Bewdley, Worcestershire

There are hundreds of reasons to visit this lovely little town on the banks of the River Severn. Here are 10 of the best, writes Petra May. Photographs by Stuart Purfield

1. Bewdley Museum. Housed in the old butchers' shambles, Bewdley Museum is a charming little museum which contains some fascinating insights into the rich industrial heritage of the town. Find out how to make rope, pewter, brass, clay pipes and enjoy one of the regular craft workshops held throughout the summer season. But you'll have to wait. The Museum reopens on Friday 2^nd May after a winter of redevelopment. Tel 01299 403573 for opening hours.

2. The flood defences. A strange reason to visit a town but people do and when you see the magnificent engineering feat in action you can see why the defences have transformed the fortunes of this once flood-prone town. And while you're looking at the flood defences why not stop and admire another, albeit older, engineering feat - the bridge which joins Bewdley with Wribbenhall? Designed by the great Thomas Telford, the bridge was completed in 1798 and replaced previous bridges which had crossed the River Severn here since the late 1400s and probably before.

3. The railway station. Technically the station is in Wribbenhall over the river from the main town of Bewdley. It's a pretty little, old-fashioned station that has been lovingly restored by volunteers of the Severn Valley Railway. If you have time take a trip on the train up to Bridgnorth or the short hop down to Kidderminster. The train journey takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in Worcestershire. The original Severn Valley Railway operated from 1862 to 1963 and was originally built to improve transport links after the development of the Stourport Worcester canal bypassed Bewdley, leaving the town almost literally 'high and dry'. This had a devastating impact on the industries of the town such as the ropemakers, pewter makes and boat builders who depended on a thriving river trader. The railway helped improve business with connections through to the great industrial centres of Ironbridge, Shropshire. But the line was never profitable and eventually closed in 1963. Then in 1970, thanks to the efforts of rail enthusiasts, the line reopened on a short stretch between Bridgnorth and Alveley and over the years the SVR has bought and restored 16 miles. If you haven't been on the train it really is a great day out - don't just leave it to the tourists! You can purchase tickets online at www.svr.co.uk

4. The riverside walks. There are miles of beautiful walks along the riverside at Bewdley. One of my favourites is from Severnside North along the river up to Arley - passing through remnants of the Wyre Forest on the way - then cross the River Severn at Arley, if you're lucky you'll see the steam train a'coming, and then back to Bewdley on the other side of the river ending up back in Load Street. Pop into the tourist information centre for a book of walks and a map and prepare for a couple of hours of beautiful scenery. There are lots of walking groups in the area and the Wyre Forest Walking group meets twice a week for a sociable walk, phone 01299 266929 for details.

5. The pubs. One of my favourite days last summer in Bewdley was at the town's annual rowing regatta. The sun shone - quite a rarity last year - and I enjoyed a glass, or two, of beer at The Mug House (but there are plenty of other pubs that do a decent pint and a meal). This is the type of English pub that has been serving good local beer for generations. Look out for the traditional Bewdley pewter in the bar. There's a nice sun terrace too. Back to the regatta - held in July - even if you know nothing about rowing this is a day you'll enjoy. One of the hazards at Bewdley is that the river is extremely shallow and despite the carefully placed bales of straw to warn crews and coxswains of the hazard at least one boat grounds every year - and that's not a cheap repair! So if you happen to be watching from the Severnside of the river and you see a crew that's about to ground, give them a shout - they'll thank you for it, and maybe even buy you a drink!

6. The architecture. It's often described as 'the perfect Georgian town' but there are all ages of buildings to admire in Bewdley. You can't miss The George Hotel and if you're visiting in the next month or so look out for the giant wisteria which hangs over Cooper's Alley - it's a magnificent sight. Stroll along Severnside South to view the beautiful Georgian buildings including those that housed the merchants, a building that was the tannery and the coach house that was a former brewery. In the High Street are beautiful black and white buildings including the Bailiff's House (you can't miss it - look out for the sign) and back in Load Street you can't miss the imposing building of St Anne's Church, the tower of which was built in 1695. You can walk the Bewdley Heritage Trail which takes in important sites and buildings, visit www.bewdleyheritagetrail.com for more details.

7. The shopping. OK so Bewdley hasn't got the high street chains but it has got some lovely little, independently owned shops. Bewdley is a town that's hot on its local food. There's a really good deli, butcher, baker, greengrocer and a lot of produce is local. I could - and do - spend a couple of hours just munching my way around the town.

8. Get on your bike. Route 25 of the National Cycle Network happens to pass straight through the centre of Bewdley - head south and you'll end up in Stourport, head north and you'll end up in the Wyre Forest, which has miles and miles of family-friendly cycle tracks. There's more information at www.bewdley.org.uk and links to various cycling information sites.

9. Go for a picnic. Behind the museum is the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Gardens and lovely little spot for a picnic - and in the summer there are concerts in the open air theatre area.

10. Community spirit. As a casual visitor it's often obvious when a place is cared for and loved by its residents and Bewdley is one of those places. Each year organisations in the town get together for the Discover Bewdley weekend when the town bustles with events, and markets, and plays, and music, all designed to encourage the townsfolk to take pride in their place - and to show visitors what the town has to offer. This year there's a French Market in Severnside, guided walks, craft market, Beer Festival, artists' open studios, concerts and more. Put the date in your diary now: 3^rd and 4^th May. There's more information at www.bewdley.org.uk and click on the Discover Bewdley icon.

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