Shifnal: Discover Shropshire’s Sleepy Market Town (Complete Guide)

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN SHIFNAL SHROPSHIRE? YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

Having spent many years living in Wolverhampton, I found nearby Shifnal a perfect spot to escape the city hustle and bustle. Shifnal was one of my fave haunts to enjoy nature and offbeat countryside village vibes while I was a Wolves local.

Tucked away in the east of Shropshire lies the unassuming little market town of Shifnal. Often overlooked yet charming, Shifnal has a wealth of history dating back to the Domesday Book. On arrival you’re immediately met with warm vibes and picturesque sights. 

From my experience as a Midlands local, I’ve scoped out the best things to see and do in Shifnal and the surrounding area, with background info, fun facts, and a brief history.

Top 10 Things to See and Do around Shifnal

Below are my best recommendations on what to do in Shifnal and the local region. For a fulfilling experience I’d recommend at least two days to get a feel of the town as well as the nearby famous landmarks.

1. Stroll through Shifnal Town Centre

No visit to Shifnal is complete without strolling through the town centre, admiring the Tudor buildings and browsing the independent shops lining the streets. 

From quirky boutiques to award-winning butchers, there’s a superb range of local shops to pop into, as well as plenty of traditional English country pubs and tearooms to stop by for a brew.

My favourite thing to do here is rummage through the charity shops and snag some great-quality clothing for myself or my little one for an absolute bargain.

Who It’s For: Anyone who loves exploring independent stores, finding unique gifts, charity shops, and shopping local. 

Shifnal Town Centre (Google Maps)
Location: Bradford Street in town centre
Opening Hours: Shops generally 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, Country Market Saturdays 9am-12pm

2. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World

Get up close with around 100 species of animals including wolves, lynx, meerkats and capybara at the Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World just southwest of Shifnal, in Telford.

You’ll also get to experience 45 of the UK’s most realistic animatronic dinosaurs and ice age beasts as well as taking part in 15 talks and activities designed to get you focused and discovering more about the animals.

Hoo Zoo was voted #2 Best Zoo on TripAdvisor in 2023-24 with a fantastic, family-run vibe and hands on approach that doesn’t feel like those large commercial zoos.

Key Highlight: You can get remarkably close and personal with animals like meerkats, snakes, and creepy crawlies through supervised encounters and handling sessions. 

Who It’s For: Families and children, animal lovers, those seeking a unique zoo experience 

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World (Google Maps)
Location: Hoo, Hadley, Telford TF6 6DJ
Opening Hours: 11am-4pm daily
Admission: Adult: £8, Child (2-16yrs): £7 Book your tickets HERE:

3. Enjoy Quintessential Afternoon Tea at Haughton Hall

Indulge in a truly British tradition with a Deluxe Afternoon Tea for Two at the magnificent Haughton Hall Hotel. This elegant country house hotel provides the perfect setting for a luxurious and relaxing afternoon, just a stone’s throw from the centre of Shifnal.

Served in a beautiful, period-style setting, you can expect a spread of freshly cut finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting array of handmade cakes and pastries.

All of this is accompanied by your choice of fine leaf teas or coffee, making it an ideal treat for a special occasion, a leisurely catch-up with friends, or a romantic afternoon out.

Why Book This?

✅ The epitome of elegance
✅ A chance to experience the grandeur of a historic country house hotel
✅ Perfect for a special celebration, a sophisticated mother-daughter outing, or a romantic date

>> Get 10% off when you book using the link above <<

Haughton Hall Hotel (Google Maps)
Location: Haughton Ln, Shifnal TF11 8HG
Admission: £44 for 2 adults. Get 10% off when you book online in advance HERE:

5. RAF Museum Shifnal and Cold War Exhibition

For aviation enthusiasts, the RAF Museum at Cosford is a must. In addition to an impressive collection of aircraft, the museum hosts an acclaimed Cold War exhibition packed with fascinating insights into this tense period of history.

The museum makes for an educational and enjoyable day out for kids, adults, and all the family. Billy’s fave highlight was seeing the world’s first vertical take-off jet – the Harrier jet, on display right here.

