Fun Things to Do in Telford for Adults and Kids in Winter: 20 Top Activities

LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN TELFORD? YOU’RE IN THE RIGHT PLACE!

As longtime locals of nearby Wolverhampton (we lived there for 7 years) we’ve scoped out the top family-friendly activities in Telford. Trust us, Telford is an underrated gem, especially when it comes to its legacy as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Here’s our curated list of must-dos for a truly memorable day (or two) in and around Telford this winter, for both adults and kids alike.

1. Cross the Iron Bridge

The Iron Bridge is considered the granddaddy of all modern bridges. Built in 1779, this beauty is the world’s first iron bridge. It’s not just a way to cross the River Severn, it’s a symbol of our industrial heritage.

Apart from being an engineering marvel of its time, it’s got some of the best views in Telford. On a sunny day, you can’t beat a stroll across it, taking in the sights of the gorge, followed by a wander in Ironbridge town itself and some grub at one of the excellent riverside tearooms or restaurants.

Can you visit Ironbridge for free? Yes, you can! The bridge itself is free to visit and walk across, and is accessible for all visitors.

The priceless views from the bridge will make you realise why the Iron Bridge is the highlight of the Gorge, and one of the top days out from Birmingham for families.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Hodge Bower, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7JP
Opening times: 24/7

→ Related post: Shropshire’s Royal Market Towns [Insiders Guide]

2. Be an Animal Keeper at Hoo Farm

Roll your sleeves up and prepare to get stuck in as you become part of the Animal Team at popular Hoo Farm for the day!

This superb hands-on experience lasts a full day and as well as feeding hungry meerkats and bottle-feeding kid goats, you’ll also be meeting and hanging out with lemurs, skunks, foxes, owls, tortoises and more at this working farm.

Children as young as 10 can become animal keepers for the day (accompanied by a parent/guardian) and the rave reviews reflect how memorable and unique the experience is for kids and grown ups alike. Book your animal keeper experience here:

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Hoo, Hadley, Telford TF6 6DJ
Opening times: 10am-5pm daily

4. Discover Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World

Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World is the place to be for kids to meet some furry friends and prehistoric beasts all in one day. It’s not your average zoo – it’s got a dinosaur trail that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Jurassic Park!

Where else can you feed a lemur and then come face-to-face with a T-Rex? The mix of live animals and animatronic dinosaurs is brilliant.

Animal lovers of all ages will love this spot, as will any kid (or adult) who’s dino-mad. It makes a great day out for the whole family, and those looking for a day out that’s a bit different.

Another reason why families will love this place – Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World was ranked #2 on TripAdvisor for the year 2023-24!

→ Book Your Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World Tickets HERE ←

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Hoo, Hadley, Telford TF6 6DJ
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

Ironbridge Gorge Museums

A plethora of attractions awaits at the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, from the Coalport China Museum to the Jackfield Tile Museum. Buy a pass to explore them all – each offers unique local knowledge about Shropshire’s industrial heritage.

These museums are perfect for a great day out, whether you’re visiting with the whole family or looking for a more in-depth historical experience.

5. Explore Blists Hill Victorian Town

If you’ve ever fancied a trip in a time machine, this is about as close as you’ll get. Blists Hill is like stepping straight into a Victorian street. This open-air living museum offers a huge range of activities, from watching blacksmiths at work to sampling traditional sweets.

What makes Blists Hill so unique is that you can change your modern money for old Victorian coins and actually buy the actual stuff in the shops as they were over a century ago. It’s like playing shop, but for real!

It’s a fantastic attraction for the whole family and is located in the heart of the Ironbridge Valley. Don’t miss the chance to ride the vintage tram or explore the authentic shops and cottages.

Blists Hill is one our top recommended kid-friendly places to visit in Shropshire.

Location: Blists Hill (Google Maps)
Address: Legges Way, Telford, Shropshire TF7 5UD
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

Local Tip: Just outside of Telford is the quiet village of Shifnal which is worth a visit if you get the chance.

