10 Best Things to Do in Telford
Telford, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, is home to approximately 162,000 residents.
This bustling town boasts a plethora of entertainment options.
Whether you’re raising a family, a young professional, or more experienced in life, Telford has something to captivate everyone in this splendid town.
Relaxation is essential for our mental health and to strengthen our relationships with those close to us.
Life often moves at a frenetic pace, and it’s all too easy to neglect planning those precious moments for outings, even brief ones with family and friends.
Maybe you’re feeling the financial squeeze or struggling to find a balance between work and personal life.
Or perhaps you’ve just lost track of how long it’s been since you last organised a day out in Telford.
To guide you back on course, we aim to provide some stellar ideas for the finest activities and places to explore in Telford.
The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse
Iron Bridge. Image credit: Wikipedia
This is the very reason that Telford is known as the origin of the Industrial Revolution.
The Iron Bridge is also one of the most iconic attractions in the whole region.
Its success inspired the widespread use of cast iron as a structural material.
Now a World UNESCO World Heritage Site, it welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
The first major bridge in the world constructed made from cast iron, it is a spectacular sight even today although it is now over 240 years old.
The architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard designed the bridge which spans the River Severn.
There is so much more to learn about this incredible feat of engineering and the site’s museum and buildings provide all the minute detail of the bridge’s construction.
It is well worthy of the top spot in our best attractions of Telford and is ideal for all ages.
To further enrich your visit, guided tours are available, offering insights into the historical significance of the bridge and its impact on engineering and architecture worldwide.
Additionally, the surrounding area of the Ironbridge Gorge is a treasure trove of industrial heritage, featuring additional museums that delve into the everyday lives of the workers and the other industries that flourished because of this innovation.
Seasonal events and educational workshops provide a hands-on experience for families and history enthusiasts alike, making it a centre of learning and discovery in Telford.
Telford Town Park
Telford Town Park Bandstand. Image credit: Wikipedia
This is where you can really get to enjoy some outdoor time in a number of different ways.
Telford Town park has plenty for children to experience such as a playground, an amusement centre, an arcade, a bowling alley, and an ice rink.
Each is a great way to burn off all that excess energy.
Telford Town Park also has the added bonus of an award-winning 230-acre nature reserve.
Packed with woodland, meadows and pretty walkways it is a stunning setting to spend your spare time in.
Plus, it also has 14 miles of cycle-friendly footpaths that weave visitors past pools and lakes and through meadows, heaths, and woodland.
Easily accessible for out-of-towners. The Park is located off Junction 5 of the M54 and is within a 10-minute walk of Telford’s main bus station and a 5-minute drive time from Telford Central railway station.
Additionally, the park features a variety of seasonal activities and festivals that cater to all ages, including outdoor concerts, food festivals, and educational nature programs.
For those interested in wildlife, there are bird-watching opportunities and informative signs detailing the local flora and fauna.
The park is also dog-friendly, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon exploring with your fury friend.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, exercise, or enjoy a day out with the family, Telford Town Park offers a diverse range of amenities and attractions to suit every visitor’s needs!
The Wrekin
If you really are a true nature lover, The Wrekin is not to be missed.
The Wrekin rises above the Shropshire Plain to a height of 407 metres (1,335 feet) above sea level.
It is a prominent and well-known landmark, signalling the entrance to Shropshire for travellers westbound on the M54 motorway.
Contained in the northern part of the Shropshire Hills AONB, it provides an escape from the trappings of modern urban living.
Don’t forget the camera because there are panoramic views everywhere you look.
You might catch a glimpse of wild deer known to ram the area and an array of birdlife, and other wildlife species such as bats, reptiles and insects.
Legend has it, that it was built by a giant with a grudge against Shrewsbury! To find out more about the giant and his evil plans the BBC has an interesting article you can read by clicking here.
Beyond these attractions, The Wrekin features a network of well-maintained hiking trails.
These come in varying degrees of difficulty, appealing to both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.
These trails will lead you through ancient woodlands and open heaths, where you can enjoy colourful heather and wildflowers.
The summit, known for its breathtaking views of the Midlands, is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or simply enjoying a quiet moment.
Local volunteers also frequently conduct guided walks and nature talks, enriching your visit with historical insights and wildlife-spotting tips.
Sunnycroft House
Sunnycroft House. Image credit: Wikipedia
Situated in the pretty and very popular town of Wellington, Sunnycroft is owned by the National Trust it was bequeathed to them in 1997.