Another reason you should give this museum a visit is that it’s one of the top free attractions in the West Midlands (although the exhibitions require an entry fee), and one of the best Shropshire attractions for families.

Key Highlight: Get up close to amazing aircraft like the Avro Vulcan bomber and experimental jets. The fascinating interactive Cold War exhibit is a must, putting you inside an eerie period bunker. 

Who It’s For: Military history enthusiasts, especially of WWII and the Cold War eras

RAF Museum Shifnal (Cosford) (Google Maps)
Location: Lysander Ave, Cosford, Shifnal TF11 8UP
Opening Hours: March-Oct: 10am-5pm daily (grounds open 9:30 am), Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun 10am-3:30pm daily
Admission: Free

★ Pro Tip: The RAF Museum is free to enter, but paying a bit extra for one of the guided tours like the Cold War Exhibition is well worth it to get the inside scoop and stories from the knowledgeable guides.

6. Discover Blists Hill Victorian Town

Transport yourself back to the 19th century at Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of Shropshire’s top attractions. This incredible open-air, living museum allows visitors to experience life as it was during the Industrial Revolution, with costumed characters bringing the streets and buildings to life.

We loved it here as everything was painstakingly restored and preserved – from the shops, pubs and cobbled streets, to the horse-drawn carriages, factories, and even the small things like steam billowing from the steam engines, authentic sweets in the shops, and old-fashioned medical tools at the doctor’s surgery! 

Though similar to the Black Country Museum, we found Blists Hill to be larger and an actual, authentic town where time stood still, whereas the Black Country Living Museum was opened near a former mining pit, long after the Victorian era.

Key Highlight: This incredibly atmospheric open-air museum has costumed residents going about their daily lives, from the squire’s family to blacksmiths and bakers. It’s like being on a movie set. 

Who It’s For: Families, school groups, anyone with an interest in living history.

Blists Hill Victorian Town (Google Maps)
Location: Legges Way, Telford TF7 5UD
Opening Hours: March-Oct: 10am-5pm daily (grounds open 9:30 am), Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun 10am-4pm daily
Admission: Adults £26.50

★ Money-Saving Tip: If visiting multiple Ironbridge Gorge Museums over a few days, it’s cheaper to purchase the Ironbridge Annual Passport ticket rather than paying individually.

8. Visit Jackfield Tile Museum

Discover the industrial heritage of decorative tile making at Jackfield Tile Museum, housed in an atmospheric Victorian tile factory. Admire the intricate craftsmanship while learning about this significant local industry.

We rather enjoyed this place because we’ve been to tile museums in our local Stoke-on-Trent and were fascinated to find that tile-making was a world-leading business here with global exports from all over the Midlands.

Key Highlight: You can see decorative tile making in action at the working tilemakers’ gallery, and even have a go at it yourself. 

Who It’s For: Craft enthusiasts, industrial heritage fans 

Jackfield Tile Museum (Google Maps)
Location: Salthouse Rd, Telford TF8 7LJ
Opening Hours: March-Oct: 10am-5pm daily (grounds open 9:30 am), Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun 10:30am-3:30pm daily
Admission: (Single Pass) Adults £11.50, Child £7

→ Further reading: 23 Best Summertime Things to Do in Birmingham with Kids

9. Coalport China Museum and Tar Tunnel

Another highlight for those interested in industrial history is the Coalport China Museum, where you can see examples of the fine china created here and learn about its production methods. Brave visitors can also explore the underground Tar Tunnel attraction.

The factory is located in a very picturesque setting in the valleys and it was nice to see large, looming brick bottle-kilns here, something we’d only previously seen in the pottery towns of Stoke.

Key Highlight: As well as the Museum’s impressive ceramic collection, you can take an underground boat trip through the eerie Tar Tunnel, used for transporting materials. 

Who It’s For: Those interested in craftsmanship and industrial history 

Coalport China Museum and Tar Tunnel (Google Maps)
Location: High St, Telford TF8 7HT
Opening Hours: March-Oct: 10am-5pm daily (grounds open 9:30 am), Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun 10:30am-3:30pm daily
Admission: (Single Pass) Adults £11.50, Child £7

★ Rainy Day Hack: If the weather is dreary, head indoors to the Coalport China Museum and take a ceramics painting class to create your own souvenir.