6. Visit Coalport China Museum

Reckon china’s just for posh tea parties? Think again. The Coalport China Museum shows how this delicate stuff was made right here in Shropshire, and it’s more interesting than you might think!

The museum is in the actual factory where Coalport China was made. You can see the bottle kilns where they fired the china – they’re massive!

Combine your visit with the Coalbrookdale Museum to fully appreciate the area’s industrial legacy. This attraction is perfect for a cultural trip and offers plenty of local knowledge about Shropshire’s porcelain heritage.

Those with a keen eye for beauty or an interest in craftsmanship will be in their element here. It’s surprisingly family-friendly too, with hands-on activities where they can try painting their own china.

Located: Coalport China Museum (Google Maps)
Address: High St, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7HT
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

Enjoy pottery and ceramics? Check out the rich pottery heritage of Stoke-on-Trent – once the pioneering pottery capital of the world.

7. Visit the Jackfield Tile Museum

You might think tiles are just something you put in your bathroom, but the Jackfield Tile Museum will change your mind. It’s a proper feast for the eyes, with some of the most beautiful tiles you’ve ever seen.

What’s special about it? The tiles here aren’t just pretty – they tell the story of how the Jackfield Tile Museum became world-famous for its tile-making. Plus, you can have a go at decorating your own tile!

Anyone with an interest in art or design will be in their element here. It’s a great day out for all the family too, especially for kids with the hands-on activities.

The Ironbridge Gorge Site (where Jackfield Tile Museum is located) also ranks one of our best 10 recommended day trips from Birmingham for families.

Located: Jackfield Tile Museum (Google Maps)
Address: Salthouse Rd, Telford TF8 7LJ
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

8. Explore the Museum of the Gorge

Another one of several museums that dot the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s well worth checking out, the Museum of the Gorge is housed in a grand Victorian warehouse.

Listen to the tale of how our little corner of the world became the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

The star of the show is a massive 12-metre long model of the Gorge as it was in 1796. It’s like looking at a miniature version of our town’s great-great-grandad! It’s great for history buffs and curious kids alike.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: The, 32 Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7NH
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

Local Tip: consider spending a day (or two) in the stunning countryside village of Broseley, the gateway to the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site.

9. Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron

If you’ve ever wondered how a small valley in Shropshire changed the world, the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron has the answers. It’s all about how the Industrial Revolution kicked off right here in our backyard.

What’s really exciting here is that you can see the actual furnace where iron was first smelted using coke instead of charcoal (yes – the very first time in the world this happened!). It might not be a grand show, but trust me, it changed the course of the modern world!

The museum’s visitor centre provides some truly valuable insights into the region’s pioneering past.

Personally I loved it here. Anyone interested in how things work will find this fascinating. It’s great for older kids who are into science and technology too, and a very educational trip – bonus!

Located: Coalbrookdale Museum (Google Maps)
Address: Coach Rd, Coalbrookdale, Telford TF8 7DQ
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

10. Get Hands-on at Enginuity

Now, if you’ve got kids who are always asking “how does that work?”, Enginuity is the place for them. It’s a hands-on science museum where you can actually play with the exhibits.

You can generate electricity with your own body, build an earthquake-proof tower, and even pull a 10-ton locomotive by hand!

Situated on the same site at the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Enginuity is the place for curious kids and adults who are still big kids at heart, to get practical and absorb a wealth of knowledge while having a blast of a time.

Located: Coalbrookdale Museum (Google Maps)
Address: 10 Wellington Rd, Coalbrookdale, Telford TF8 7DX
Opening times: Daily from 10am to 5pm

12. Trek The Wrekin

The Wrekin isn’t just a hill, it’s THE hill of Telford. It’s got breathtaking views across the Shropshire hills that’ll knock your socks off – on a clear day, you can see 17 counties from the top!

