Bewdley is a town and civil parish situated in the Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire, England. It lies on the western bank of the River Severn within the Severn Valley, positioned at the gateway to the Wyre Forest national nature reserve. Geographically, it serves as a key location between major cities, located 3.5 miles west of Kidderminster, 12.5 miles north of Worcester, and 23 miles southwest of Birmingham. The town is governed by three tiers of local government: the Bewdley town council, the Wyre Forest district council, and the Worcestershire county council.

The settlement's history extends back to the Mesolithic period, with excavations in Wribbenhall revealing flint tools dated to roughly 6,800 BC. The main part of Bewdley developed on the western bank, with its name deriving from the Old English word for ferry. By the 14th century, it was known as Beau lieu, meaning beautiful place. King Edward IV granted borough status and a weekly market in 1472, a status retained until local government reorganisation in 1974. The town also had its own Member of Parliament for centuries, notably Stanley Baldwin.

The town is defined by its Georgian riverside architecture and the Bewdley Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford and built in 1798 to replace a medieval bridge swept away in floods. High Street, named for its elevated position above the river, leads to St Anne's Church, built between 1745 and 1748. The area includes the settlement of Wribbenhall on the eastern bank and nearby country houses such as Witley Court and Astley Hall. The town also features Wassel Wood and is close to the Malvern Hills and Shropshire Hills.

Bewdley is a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved Georgian buildings and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore Bewdley Museum, which features resident craftspeople and traditional craft demonstrations, or view the statue of Stanley Baldwin on Load Street. The town hosts the twice-monthly Bewdley Riverside Market in its Civic Space and is home to the Bewdley Brewery. The Severn Valley Railway station offers heritage experiences, while the nearby Wyre Forest provides extensive outdoor opportunities.

According to the 2021 census, the population of Bewdley was 9,267. The town has a market economy supported by tourism and local amenities, with education provided by three state schools including The Bewdley School. Transport access includes the Bewdley bypass opened in 1987 and the historic railway connections. While the town has experienced significant flooding, flood defences completed in 2006 have mitigated risks. The area offers a mix of historical charm and natural beauty, attracting visitors year-round.