The birthplace of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, Telford is full of old-world charm and nature-filled parks. The town’s mining and industrial history is reflected in its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Things to do

Parks in Telford offer family-friendly recreation, such as Telford Town Park with its arcade, bowling alley, golf course and ice-skating rink. You can also walk or cycle on its scenic trails, then visit the Lewis Carroll-themed Wonderland amusement centre. Weston Park revolves around a 17th-century country home and features an extensive art collection, manicured gardens, an orangery and lake.

Get a glimpse of the Iron Bridge and Tollhouse, then explore the Ironbridge Gorge museums featuring early industrial specialties. Learn about early tile-decorating techniques at Jackfield Tile Museum and view exquisite porcelain at Coalport China Museum. Get hands-on at the Enginuity exhibit, where you can pull an authentic period locomotive and generate electricity by controlling water flow.

Pet and feed the animals at Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom and get up close with African wildcats, lemurs and meerkats. At the free Lakeside Animal Park, you can even frolic with squirrel-sized critters in the Meerkat Experience. Embrace nature during a stroll through Apley Woods, where a duck pond and beautiful wood sculptures are found amongst the trees and pathways.

Hike The Wrekin, a 350-metre-tall hill that served as inspiration for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Afterwards, refresh with a cold drink in the beer garden at Wrekin Giant, before indulging in pub grub and Indian curries.

Getting around

Buses and taxis are available from Telford Central Train Station and throughout the town centre. You can pick up a rental car in town or at Birmingham Airport, about 120 kilometres away.