Apart from the views, there’s a whole bunch of folklore around The Wrekin. They say it was made by a giant dropping a shovelful of earth. Whether you believe that or not, it’s a cracking place for a walk.

Another great thing about this hill is it’s easily walkable and doesn’t require a great deal of fitness level. As one of the best free activities in the West Midlands, it’s perfect for families, dog walkers, and anyone who wants to earn their pub lunch!

Read my guide on the Wrekin that includes downloadable maps of the best trails plus top things to do in the region to make the most of your trip.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Telford TF6 5AW
Opening times: 24/7

Related post: 20 Best Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Wolverhampton

13. Relax at Telford Town Park

Don’t overlook Telford Town Park itself—a sprawling green space with everything from mini-golf, a high ropes course, and a peaceful arboretum. It’s a great place to unwind after exploring the Coalbrookdale Museum or Coalport China Museum.

The park’s visitor centre has handy guides for planning your day, and its huge range of facilities makes it ideal for the whole family. Located just off Station Road, it’s easily accessible for all visitors.

What makes Telford Town Park unique? It’s got to be the mix of natural beauty and fun activities. Where else can you feed the ducks, have a go on a zip wire, and then settle down for a nice picnic?

Be sure to read my best places to eat in Telford guide here for grub at one of the town’s finest restaurants after a busy day of activities!

Located: Telford Town Park (Google Maps)
Address: Hinkshay Rd, Telford TF3 4EP
Opening times: Daily from 9am to 5pm

Further reading: When Should You Visit the West Midlands: Weather, Seasonal Events

14. See Benthall Hall

Now, if you’re after a bit of posh, Benthall Hall is the place to go. It’s a lovely old manor house that’s been standing since the 16th century.

The gardens at this National Trust site are a right treat. They’ve got everything from formal gardens to wild meadows. And the house itself is full of quirky bits and bobs from centuries gone by.

It’s a nice quiet day out for grown-ups, but kids might enjoy the nature trails too.

Located: (Google Maps)
Address: Benthall Hall, The Avenue, Broseley, Shropshire TF12 5RX
Opening times: Sat – Wed: 12:30pm to 5:30pm (Thu – Fri closed)

More Shropshire Guides:
Guide to Wem: A Shroppie Hidden Gem
Discover Whitchurch: Shropshire’s Oldest Settlement
What to Do in Market Drayton (Guide)
Collection of Shropshire Maps [Free PDFs]

15. Watersports at Shropshire Raft Tours

Fancy seeing Ironbridge from a different angle? Hop on a raft with Shropshire Raft Tours and see the gorge from the river. It’s a cracking adventure!

What’s special about it? You get to float down the River Severn in an inflatable raft, taking in views you just can’t get from land. The guides know all sorts of interesting bits about the area too.

This activity suits anyone who likes a bit of adventure but doesn’t want anything too scary. It’s one of the best paddleboarding locations in the Midlands, and is great for families with older kids, or groups of friends looking for something slightly different to do.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Coalport Rd, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7HZ
Opening times: Daily from 9am to 9pm

→ Further reading: Dosa Hut Wolverhampton: The Midlands’ Best South Indian Food (Review)

16. Ride on the Telford Steam Railway

If you fancy a trip back to the golden age of steam, the Telford Steam Railway is just the ticket. It’s run by volunteers who are proper train enthusiasts.

Visitors get the chance to ride on a real steam train, chugging through the Shropshire countryside. They’ve even got a 1950s-style tea room at the station.

It makes for a lovely day out for families, especially for little ones who love Thomas the Tank Engine, and train buffs will be in their element here.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: The Old Loco Shed, Bridge Rd, Horsehay, Telford TF4 2NF
Opening times: Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to September

17. See the Darby Houses

Step back in time and see how the big wigs of the Industrial Revolution lived at the Darby Houses. You’ve got Dale House and Rosehill House, both lived in by generations of the Darby family.