10. The Iron Bridge and Museum of the Gorge

Now we arrive at Shropshire’s most famous landmark: the world’s first-ever cast-iron bridge, aptly named, the Iron Bridge. No trip to this region would be complete without crossing this iconic bridge, a true marvel of engineering erected over the River Severn in 1779 and publicly opened in 1781. 

Walking over the bridge gave us a sense of awe and admiration, not only of the stunning gorge and the picture-stamp Ironbridge village set within the hill across the bridge, but also knowing that the world’s elite and members of royalty flocked here almost 250 years ago to witness this incredible phenomenon, the only one of its kind in the world at the time.

Indeed, on arrival the bridge was packed with foreign tourists taking selfies and shooting video reels while elderly locals watched on as they sipped tea from al fresco cafes across the road.

Just a few minutes walk up the road you’ll find The Museum of the Gorge which provides a complete context on the area’s industrial heritage and its global importance as ground zero of the spark that set off the Industrial Revolution.

Key Highlight: Seeing the iconic Iron Bridge in person is breathtaking – it was the first iron-cast bridge in the world. The museum brings the iconic Victorian industrial story to life. 

Who It’s For: Engineering/industrial heritage buffs, architecture fans 

The Iron Bridge (Google Maps)
Museum of The Gorge (Google Maps)
Location: The Iron Bridge: Hodge Bower, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7JP, Museum of The Gorge: The, 32 Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7NH
Opening Hours (Museum of The Gorge): March-Oct: 10am-5pm daily, Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun 10am-4pm daily
Admission: Free

→ Popular post: Staffordshire’s Historic Market Towns (Insider’s Guide)

11. Hop aboard the Telford Steam Railway

All aboard! Take a nostalgic journey through time on the Telford Steam Railway, hauled by lovingly restored steam and diesel locomotives. It makes for a delightful experience for families and trainspotters alike.

Another reason you go here is that Telford Steam Railway ranks as one of the best attractions for kids and adults in Telford.

Key Highlight: Riding in the heritage steam train carriages pulled by mighty locomotives is a wonderfully nostalgic experience. The guides are enthusiastic and add insight and to the journey. 

Who It’s For: Railway enthusiasts, families, nostalgia lovers.

Telford Steam Railway (Google Maps)
Location: The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Rd, Horsehay, Telford TF4 2NF
Opening Hours: Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 10:30am-4:30pm (closed Mon-Sat), from Easter until end of September
Admission: Adult: £10, Child (2-16yrs): £7

→Further reading: Dosa Hut Wolverhampton: Best South Indian Food in the Midlands (Review)

12. Explore Lilleshall Abbey

The romantic ruins of Lilleshall Abbey, a 12th-century Augustine monastic house, provide a tranquil spot for a picnic and some contemplation amid lovely garden grounds, it’s a perfect spot to wind down after a busy day of activities.

We stumbled upon Lilleshall Abbey by accident, and were particularly impressed by the stunning shadows and colours on the ruins and the grass during golden hour. Definitely one not to miss when visiting Shifnal.

Key Highlight: The peaceful abbey ruins and serene gardens provide a beautiful setting for a picnic or just soaking in the history and atmosphere.

Who It’s For: Those wanting a relaxing outdoor excursion surrounded by historic architecture 

Lilleshall Abbey (Google Maps)
Location: Abbey Road, Lilleshall, Newport TF10 9HW
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm daily
Admission: Free

★ Hidden Gem: Take a short drive outside Shifnal to the village of Tong and visit the magnificent Tong Church, dubbed the “Westminster Abbey of Shropshire” for its architectural splendour.

