We visit 'medieval marvel' Derbyshire beauty spot, England's longest stone bridge just 25 minutes from Derby
Discover the beauty and history of Swarkestone Bridge, England's longest stone bridge
Derbyshire delights are plentiful and we are big fans of places that remind us of our beautiful county’s history.
One of Derbyshire’s must-visit places is the heritage-rich beauty spot Swarkestone Bridge.
You may be wondering what is so great about a bridge.
Swarkestone Bridge is very special indeed, because one of its many claims to fame, is its length.
It is thought to be England’s longest stone bridge and we in Derby are oh so lucky to have this location on our doorstep.
Based just 10 miles and a 22-minute drive away from Derby city centre, Swarkestone Bridge is a medieval structure built from local sandstone in the 13th century.
Its purpose was to allow people to cross over the River Trent and the bogs and marshes that were in existence at the time.
For three centuries Swarkestone Bridge served as the conduit for a crossing between Burton-on-Trent and Nottingham.
The bridge and causeway comprise a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
At approximately 1.2km long, Swarkestone Bridge is the longest stone bridge in England.
The bridge plays an important role in history too.
The bridge was the southernmost point of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s advance on London, when he tried to claim the British throne.
During the Second World War, preparations of tank traps and further war bolstering techniques were also in place in defence of a German invasion.
Over the years Swarkestone Bridge has cemented its ‘must-visit’ status through it being declared a Grade I Listed structure.
Today Swarkestone Bridge takes drivers between the quiet, retiring villages of Swarkestone and Stanton by Bridge.
The only way to cross the bridge safely is by driving over it.
We recommend being a passenger in a car and getting snap happy to capture beautiful footage of views across the winding bridge.
Location: Swarkestone Bridge, Derby Road, Swarkestone, Derbyshire DE73 7HX