A suburban villa approximating the splendour of a noble country house, Sunnycroft (1880) is a type of property coveted by the Middle Class in the Victorian period.
The house is beautifully preserved showcasing the style and elegance of the Victorian era.
The elaborate conservatory, kitchen garden and stunning flower displays make it a lovely peaceful place to wander any time of the year.
If you do visit Sunnycroft House, you might want to make time to include a visit to one of the other 44 listed buildings which sit within Wellington.
For those interested in gardening, the estate’s greenhouses and the original orchid house present an excellent opportunity to learn about period horticultural practices.
A visit to Sunnycroft is not just a step back in time; it’s an educational journey into the past!
Hoo Zoo, Farm and Dinosaur World
Everyone loves a trip to see animals even the grown-ups but, there is much more at this family attraction to discover.
There are plenty of animals such as lemurs, wolves, wild cats, birds, otters, foxes and meerkats to name a few.
You can even book an animal experience and get up close and personal with them.
Most children love dinosaurs and there are lots here. Everyone can learn more about these creatures – a guided tour is advisable.
Following the tour, you can handle real fossils in the Dino Cabin.
Bring a picnic or stop off at the tearoom for a coffee and a piece of delicious cake.
A small family-run zoo located on the outskirts of Telford, Hoo Zoo, offers a fun day out for all the family with a strong message about conservation.
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Blists Hill Victorian Town. Image credit: Wikiepedia
For a step back in time experience, Blists Hill is hard to beat.
An open-air museum packed with interesting exhibits and people dressed in Victorian costumes.
The museum cleverly recreates the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian Shropshire town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum has three districts, a town area with Victorian-era shops such as a bank, bakery, bicycle shop and post office.
There are daily demonstrations in the busy summer months, and you can chat to the friendly staff who are happy to impart their extensive knowledge of the era.
Staff may also be seen performing such diverse tasks as operating stationary steam engines, iron founding and mucking out the pig sty.
It is another fun way for children to learn about the history of Telford.
Additionally, Blists Hill features a range of engaging activities and interactive workshops that bring the Victorian era to life for visitors of all ages.
You can participate in candle making, experience traditional printing techniques, or even try your hand at making Victorian sweets!
Free things to do in and Around Telford
In these times of austerity, it can be expensive to take the whole family out for the day.
You may be pleased to know that there are still plenty of ways to enjoy together time without spending a fortune.
Here are a few ideas for you:
Apley Woods
It doesn’t cost a penny to explore this lovely 56-acre wooded area. Full of walking routes that meander through the trees. There are woodpeckers, small creatures such as mice, squirrels, rabbits and badgers. Plus, at dusk, you can often spot the local owls.
Bedlam Furnaces
Originally built between 1757 and 1759 by the Madeley Wood Furnace Co. They were among the first blast furnaces to be specifically designed for coke as fuel, rather than charcoal. Though now just partial remnants of the once grand furnaces remain, it is still a very nice place to visit.
Telford Park
Sitting right next to Telford’s main shopping centre it provides an opportunity for hours of “cost nothing fun”. Play equipment, toddlers sand play area, a summer water play feature and some tranquil garden areas, ideal for sitting and a cheeky snooze.
Telford Centre
This huge shopping centre is packed with things to do alongside some very well-known high street stores such as M&S, House of Fraser, Next and Zara and many more.
Situated on a million-square-foot site, it is the largest shopping centre in Shropshire, a rainy-day must-do.
Southwater
This site is yet another entertainment location where you can cheer on your favourite music acts, and sports stars and sing along to festivals at the QEII Arena and Telford International Centre.
If you are still stuck for entertainment ideas, you can trawl several websites for inspiration:
Thinking of Moving to Telford?
White&Company Truck
There are clearly plenty of great things to do in Telford!
If you are considering moving to Telford then White & Company are here to help.
Our tailor-made door-to-door services have helped thousands of people with their moves since 1871.
The Telford branch is one of 19 found across the UK.
White & Company aim to ensure that your move is as hassle-free as possible.
Our friendly staff can answer any questions you have from the minute you call our office in Telford to the day we deliver your personal effects to your new home.
The first thing we will need to do is carry out a removal survey either virtually, or via a personal visit to your home. This will be followed by a free-of-charge no obligations quotation.
Alternatively, you can complete our quick quote form online today.
We can also quote you for storing your belongings, whether it be for a few days or several months.
Give us a call today and we will help you get moving to Telford!
Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.
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