout the centuries.

Finally, why not finish off your visit with a stroll through the museum’s walled sensory garden that’s bursting with fragrant herbs. All in all, this is easily one of the top things to do in Bewdley.

Witley Court and Gardens

An afternoon spent strolling through Witley Court and Gardens should definitely be on the cards if you’re searching for things to do in Bewdley and the surrounding area.

Standing in the shadow of Witley Court’s grand facade, you can almost imagine revellers in ball gowns and top hats gracing its opulent halls. That’s because this now-ruined mansion was once the site of many parties during the Victorian and Edwardian periods – and it still retains much of its romantic charm today.

Despite being the victim of a huge fire during the 1930s, this English Heritage house is eerily beautiful, with landscaped gardens that are vibrant with blooms during the spring and summer months.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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