We know we might be biased, but there’s no denying that Shropshire is one of the most beautiful counties around. From the rolling Shropshire Hills and heritage sites to fantastic eateries and theatres, there’s something exciting to discover at every turn.
If you’re thinking of moving to the area, read on to find out about our 5 favourite places in Shropshire and where we like to eat while we’re there. All within a half-hour drive of Telford, that gives you 10 great reasons why this is such a fantastic place to live. The hard part is deciding where to go in Shropshire first.
Top of the list of our favourite places in Shropshire is Blists Hill Victorian Town, a living museum that transports you back in time to experience what life was like in the Victorian era. After entering, head to the bank and exchange your money into shillings, pennies and farthings ready to do your shopping at the bakery, candle shop and local pub.
As you walk around exploring the pharmacy, blacksmiths and cycle shops, actors and actresses bring the whole place to life. Staying in character the whole time, they interact with you directly, offering demonstrations and answering any questions about their era.
Throughout the year, they also have seasonal events including Halloween with fireworks and Christmas with carol singing. The whole town is transformed with decorations, getting everyone into the spirit of the holidays.
As you walk around, make sure to stop by The Fried Fish Dealer for some traditional fish and chips. Cooked in beef dripping, this little chip shop has a big reputation for serving some of the best fish and chips in Shropshire! You can also get some pasties and pies from the butchers, freshly baked bread from the bakery, or sweet treats from the sweetshop.
If you prefer somewhere to sit down, there are several refreshment stops throughout the living museum grounds. There’s also the New Inn Public House where you can enjoy some live piano sing-alongs with a refreshing pint. You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat in Telford and Shropshire pubs.
When it comes to our favourite places in Shropshire, the Iron Bridge is very high on our list. A magnificent structure and a symbol of the industrial revolution, this was the world’s first cast-iron bridge and the first location in the UK to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1779 across the River Severn, it became a world-famous icon that played a key role in inspiring the use of iron as a structural material.
Today, you can walk across this beautiful piece of history and take in the stunning views over the River Severn Valley. The original Tollhouse also stands proudly next to the bridge and is now used as a museum. Head inside to learn more about this influential structure, as well as the history of coal mining and pottery that the Coalbrookdale area became known for.
Once you’ve soaked up the history and stunning views, take a walk around the quaint town of Ironbridge itself, named after the bridge that made it famous. If the sun is shining, you might even fancy hiring a canoe nearby to get a whole new perspective of the bridge from the river. On colder days, head over to the Museum of the Gorge located in a stunning 1800’s property where you can learn more about the local history. As far as Shropshire destinations go, this is a big favourite.
This picturesque village is filled with quaint places to eat and drink, but our personal favourite has to be The Malthouse. Just a short walk up from the bridge and over the road from the Museum of the Gorge, this historic pub was established in 1854.
Playing live music at the weekend, their menu serves up an eclectic mix of world street food and British gastronomy. An ideal place to eat in Telford, with a wide selection of tapas, small plates, mains, steaks and side dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re looking for a staycation, then they also have a selection of comfortable rooms for you to stay in upstairs.
If the British weather takes a turn for the worse (or even if the sun is shining on a cold, crisp morning), head east of Telford to the RAF Museum in Cosford. Walking around the wartime hangars, you’ll find a large display of aircrafts and exhibits with no shortage of things to see and learn about the planes, helicopters and tanks.
If you prefer a guided tour, then you can book an experience tour for either the National Cold War exhibit or their War in the Air tour. This allows you to get up close and personal with the crafts, learning more about their stories and the roles they have played throughout history. There are also several VR experiences that allow you to fly as part of the Red Arrows, become the pilot of a Spitfire, or fly in a typhoon.
As well as being a fantastic museum, they also hold an annual RAF Cosford Air Show which attracts thousands of visitors of all ages. The flying display is a real sight to see, and there’s also a children’s funfair and Sunday market to explore. Cosford Royal Air Force Museum gets our vote as one of the top places in Shropshire to visit, free entry and fun for the whole family.
You can either enjoy a bite to eat at the museum’s cafe, or take a short 5-minute drive into Albrighton where you’ll find the Shrewsbury Arms. Recommended by the Restaurant Guru 2020, this stunning timber-frame building not only has a delicious 3-course menu and a fantastic Sunday lunch, but they also serve some excellent cocktails, ales and beers.
Another of our top favourite places in Shropshire is Shrewsbury Prison, which was built in 1793 and housed thousands of criminals for over 200 years. Today, its doors have been opened to the public by Jailhouse Tours for daily guided tours.
Believed to be one of Britain’s most haunted jails, they also host evening ghost tours and paranormal investigations. If you’re feeling brave, you can even stay the night and spend 12 hours behind bars.
If the paranormal side of things isn’t your cup of tea, then why not get the whole family involved in one of their cell escape rooms? There’s also axe throwing, archery and laser games, giving you plenty of ideas for days out with family and friends.
If you’re craving freedom and don’t fancy eating dinner behind bars at the prison, we recommend The Armoury which is just a 10-minute walk away. This beautiful exposed brick and book-lined pub is perfect for all the family and even welcomes your four-legged friends, and if the sun is shining, their outdoor seating area overlooks the River Severn. The menu features both light snacks and three-course meals, so you’ll always find something no matter what you fancy.
This stunning countryside estate features a late-Georgian mansion with deer-filled fields and beautiful woodland walks, making it another firm favourite of our Shropshire destinations. Owned by the National Trust, your journey starts in the Stables Courtyard where you can find the gift shop, cafe and some historic stalls to explore.
Next head to the stunning mansion which features some impressive stone pillars to create an incredibly grand entrance that overlooks the estate grounds. Inside, you can discover what life would have been like throughout the years, taking in some of the most stunning interior designs. The recently restored orangery is a treat in itself.
Once you’ve taken in all the stunning details, head back outside to explore the grounds. Over in the Walled Garden, you’ll find an orchard and a beehive featuring a clear pane to watch them work. Then you can choose between the Mile Walk, Deer Park Walk, Woodland Walk or World War II Walk, each exploring different parts of the estate but all looping back to the mansion.
Personally though, the deer are the highlight of Attingham Park! They are wild animals so you must stay on the path and not approach them, but they generally like to roam the field just over the Deer Park Bridge. Whichever walking route you choose, this is where they all meet giving you ample opportunity to watch them from a safe distance. In winter, the park rangers feed the deer daily, so make sure to check the times if you want to see them even closer.
Just across the road from Attingham Park, you’ll find this welcoming family-owned coaching inn which sits along the banks of the River Severn. Awarded 4 AA stars as well as an AA rosette, their seasonal menus are served all day using fresh produce and are sure to excite gourmets from all over.
This restored grade II listed building has a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that instantly makes you feel welcomed. If you want to make a short break out of your visit, their rooms all come with magnificent views of either the river, Attingham Park or the hotel grounds.
If you’re looking at moving to the area and want to find out more about places in Shropshire, our friendly team would be delighted to share even more of our favourite places to visit. There’s no shortage of things to do in this beautiful part of the UK, and as Telford’s best rated estate agent, we can offer expert insights into the local area. Get in touch to learn more about life in Shropshire.
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