Shropshire and beyond

Telford is a great gateway to the heart of England.  Whether you want to combine a city break in Birmingham with a countryside escape in Telford or a Heritage Weekend in Telford with a visit to the historic county of Shropshire, there is just so much to explore from this fantastic location.  To celebrate our neighbouring counties we provide inspiring ideas to combine your trip or stay in Telford with a chance to explore around and about the heart of England. 

Walkers, cyclists, rail buffs and water lovers love it here. The Severn Valley and Ironbridge Gorge are criss-crossed by long-distance trails, pleasant paths, footbridges, viaducts, a steam railway and waterways that are perfect for paddlers. 

At the Valley’s heart is the ancient town of Bridgnorth. Actually, Bridgnorth is made up of two towns, straddling a pretty spot on the River Severn.

In the Low Town, explore narrow streets, riverside walks and pubs. Then wander the High Town’s churches, black-and-white timber-framed 16th- and 17th-century mansions and independent shops. Don’t miss Bridgnorth Castle and Gardens. Parliamentarians blew up the castle during the Civil War and the ruins now rest at an angle that’s even more alarming than the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s! Charles I called the view from up here “the finest in all my kingdom”. 

It’s easy to travel between the two on the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway, Britain’s steepest inland funicular railway – and the views along the way are captivating. If you fancy a climb, clamber up the steep steps or old cartway past the charming hotchpotch of heritage buildings.
Want to shop? Bridgnorth is the place! It’s Shropshire’s first Fairtrade Town and packed with independent shops, boutiques, delis and more. Every weekend, stalls selling plants, cakes and crafts fill the cute High Street, Meredith’s Yard and the arches beneath the half-timbered, 17th-century town hall that’s slap-bang in the middle of the High Street. 

5# Be inspired by Bridgnorth

1. Ride England’s oldest and steepest inland funicular railway. Bridgnorth Cliff Railway is a fun and unique way to soak up views across the River Severn as you travel the 34-metre (111-ft) cliff between Bridgnorth High and Low Towns! The funicular has transported locals, goods and tourists along this 61-metre (201-ft) stretch of track since 1892. Face forward to make the most of the view, but seeing the top station rush away from you can be quite an experience too!

2. Treat the whole family to a day out on the Severn Valley Railway. Bridgnorth is the northernmost station on this much-loved heritage steam railway that puffs for 16 miles (26km) over viaducts, across green fields and through woodlands alongside the River Severn. Make your day extra-special with a footplate experience. While you’re there, have a drink in the CAMRA award-winning Railwayman Arms, a pub that opened as a refreshment room in 1861 – one year before Bridgnorth Station – and has stayed open ever since. 

3. Get some retail therapy! With its colourful open-air markets, characterful cafes and indie boutiques, Bridgnorth is a great spot for shopping. It’s known for its antiques emporia, local galleries and status as Shropshire first Fairtrade Town. Wander down the side streets as well as the High Street and you’ll find a plethora of passionately independent shops, from florists and lifestyle boutiques to quaint sweet shops that are as much about the eye candy as the sweet treats!

4. Lap up the atmosphere in Bridgnorth cafes and tearooms. Café culture is an important part of life in Bridgnorth. Indulge in some cake and people-watching as you while away a summer’s day with an alfresco Earl Grey. In the colder months, warm up with a good book and a cappuccino in a cosy coffeehouse. Try Tea and Roses for amazing traditional afternoon teas served behind its vibrant lifestyle boutique. Platform 10’s Witches and Wizards afternoon tea is inspired by all things Harry Potter, as is its quirky shop.

5. Have an outdoorsy adventure in Severn Valley Country Park. Pond dipping, picnicking, and orienteering, birdwatching: there’s plenty of outdoor fun to be found in Severn Valley Country Park, 20 minutes from Bridgnorth. This area used to be full of quarries and coal mines. Nowadays, it’s a Green Flag Award-winning Park chockfull of paths, cycle ways and wheelchair-friendly trails that wind through woodlands, along the River Severn and past all manner of historical and geological sites. There’s a café too.