Overview
This New Town in Shropshire presents numerous avenues for inspiration, particularly for those intrigued by England’s industrial heritage.
Telford serves as a gateway to the World Heritage Ironbridge Gorge, where Quaker entrepreneurs initiated the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.
Along the steep banks of the River Severn lie historical mines, blast furnaces, and kilns, all serving as testaments to the evolution of heavy industry.
The site is epitomized by the Iron Bridge (1781), recognized as the world’s first bridge constructed from iron.
There are ten industrial museums situated around Ironbridge, all easily accessible from Telford.
For those seeking nature, the long ridge of the Wrekin hill offers a rewarding ascent, revealing one of rural England’s most breathtaking views.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Telford:
1. Ironbridge Gorge Museums
As the cradle of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, the Ironbridge Gorge located to the south of Telford is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A thoughtful way to engage with this historic industrial landscape is to dedicate a couple of days to explore at least some of the ten industrial museums curated by the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust.
These establishments are housed in refurbished factories, warehouses, kilns, or the residences of the influential Darby family.
We present the five most accessible and worthwhile museums in this compilation; however, for avid historians, all ten warrant your attention.
The Museum of the Gorge in Coalbrookdale encapsulates the history of the Ironbridge Gorge within a stunning Gothic Revival warehouse by the Severn.
2. The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse
When visiting the Ironbridge Gorge, the paramount attraction to begin with is the Iron Bridge, spanning the Severn.
Engineered and constructed by the Quaker ironmaster Abraham Darby III, the Iron Bridge was recognized as the first bridge worldwide made entirely of iron upon its opening in 1781. The design originated from Thomas Pritchard, who sadly passed away before witnessing its completion.
The bridge is exclusively accessible to pedestrians and merits ample time for an in-depth examination of its construction, which consists of 1,700 components, each meticulously designed and assembled similarly to wooden beams, distinguishing it from later iron structures.
The Tollhouse features a museum dedicated to the history of the bridge and serves as an information center for the broader Ironbridge Gorge.
On its wall, a “table of tolls” illustrates the fees required to cross the Iron Bridge.
3. The Wrekin
Hikers in Telford may often gaze longingly at the Wrekin, which rises to the west of the town, no more than five miles away.
Formerly crowned with an Iron Age fort, the Wrekin stands as a notable landmark marking the western edge of Shropshire, visible from various locations, including Manchester’s Beetham Tower to Cleeve Hill in Gloucestershire.
Despite the steepness of certain paths, it is not necessary to be an expert climber to ascend this 407-meter peak, with easy access to the trail from the M54 motorway.
The Wrekin features complex geological formations, consisting of Precambrian volcanic rock that predates even Mount Everest.
Upon reaching the summit, the view is nothing short of breathtaking: In clear weather, it is possible to observe 17 counties.
4. Telford Town Park
Not your typical municipal park, Telford Town Park was named the UK’s Best Park in 2015 following a comprehensive regeneration project initiated in 2011. The array of facilities is extensive, featuring an aerial ropes course, five children’s play areas, an adventure mini-golf course, a cycling center, water play areas in summer, fishing pools, and a visitor center complete with a café.
All of these amenities enhance the park’s sensory garden, formal flower gardens, a bandstand, and a 62-hectare Local Nature Reserve that preserves heathland, woodland, meadows, and ponds on land once utilized for industrial purposes which fell into disuse by the 1960s.
Historically, this land belonged to the Cistercian Buildwas Abbey, with the only remnant from that era being a Norman Chapel, which was reconstructed beside Withy Pool after being relocated from its original site, where Telford’s branch of House of Fraser is currently positioned.
5. Wellington
The most charming settlement in the vicinity, Wellington is contiguous with Telford.
A train journey from Telford Central Station to Wellington takes precisely seven minutes, leading you to an enticing maze of historic streets that have hosted a market since 1244. The market now thrives in a Victorian hall, trading four days a week, with 120 stallholders split between indoor and outdoor spaces.
The offerings include butchers, fruit and vegetable vendors, bakers, delicatessens, haberdashers, jewellers, fishmongers, cheese merchants, and much more.
Complete your visit with a cup of tea and a piece of cake at one of the market’s two cafés.
6. Sunnycroft
In Wellington, visitors can tour a National Trust property that is exceptionally distinct.
A suburban villa that mirrors the grandeur of a noble country house, Sunnycroft (1880) represents a coveted style of dwelling for the middle class during the Victorian era.
The uniqueness of Sunnycroft lies in the numerous period fittings and fixtures that have been preserved.
This quaint estate features a kitchen garden, stables, orchards, a charming conservatory, a medicine cabinet with over 300 remedies, a garage housing a Daimler, and a Smoke Room for tea service.
On fine days, visitors may engage in a game of croquet on the lawn, nestled among magnificent redwoods and lime trees.
7. Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom
A compact yet well-organized zoo, Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom provides an enjoyable half day outing for families, showcasing a diverse array of wildlife across five distinct zones.
For example, the “African and Eurasian Adventure” features exotic felines such as servals, caracals, and fishing cats, alongside meerkats, skunks, lemurs, otters, and various owls and hawks.
During your visit, inquire about available activities, which may include bottle-feeding lambs and kid goats, strolling through the lemur habitat, handling reptiles, collecting eggs, or observing a sheep race.
