Nearest train station: Shrewsbury
The River Severn near Cressage is a wide, open stretch of water that’s perfect for a quiet, unhurried swim in the Shropshire countryside. You’ll find grassy spots along the riverbank near the bridge that make it easy to get in, with shallow edges that are ideal for paddling or easing yourself into the water slowly.
The river here flows gently in most conditions and is often calm enough for a proper swim, especially on a warm day. It’s not a polished or developed site — more of a casual, natural place used by people who know it’s there.
How to Get to the River Severn at Cressage
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to Cressage by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information for the area.
By car
Set your sat nav to SY5 6AD, which will take you into the centre of Cressage village.
There’s limited parking near the bridge itself, mostly along the roadside, so try to avoid busy times if possible. Once parked, walk towards the bridge and look for one of the grassier banks or access points just off the road. There’s no formal signage, but it’ll be fairly obvious where locals enter the water when you get there.
By public transport
The closest station is Shrewsbury, which is well connected via train. From there, you can catch a bus that stops in or near Cressage, although the service can be patchy depending on the day. If you’re not up for waiting, a taxi from Shrewsbury usually takes around 20 minutes and gets you much closer to the bridge.
By bike
Cressage is reachable by bike via quiet country lanes that run west from Shrewsbury and Much Wenlock. The ride in is scenic, with long stretches of open farmland and rolling views. You can lock up near the bridge before heading down to the riverbank, so it’s a good spot for a swim-and-cycle outing..
What else is nearby Cressage?
After your swim, you’re well placed to explore some of the wider Shropshire countryside. The Wrekin is just to the east and offers a short but steep hike with excellent views over the surrounding area.
If you’re in the mood for something more cultural, Ironbridge (home to the famous bridge itself and several museums linked to the Industrial Revolution) is nearby. For more river swimming, you can follow the Severn downstream to quieter stretches near Buildwas or upstream towards Atcham and Shrewsbury.