→ More Shropshire Guides:

Market Drayton (Complete Guide)
Whitchurch, Shropshire’s Oldest Town (Guide)
Shifnal: Shropshire’s Lesser-Known Town
Discover Wem: A Shropshire Hidden Gem
Broseley Guide: Discover the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO Site

10 Best Independent Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes in Shifnal

Shifnal punches well above its weight when it comes to independent eateries and drinkeries. Here are 10 highly rated local favourites to seek out:

→ Read also: Our Guide to Telford’s Top Restaurants

Accommodation: My Top Picks

My top recommendation for low-budget accommodation is the highly-rated The Anvil Lodge, situated right in Shifnal town centre.

For a midrange budget I highly recommend Haughton Hall Hotel on the Haughton grounds, which is also close to the M54, it’s slightly more per night than Anvil Lodge but offers an array of amenities including indoor pool, spa, sauna, fitness room, massage, and more.

For those looking to push the boat out, my pick would be the exceptional Holly Cottage an entire holiday home close to Telford.

Other Places of Interest in the Region:

The Wrekin

Consider taking a scenic walk or cycle to the summit of Shropshire’s highest peak: The Wrekin.

A relatively easy walk and suitable for most people, The Wrekin offers stunning panoramic views of the Shropshire Hills AONB to the south, and the most incredible scenery during sunrise and sunset. Read my full guide on The Wrekin here.

Wroxeter Roman City

Slightly further west past The Wrekin just before Shrewsbury is the ancient Roman city of Wroxeter – an entire city of ruins preserved for more than two thousand years.

Wolverhampton

Explore the underrated city of Wolverhampton and its hidden gems like Himley Hall, Bantock House, and West Park, learn about the legendary Wolves FC at the Molineux Stadium, get hands-on at Bilston Crafts and Art Gallery, and savour some of the diverse culinary joints in town.

A Brief History of Shifnal

The origins of Shifnal date back well over a millennium, thought to be known as the place called “Scuffanhalch”, though unusually the town’s name has alternated through the centuries between Shifnal and Idsall (said to have Roman origins).

Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, Shifnal grew over the centuries as a rural agricultural community and market town.

Key events shaping Shifnal’s history include the construction of its medieval church in the 12th century, the English Civil War Battle of Worcester which touched the area in 1651, and the arrival of the railway in the 19th century which brought industries like iron casting and edge tool manufacturing to the town.

While Shifnal today maintains a peaceful, semi-rural character, the growth of the nearby city of Telford has seen its population increase over recent decades as a commuter town.

Its proximity to natural beauty like the Shropshire Hills also makes it a popular home base for exploring the county’s scenic countryside.

Interesting Facts about Shifnal

✪ Shifnal is a market town and civil parish in Shropshire, England, situated 4 miles (6km) east of Telford, 17 miles (27km) east of the county capital of Shrewsbury, and 13 miles (20km) north-west of the city of Wolverhampton. It sits close to the border of Staffordshire and is next to the M54 motorway (Junction 4).

✪ The oldest part of the town is reputedly the area surrounding St. Andrew’s Church, Church Street, and Innage Road where excavations have turned up evidence of ancient buildings.

✪ In 1245 Walter de Dunstanville, lord of the manor, applied to King Henry III for a market charter for the town, which he was granted. Walter then laid out a large market street on Broadway, Bradford Street, Market Place and Park Street, for the markets.

✪ In the late 16th century Shifnal has something of an early industrial revolution with the construction of a charcoal-fired blast furnace near the Manor House.

✪ Charles Dickens, whose grandmother was reputedly employed at nearby Tong Castle, regularly visited Shifnal on several occasions and many believe that the buildings in his novel: The Old Curiosity Shop, were based on those in the town.

✪ The Shifnal Bank Fraud was one of the biggest bank frauds in Victorian Britain that took place in Shifnal when a director and staff stole £244,000 (equivalent to £16million in 2024). Alongside the ‘insider jobs’ there were allegations of blackmail, cover-ups, and fraudsters being helped to escape.

✪ Local resident William Kenyon-Slaney (1847-1908), a footballer, cricketer, soldier and politician, is famous for being the first person to ever score in an international football match.

✪ On 6th May 1991 the town’s branch of Barclays bank was targeted by robbers who drilled into the strongroom and escaped with £50,000 (equivalent to £134,500 in 2024).

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