Waterside Pubs
Below is a list of pubs in west Shropshire that are situated within sight of canals and rivers. Have a look at the map to give you a better idea of the pub locations.
We have pubs alongside both the Llangollen and the Montgomery canals, the River Severn, the smaller River Teme, and the smaller still East Onny River and Darnford Brook.
For information on the latest bus and train routes and timetables, please see our Travel Information page.
Canalside
Llangollen Canal
The Llangollen canal is a branch of the Shropshire Union Canal just inside the England-Wales border. The Llangollen enters Shropshire in the east near Grindley Brook, and leaves us at Chirk Bank in the west to enter Wales. Here are the pubs you encounter on the journey.
A canal side pub on the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal. Mainly a dining pub with a small bar at one end. The lawn at the front of the pub leads right down to the water’s edge, with plenty of outdoor seating available.
There are numerous moorings nearby and the also the Maestermyn Marina. The Oswestry to Ellesmere bus run by Lakeside Coaches stops right outside the pub.
This is a restaurant with a bar next to a large hotel and leisure complex set in extensive grounds right next to the canal. A spacious lawn terrace overlooks the canal and berths.
The nearest public transport option is probably the bus stop at Chirk roundabout, half a mile to the north. Or moor your boat right outside, if you are travelling along the canal.
On the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire Union Canal just inside the England-Wales border. Located next to Bridge 19, which is the beginning of the Pontcysyllte UNESCO World Heritage Site. A modern country pub in a traditional building with a terraced beer garden looking out onto fields and the canal. Although mainly a food orientated pub, there is a drinkers bar.
You can moor your boat next to the pub if travelling along the canal, or the “Poachers Pocket” bus stop is right outside the pub with regular buses on the Oswestry to Wrexham Arriva bus route.
Montgomery Canal
The Montgomery (or Monty as it’s affectionately known) is a branch of the Llangollen running from Frankton Junction in Shropshire and leaves Shropshire (and England) at Llanymynech.
A pleasant pub situated next to the Montgomery Canal. The conservatory looks out over the water, and whilst there is a view of the canal from the outdoor seating area in front of the pub, the car park sits between the two.
A nearby mooring area makes it possible to get here by boat. The X5 Arriva bus from Shrewsbury to Oswestry stops right outside the pub.
A really good dining pub which also succeeds in being a decent local. There’s a pleasant beer garden overlooking the canal. Situated next to Bridge 79, and with moorings available.
A Tanat Oswestry to Shrewsbury bus service 576 stops right outside the pub.
Riverside
River Severn
The Severn is the longest river in the UK and comes into our area from Wales around the Crew Green area, to the west of Shrewsbury, and leaves to the west of Cound. There are few pubs on the riverside as can be seen below.
On the bank of the river, and a little out of the way, the Royal Hill is, nevertheless, popular for dining. It is much extended from the original rather quaint pub, and has a small garden out to the front, looking out over the river and hills in the distance. Note that when the river is in flood, the water can reach the pub and surrounding roads can be completely impassable.
The nearest bus stops are unfortunately about 3 miles away either in Nesscliffe just off the A5 between Shrewsbury and Oswestry, or at the Firtree Inn stop on the B4393 off the Shrewsbury to Welshpool road. However, the pub is on a national cycle route, and there is also a campsite next door if you fancy staying overnight.
The large terrace overlooking the River Severn and Quarry park probably makes this one of the most picturesque locations for a pub in Shrewsbury, or maybe even in West Shropshire. Boasting a good selection of real ales and an extensive menu, the pub is extremely popular especially during the summer months.
It is within walking distance from the town centre, either along the river bank or through the Quarry park, and then across the Port Hill suspension bridge. The nearest bus stops are on Copthorne Road, which comes in east from the ringroad towards Frankwell roundabout, and are about 5 minutes walk to the pub.
The Coleham Tap, which until recently was called the Crown, was redecorated in 2022 and boasts a conservatory and good-sized beer garden, both with views over the River Severn. Offering a good food menu with lunchtime deals, and Marston’s beers, it’s a good place to sit and relax by the river.
About 10 minutes walk from the centre of town, the shortest route is over Greyfriars bridge. The nearest bus stop is just up the road from the pub near Greyfriars bridge (Arriva 26). However, there are many other buses stopping within 5 minutes walk of the pub.
A former coaching inn with a focus on dining and accommodation, but it also has a separate public bar to cater for those wishing to just have a drink. The large outside patio and huge beer garden gives a pleasant view of the River Severn, where the pub has fishing rights.
There is a bus stop right outside the pub but only one bus a day stops here. The only feasible way by public transport is by taking an Arriva 24 bus from Shrewsbury bus station to Sundorne, and then around a 20 minute walk to Uffington.
This early 18th century Grade II listed building is situated opposite the entrance to Attingham Park National Trust property. It was turned into a hotel by Clough William-Ellis of Portmerion fame in the 1930’s. Recently, it’s had a substantial makeover, and is now an attractive hotel, restaurant and pub. There is plenty of outdoor seating available on the lawns going down to the banks of the River Severn.
There’s a bus stop right outside the pub where the Telford to Shrewsbury No.96 bus stops, operated by Select Bus Services.
River Teme
The River Teme originates in the Welsh hills and only passes through the southern-most part of Shropshire before continuing south and joining the River Severn near Worcester. It flows around the large town of Ludlow in our branch area.
A classy pub on the southern side of Ludlow, overlooking the River Teme and the iconic Ludford Bridge. Its situation can best be appreciated from the upstairs balcony from where the views of river, bridge, town and the distant Clee Hill can be enjoyed.
The pub is about a 6 or 7 minute walk from the town centre down a fairly long hill, which needs to be born in mind for the walk back! Car parking at the pub is fairly limited, so it may be better parking in town and walking down. A Lugg Valley 490 bus running between Leominster and Ludlow stops on the Ludlow side of Ludford bridge.
East Onny River and Darnford Brook
The East Onny River is much smaller river that flows off the Stiperstones hills and meets up with the West Onny River near Bishop’s Castle. Darnford Brook are more of a local stream originating on the western slopes of the Long Mynd, and joins up with the East Onny River in Ratlinghope.
The Bridges is a very popular classic rural pub situated between the Long Mynd and Stiperstones in the Shropshire hills. It sells beers from local breweries and food made from locally sourced ingredients. Outside, there is a plentiful array of tables at the front, overlooking the East Onny river, as well as a secluded rear garden sitting alongside the Darnford Brook.
The only way of getting to the Bridges by public transport is by using the Shropshire Hills shuttle bus, which runs from May to October every year. This covers a circular route linking the Strettons with the Bridges and Stiperstones.