Telford, located in Shropshire, England, is known for its rich history and modern attractions. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, there's something for everyone in Telford. Here are the top 8 things to do in Telford.
Telford Town Park
What is it? Telford Town Park is a large public park located in the heart of Telford, Shropshire. The park covers over 450 acres of land and features many facilities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. These include a boating lake, a nature reserve, adventure playgrounds, sports facilities, a sensory garden, and much more.
Why should you go? There are many reasons why Telford Town Park is worth a visit. Firstly, it's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the town and enjoy some fresh air and greenery. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, making it a haven for nature lovers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Telford Town Park also offers plenty of activities and entertainment for visitors of all ages. The boating lake is a popular spot for families, with rowing and pedal boats available. The adventure playgrounds are perfect for children, with a range of equipment and climbing frames to explore.
For sports enthusiasts, Telford Town Park has a number of facilities on offer, including tennis and basketball courts, a skate park, and a football pitch. There are also plenty of walking and cycling routes throughout the park, making it an ideal place to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors.
If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, Telford Town Park also has a number of quieter areas to explore. The sensory garden is a beautiful space designed to engage the senses with fragrant plants, water features, and interactive sculptures.
Blists Hill Victorian Town
What is it? Blists Hill Victorian Town is an open-air museum located in the Ironbridge Gorge near Telford, Shropshire, England. The museum is designed to take visitors back in time to the 19th century, specifically the Victorian era. The town is filled with actors in period costumes, demonstrating life as it was in a Victorian industrial town. Visitors can see what life was like for the working class during this time period, as well as learn about the advancements in technology that occurred during the Victorian era.
Why should you go? Visiting Blists Hill Victorian Town is like taking a step back in time to the 19th century. This living museum allows visitors to see what life was like for the working class during the Victorian era. The town is filled with period-specific shops and businesses, such as a bakery, pharmacy, blacksmith, and pub. Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional trades and crafts, as well as experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling Victorian town. Additionally, visitors can interact with the costumed actors and learn about the advancements in technology that occurred during this period.
Some of the top attractions at Blists Hill Victorian Town include the Ironworks, where visitors can see molten iron being poured and molded into different shapes; the Victorian funfair, which includes traditional games and rides such as a helter-skelter and a carousel; and the town's railway, which takes visitors on a scenic tour around the town. Other popular activities include visiting the town's pub, trying traditional Victorian sweets, and learning about the town's history through interactive exhibits.
Wonderland
What is it? One of the best things to do in Telford, Wonderland is an indoor play center located in Telford, Shropshire. It offers a range of activities and facilities for children of all ages, including soft play areas, trampolines, a climbing wall, laser tag, and more.
Why should you go? Wonderland is the perfect place to take your children for a fun day out. With a variety of activities to choose from, there is something to suit everyone, from toddlers to teenagers. The soft play areas are perfect for younger children, while older children can enjoy the trampolines and climbing walls. The laser tag arena is also a popular attraction, allowing children to battle it out in a safe and fun environment.
In addition to the activities, Wonderland also has a café serving a range of snacks and drinks, as well as a seating area for parents to relax while their children play. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that children are always safe and happy.
RAF Museum Cosford
What is it? RAF Museum Cosford is one of the best things to do in Telford. This museum is dedicated to the history of aviation, mainly focusing on the Royal Air Force. The museum is located in Cosford, Shropshire, and houses a vast collection of aircraft, engines, and other aviation-related items.
Why should you go? If you're interested in aviation, the RAF Museum Cosford is a must-visit destination. The museum offers a fascinating look at aviation history, with exhibits ranging from early biplanes to modern fighter jets. You'll be able to see famous aircraft like the Spitfire and the Lancaster, as well as lesser-known planes and helicopters.
One of the highlights of the museum is the National Cold War Exhibition, which tells the story of the Cold War from a British perspective. You'll be able to see a wide range of Cold War-era aircraft, including the Vulcan, the Victor, and the Valiant, as well as learn about the important role the RAF played during this period.
