Telford Hotels

Telford Rundown

The birth of Telford New Town in 1963 came about to house what was somewhat depreciatingly termed Birmingham’s ‘overspill’. After initially being named Dawley, after one of the area’s smaller towns, the New Town suffered another identity crisis when its name was later changed to Telford, in homage to famous civil engineer Thomas Telford. ... Read more »

Telford is home to the Ironbridge Gorge, location of the world’s first Iron Bridge, constructed in 1779, which crosses the River Severn. The Gorge is a World Heritage Site with no less than 10 museums spread along its banks.

Like any new town, Telford has its fair share of critics, but the town has benefited big investment with a new shopping centre and park, Telford Town Park. Despite the rather unimaginative name, this 450 acres of open space has excellent play areas, sports pitches and even an amphitheatre. Plus, Telford Town Centre is the largest shopping facility for miles around, with many big named stores and a 10 screen cinema.

Telford is now the biggest town in Shropshire and growing, with a £250 million development in the Southwater area bringing even more bars, restaurants and shops to the town.

Telford’s Top 10

10. Wonderland and Jungleland Two attractions for the price of one at this magical outdoor attraction with unlimited rides.	5. The Place hosts top quality shows, plays and productions throughout the year.
9. Open Air Museum of Steel Sculpture A unique attraction with 73 steel and iron structures set in 10 acres of Shropshire countryside.	4. Telford Bridge was relocated from Shrewsbury. Leaving the people of Shrewsbury wondering what on earth happened to it.
8. Museum of the Gorge is a gothic building once used by the Coalbrookdale Company as a riverside warehouse.	3. Telford Ice Rink Skating is fun for everyone. Even if you don’t get on the ice, its fun watching others make fools of themselves.
7. Telford Statue Larger than life like the man himself.	2. Telford Steam Railway has ‘specials’ at Bank Holidays. Yes Thomas the Tank is alive and well and living in Shropshire.
6. Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre is the only outdoor weather dry ski slope in the county. It won’t leave you piste off.	1. The Wrekin is Telford’s premier natural landmark, a hill which rises 1335 feet above sea level with wonderful views, including Snowdonia on a good day.

Telford Events

Telford & Wrekin Culturefest takes place in July is a free festival of music, dance, sport and the creative arts.

Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band festival is in July at the Green at the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron – one of Telford’s finest events.

The Bridgnorth Music & Arts Festival takes place in August/September, bringing the Telford town alive with colour and culture.

November Bonfire Night and Disco at Telford’s Buckatree Hall Hotel with a Firework Display, with hot buffet and homemade toffee apples – yummy.

Park Live is an outdoor festival of rock, indie, ska and alternative music in the arena at Telford Town Park in September.

During a stay in Telford the Remembrance Day Service in November at Severn Valley Railway is a chance to join with staff and passengers and remember those who gave their lives in wartime.

The Annual Wenlock Olympian Games have been held every year since 1850, attracting top athletes from across the UK in July at a number of locations including Telford.

World Heritage Festival in September celebrates at the Ironbridge Gorge. Thousands of revellers descend on Telford for a variety of entertainments.

Telford is home to the UK Snooker Championship, held in December at the Centre.

When to Go

· Telford is in the Midlands and at the geographic heart of England and therefore has a climate which is transitional between the north and south of the country in terms of temperatures, and between Wales and the East of England in terms of rainfall.

· Mean average temperatures vary from 8°C to just over 10°C. Because of Telford’s pronounced distance from the sea its moderating effects are lacking so extremes of temperature are more possible with sharp winter frosts and exceptionally hot summer days. January mean temps are around 1°C and summer temps are about 25°C.

· Not as rainy as Wales and Ireland, but with slightly more rainfall than places in the South East, Telford sees a fair few days of showers at any time of year.

Getting There

· Telford has good road links with the M54 and the M6 joining the town to Wolverhampton and the West Midlands. London is around a 2 and a half hour drive away and Birmingham just 45 minutes’ driving distance. National Express runs regular services throughout the UK from most major UK cities into Telford Bus Station.

· Telford has connections to the mainline intercity network with links to Birmingham, Wellington and Shrewsbury. Telford Central is served by National Rail, London Midland and Virgin Trains.

· Birmingham International Airport is the closest airport – easily accessible by rail or coach with flights to a wide range of domestic and international destinations.

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