Telfords Area Guide

History and Geography

There were early settlements in the are as surrounding Telford, and urban development emerged during the 1200's in nearby towns. However, it wasn't until the1970's that Telford really took off.

The town is still growing exponentially, with lots of commercial, industrial and housing developments being constructed. By the time it was 25, the town had established its importance in the region. The Ironbridge Gorge is a famous destination in Telford. It is located at the southern boundaries. The gorge is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

Property Types & Demographics

There is a wide selection of different property types for buyers to choose from in Telford and its surrounding areas. Modern homes have been built to meet the needs of growing families, while older properties in the original hamlets and towns offer a characterful feel. Telford is merged with other pre-existing small towns, namely Wellington, Oakengates, Madeley and Dawley to make one modern conurbation, so you'll find a diverse range of properties in each area.

Schools

Telford is home to many excellent primary and secondary schools which have been rated as outstanding or good by Ofsted. There are also several popular independent schools in the local area which offer a high standard of private education for children aged between 3 and 18.

Local Attractions

Ironbridge Gorge Museum

The place where the Industrial Revolution began in the 1700s, Ironbridge Gorge is a World Heritage Site. There are no less than 10 museums here that display different aspects of the historical industry but one of the most interesting is the Museum of the Gorge which details the Gorge's history in a Gothic Revival riverside warehouse.

The Wrekin

Just 5 miles from Telford Centre. The Wrekin is a 407m peak that is perfect for keen hikers to explore. It boasts complex geology, being made up of Precambrian volcanic rock which has been found to be older than even Mount Everest. From the top of the Wrekin, you can see the hills of South Shropshire - including Caer Caradoc, the Long Mynd and beyond - as well as the River Severn snaking through the flood plain towards Ironbridge and Buildwas. 

The Iron Bridge & Toll House

The famous Iron Bridge that crosses the River Severn is well worth a visit. Opened in 1781, it was the very first bridge anywhere in the world to be made from iron. It boasts no less than 1700 individually designed components and there is also a museum in the Tollhouse where you can learn about the bridge's heritage.

Telford Town Park

Voted as the Best Park in the UK in 2015, Telford Town Park has plenty of excellent facilities. They include an aerial ropes course, 5 children's play areas, a water playground and a mini-golf course. There is also land sensory gardens and a Local Nature Reserve spanning 62 hectares.

Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom

Families will particularly enjoy a day out here where they can see animals from 5 different zones. In the African and Eurasian Adventure area, there are exotic cats, otters, lemurs, skunks and meerkats, whilst the farm zone offers the opportunity for little ones to bottle feed baby goats and lambs.

Telford Steam Railway

The Telford steam railway extends over a mile-long stretch of track which was once part of the Wellington - Craven Arms line. The railways run between 3 stations and uses a mix of steam and diesel locomotives dating back to the 1920s, there is also a miniature children's railway and a model railway to view.

Blists Hill Victorian Town

Just 10 minutes outside Telford's centre is the Blists Hill open-air museum that takes visitors back to the 1800s. Visitors can explore the Victorian townscape complete with shops and homes. They can also enjoy the bucolic countryside with its mission church, squatter cottage and toll house. Costumed characters will give you an insight into the history of the buildings and scenes depicted.

Coalport China Museum

In the 1800s, there was a boom in the ceramics industry that was met by manufactories such as Coalport China. In Coalport, china was made in the kilns which can still be visited today. Inside, visitors can find the official Caughley and Coalport china national collections and there are also ceramics painting workshops here for children.

Jackfield Tile Museum

This museum is the former HQ of one of the top ceramic tile manufacturers in the UK, Craven Dunhill. In this neo-gothic style imposing building, decorative tiles are still manufactured today but there is also a museum which teaches visitors about the tile making industry in Shropshire all the way back to the 16th century. An exhibition is devoted to the tile industry in the UK and there are floor mosaics and tile panels which can be touched.

Shopping

There is a large, contemporary shopping centre in Telford which is home to a wide variety of retailers. Having undergone a recent £200 million regeneration project, the centre boasts big name brands and independent outlets alike.

Leisure

Cinema & Theatre

Movie fans will appreciate the 11 screen Imax Cineworld cinema which is in the heart of the town centre. The Place is the local theatre venue where audiences can enjoy a variety of performances from live music and stand-up comedy to plays and musicals.

Eating Out

In Telford's modern shopping centre, you'll find a wide variety of top restaurant chains including famous names like TGI Friday's. There are also many independent eateries serving food from a variety of international cuisines as well as pubs serving hearty bar meals.

Gym & Health

Fitness fans can avail themselves of the excellent facilities that Telford gyms offer. Some including weekly classes and heated indoor swimming pools.

Golf Clubs

Telford has in excess of 5 golf courses, offering something for the complete beginner through to the seasoned professional.

Entertainment

Adults and children are sure to enjoy the local ice rink and the dry ski slope where they can practice their winter sporting skills. At Tenpin Telford there is a bowling alley along with pool, table tennis and an onsite arcade.

Upcoming Developments

In recent years, there have been a number of new-build developments springing up in and around Telford, some of which are larger family properties designed to accommodate the needs of those with children who are relocating to the area and others which are beautiful starter homes for first time buyers. There are a number of exciting new projects which include the construction of stylish and modern 2,3,4 and 5 bedroomed semi-detached and detached houses, all in great locations with some being in gorgeous countryside settings within easy reach of all the amenities and facilities that Telford has to offer.

More than 1000 affordable new homes are set to be built in Telford by The Wrekin Housing Group over the next 5 years.

Travel Connections

Telford is well linked by road and rail to the rest of the UK, as it's the only terminus of the M54 motorway and commutes to wales via the A5. Furthermore, the town boasts no less than three railway stations running services to major nearby towns and cities such as Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Birmingham and London.

Railways

West Midlands Trains travel from Telford to Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International with journey times taking less than an hour and Telford to Shrewsbury in less than half an hour.  You can get to London Euston is less than two and a half hours.

Road Links

Telford has excellent road links being located just off the M54 and is well connected to the A5 for travel into Shrewsbury and Wales. The M54 connects Shropshire to Wolverhampton and the West Midlands via the M6. 

Bus Services

Telford offers a host of reliable and regular bus services including the X5 to Stafford, the X4 to Shrewsbury and the 891 to Wolverhampton.

Airlines

Birmingham Airport is less than an hour's drive away. Heathrow and Gatwick Airport can both be reached in under three hours and Manchester Airport in less than two.