In addition to the aircraft and exhibits, the museum also offers interactive displays, simulators, and workshops. There are also knowledgeable staff members who are happy to answer questions and share their expertise.
Buildwas Abbey
What is it? Buildwas Abbey is a ruined medieval abbey located on the banks of the River Severn in Buildwas, Telford. The abbey was founded in 1135 by Roger de Clinton, Bishop of Coventry, and was occupied by the Premonstratensian order of canons until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. The abbey's ruins are now a scheduled monument and a popular visitor attraction.
Why should you go? Visiting Buildwas Abbey provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of medieval monastic life in England. Visitors can explore the ruins of the abbey, which feature beautifully carved stone arches and a striking west window. The cloister, chapter house, and other monastic buildings are also accessible, allowing visitors to imagine what life might have been like for the canons who once lived and worked here.
In addition to the historical ruins, the abbey's picturesque location on the banks of the River Severn makes it a popular spot for picnicking and photography. The surrounding area is also great for walks, with numerous footpaths and trails leading through the nearby woodland and countryside.
Buildwas Abbey is easily accessible by car and is located just a short distance from Ironbridge Gorge, another popular tourist destination in Telford.
The Wrekin
What is it? The Wrekin is a prominent hill in the county of Shropshire, England, standing at the height of 1,335 feet above sea level. Located about 7 miles west of Telford, it is a popular destination for hikers and walkers due to its relatively easy climb and breathtaking views from the summit.
Why should you go? Visitors to the Wrekin can enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking. The hill has several trails that cater to different levels of fitness, so visitors can choose the one that suits them best. The views from the summit are simply stunning, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside stretching as far as the Welsh mountains in the west on a clear day.
One of the most popular trails up The Wrekin is the main path, which starts from the car park at the foot of the hill and climbs steadily up to the summit. Along the way, walkers can admire the area's wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare plants and bird species. The trail is well-maintained, and there are plenty of benches and rest areas for those needing a break.
At the summit, visitors can take in the breathtaking views and explore the ancient hill fort that was once located there. The fort dates back to the Iron Age and is thought to have been a significant stronghold in the area during that time. Today, visitors can still see the remains of the fort's ramparts and ditches, which provide a fascinating insight into the hill's rich history.
Coalport China Museum
What is it? Looking for things to do in Telford? Coalport China Museum is a museum in Telford dedicated to the history and production of Coalport porcelain and other fine china.
Why should you go? If you have an interest in ceramics, porcelain, or the history of the Industrial Revolution, then the Coalport China Museum is definitely worth a visit. The museum is set in the former Coalport China Works, a historic factory that produced fine china from the 18th century until the 1920s. Visitors can learn about the factory's history, see examples of Coalport porcelain and other fine china, and even try creating their own pottery pieces in the museum's workshops.
The museum has an extensive collection of Coalport porcelain, including some rare and valuable pieces. There are displays of both historical and contemporary pieces, as well as exhibitions on the process of making fine china. Visitors can see how porcelain was made, decorated, and fired and learn about the different techniques used by the factory's artisans over the years.
The museum also offers pottery workshops where visitors can learn the skills and techniques used by the artisans of Coalport. The workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities and provide a fun and hands-on way to experience the factory's history.
Jackfield Tile Museum
What is it? The Jackfield Tile Museum is a museum in Telford that showcases the history of decorative tiles and their production. It is located in a former tile factory, which operated from 1869 to 1958.
Why should you go? Visitors to the Jackfield Tile Museum can learn about the history of tile production, including how the tiles were designed, manufactured, and decorated. The museum has an extensive collection of tiles, including rare and unique pieces, that have been carefully preserved and displayed. In addition to the tiles, the museum also has displays exhibits on the history of the tile factory and the people who worked there.
One of the museum's highlights is the recreated tile showroom, decorated with tiles from different eras and styles. Visitors can also see how the tiles were made, demonstrating the tile-making process using traditional techniques.
The museum also has a gift shop, which sells a range of tile-related products, including replica tiles, books, and souvenirs. There is also a café on-site where visitors can enjoy a snack or a meal.