8. Blists Hill Victorian Town
Located within a ten-minute drive from Telford town center is an open-air museum that transports you back to the 19th century.
The Blists Hill Victorian Town occupies a historical industrial area characterized by coal, iron, and fire clay mines, alongside blast furnaces and ceramic facilities producing bricks and tiles.
This museum is cleverly divided into an industrial section featuring a blast furnace and wrought ironworks, a Victorian streetscape exhibiting homes, cobbler’s shop, photographer, sweet shop, bank, post office, bakery, and bicycle shop, as well as tranquil countryside incorporating a mission church with a tin roof, toll house, and squatter cottage.
Most activities revolve around the Victorian street scene where characters such as dressmakers, bakers, and ironworkers share insights about their trades, while you can observe demonstrations such as foundry workers pouring molten iron and Victorian chemists concocting peculiar remedies.
9. Jackfield Tile Museum
Approximately 15 minutes from Telford, visitors can explore the former headquarters of Craven Dunmill, one of the leading ceramic tile manufacturers in Britain.
This striking neo-Gothic structure continues to produce decorative tiles and showcases a museum dedicated to Shropshire’s tile-making tradition, which dates back to the 1500s.
Tiles produced at Jackfield adorned various establishments, including churches, tube stations, and pubs, and those interiors have been recreated within the museum.
An exhibition dedicated to the British tile industry features splendid tile artistry, floor mosaics, and tactile tile panels.
Guided tours of the tile factory are available on Wednesday mornings, and children can participate in tile-painting workshops during school vacations.
10. Coalport China Museum
As avid tea enthusiasts, the Victorians incited a ceramics boom in the 19th century, leading to manufactories such as Coalport China catering to this demand.
China was produced at these kilns in Coalport from 1795 until 1926, before the company relocated to Staffordshire, eventually becoming part of Wedgwood.
In addition to tea services, Coalport China manufactured vases, miniatures, and dinner services that featured the renowned “Indian Tree” pattern.
At the historical factory, visitors can step inside the enormous bottle kilns to view the official national collections of Coalport and Caughley china.
Children are also catered to, as they can partake in ceramics painting workshops and dress up as Victorian potters in the Children’s gallery.
11. Darby Houses
This duo of Georgian residences, Dale House and Rosehill, offers insight into one of the Quaker families instrumental in the industrial development of the Ironbridge Gorge.
Within Dale House (1717), visitors can explore the wood-paneled study where Abraham Darby III crafted his plans for the iconic iron bridge.
The property was converted into flats in the 20th century but has been restored to reflect its 18th-century heritage as a museum.
Next door, Rosehill (1738) was commissioned for Richard Ford, the spouse of Mary Darby, and has been furnished with the understated aesthetic characteristic of the Quakers, featuring family portraits, silhouettes, and Georgian kitchen utensils such as a cast iron range.
12. Telford Steam Railway
From March through September, visitors can come to the Old Loco Shed on Bridge Road to travel a mile-long segment of what was once the Wellington to Craven Arms Railway.
This line has a rich and surprisingly intricate history tracing back to the Wellington and Severn Junction Railway of the 1850s.
The railway operates among three stations using two steam locomotives (an 0-4-0ST “Rocket” from 1925 and a GWR 5600 Class from 1926), along with two diesel engines.
At the main terminus, you will also find a model railway and a miniature railway for children.
The attraction hosts special open days, “Murder Mystery” evenings, and a “Polar Express” experience during the Advent season.
13. Benthall Hall
Situated near the Ironbridge Gorge, Benthall Hall is a Tudor country house still inhabited by the Benthall Family and owned by the National Trust.
The hall, featuring exquisite mullioned windows, turreted chimney stacks, and triangular gables, was finalized around 1580. Its oak-lined interiors, plaster ceilings, and elegant staircase have remained unchanged since the 17th century.
One Victorian resident, George Maw, developed the gardens, and the descendants of his crocus collection, curated from around the world, continue to bloom each spring and autumn in the gardens.
Benthall Hall is accessible to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays from February through October.
14. Exotic Zoo
A recent addition to Telford, the Exotic Zoo opened its doors in 2017 yet has already established a notable reputation within the community due to its founders, who operate a therapy service involving small animals in schools and for military veterans.
The zoo features distinct zones, including a Desert Zone, Rainforest Zone, Nocturnal Area, and a petting farm, and participates in various international conservation initiatives.
The Exotic Zoo is home to wallabies, macaws, skunks, armadillos, snakes, meerkats, lemurs, owls, crocodiles, and pygmy goats.
The knowledgeable and passionate keepers have extensive experience in animal handling and conduct regular informational talks each day.
15. Wonderland
A delightful destination for younger visitors, Wonderland is a fairytale-themed attraction located in Telford Town Park, offering rides appropriate for children up to approximately six years of age.
This enchanting park spans nine acres of natural woodland, featuring beloved characters such as Humpty Dumpty, Snow White, Alice, and the Mad Hatter.
Additionally, there is a popular Wonderland Maze, a whimsical golf course inspired by the Jolly Roger, a Dinosaur Valley walking trail, and an indoor play area.
During December, guests can also experience the Winter Wonderland Christmas Village.
