By Discover Shropshire & Telford, 16 December 2016, 10:55AM
If you’re considering coming to Telford, you won’t disappointed by the number of things to do, see and experience! A multi-million pound investment has developed Telford into a vibrant place, full of things to do whether you’re a fan of indoor activities or outdoor pursuits.
Telford is just 45 minutes from Birmingham on the M54, close to the M6 and an hour and a half from Liverpool and Manchester making it accessible to 70% of the UK population within just three hours.
We’ve listed our top 5 attractions below so you can plan your time here to suit your tastes!
Ironbridge
Ironbridge’s major role in the industrial revolution draws millions of tourists every year wanting to see the Gorge, walk across the world’s first cast iron bridge, and learn about the town’s history as ‘the birthplace of the industrial age’.
From the Tar Tunnel to the Iron Bridge & Tollhouse, the Museum of the Gorge, China Museums and much more, there’s so much to see and do. An annual pass to all ten museums for the family starts at £68.00 too!
Telford Town Park
Telford Town Park is located in the heart of Telford; it has 140 hectares of green space including a 92ha Local Nature Reserve and is classified as one of the UK’s largest urban parks. The park has many great features including a number of play areas suitable for a range of ages including a trim trail, giant rocket slide, spider’s web, multi-use games area, toddler area, sand diggers and an inclusive play area for wheelchair users. Activities also include adventure golf and an aerial ropes course. During the summer months the park opens its water play area where little ones can splash under the water jets whilst parents and guardians can relax beneath the adjacent canopies with a fresh coffee from the snack bar. There are also a number of large grassed areas ideal for picnics, sunbathing and playing outdoor sports and events. Telford Town Park is also home to three tranquil flower gardens including a Sensory Garden. All are ideal for those looking for a relaxed setting to take some time out, clear your head and perhaps read a book. There are nature and heritage trails to explore, pools to fish, bridleways to hack along and cycling routes to enjoy, including one that links the park to world heritage site Ironbridge. Bike hire and accessories are available from Cycle Experience located at the parks visitor centre. Toddlers can also enjoy a visit to the Wonderland attraction for an enjoyable day out for all of the family.
Telford Ice Rink
Open from 7am to midnight, the ice rink is a great place to find your feet! Prices start from just £4.80 for kids and there are plenty of classes throughout the day for you to book.
Telford Steam Railway
Dating back to 1769, the Steam Railway in Telford is a preserved railway run solely by volunteers. It is open from March to September, with family tickets available from just £15 including access to the 00 gauge model railway and unlimited travel on the narrow and standard gauge trains.
The railway also has tons of themed events throughout the year, such as rides on the Polar Express around Christmas and 1940s weekends. You can even drive the steam train yourself with experience packages starting from just £40!
Shropshire Lavender
Just three miles from the market town of Newport sits Wellbank Farm. The Lavender is hand harvested in August, making July the best time to visit while the fields are flowering.
Events run throughout the summer, such as lavender oil distillation demos, medieval fairs and guided tours. Arthur’s Tea Shoppe serves home baked cakes, clotted cream teas and their famous lavender scones.
The entrance fee is just £5 and children under 14 go free.