Like other stately homes in the region, these houses are practically time capsules. They’re full of personal belongings and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, a bit like stepping into a Jane Austen novel.

It really gives you an authentic feel for what life was like back then, for the world’s first industrial capitalists. When coupled with visits to the museums, you notice the stark contrast between luxury lifestyles of the ultra-rich, and the abstract poverty of the workers they employed.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: 30 Darby Rd, Coalbrookdale, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7EW
Opening times: From 12noon on the following Sundays:
31 March, 28 April, 26 May, 30 June, 28 July, 25 August & 29 September

Further reading: Black Country Slang: (A Yam Yam’s Guide)

18. Drop by the Coracle Micropub

Now, if all this sightseeing has made you thirsty, pop into The Coracle. It’s not your average boozer – it’s a micropub, which means it’s small, friendly, and full of character.

They’ve got a great selection of real ales and ciders, many from local breweries. And it’s named after the traditional Ironbridge coracle boats, which is a nice touch.

Beer enthusiasts will love trying the different ales, in fact, the place gets rave reviews and is considered one of the top places to eat and drink in Ironbridge. It’s a great spot for a quiet pint after a day of exploring, or for a cosy evening out.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: 27 High St, Ironbridge, Telford, Shropshire TF8 7AD
Opening times: Fri – Sat: 12pm to 10:30pm, Sun – Thu: 12pm to 10pm

19. See the Ruins of Lilleshall Abbey

If you’re after a dose of history without the crowds, Lilleshall Abbey is a must-visit. These impressive ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into medieval monastic life, with Gothic arches and crumbling stonework that photographers and history buffs will adore.

Tucked away near Telford Town Park, it’s a peaceful retreat for adults who appreciate quiet exploration – so pair your visit with a stroll through the park’s lush greenery for a full day of relaxation.

The abbey is just a short trip from central Telford, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Located: Lilleshall Abbey (Google Maps)
Address: Abbey Road, Lilleshall, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9HW

20. Lose yourself at Wonderland

Last but not least, we’ve got the perfect family attraction: Wonderland. No, you haven’t fallen down a rabbit hole – it’s a theme park based on Alice in Wonderland and other fairy tales.

What’s unique about it? It’s not your typical theme park with massive roller coasters. Instead, it’s full of whimsical rides and attractions based on classic stories. The Wonderland Maze is a right laugh!

I recommend Wonderland for families with younger kids looking for something more traditional than those intense, commercial theme parks . The little ones will love the fairy tale theme, and there’s enough to keep the grown-ups entertained too.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Wonderland, Hinkshay Rd, Dark Ln, Telford city centre, Shropshire TF4 3GZ
Opening times: Sat – Sun: 11am to 4pm (Mon – Fri closed)

More Things to Do in Telford

Looking for unusual things to do in Telford for adults and kids? Beyond the well-trodden paths, the area is packed with hidden gems, from eerie underground tunnels to stunning historic ruins – perfect for grown-ups seeking something a little different.

These recommendations will help you uncover Telford’s lesser-known treasures. With so many attractions to explore, you’ll find plenty to fill a great day out in Shropshire.

Shropshire Hills

For those craving fresh air and stunning views, the Shropshire countryside around Telford is ideal. The Shropshire Hills provide endless walking trails, from the rugged Long Mynd to the mythic Stiperstones, making it a fantastic escape for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the nearby Ironbridge Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s brimming with industrial history and scenic riverside walks. The Shropshire Hills are perfect for a great day out with the whole family, offering picnic spots and breathtaking vistas.

Bantock House

History comes alive at Bantock House, an Edwardian gem with ties to the English Civil War. What’s really fascinating here is that you can see the old oak tree b the house where King Chalres I used to climb up to hide from the Parliamentarian Army!

The museum’s well-preserved interiors and rotating exhibitions make it a great spot for culture-loving adults.

Just a short trip from Telford Shopping Centre, it’s easy to combine a visit here with some retail therapy – or unwind in the house’s tranquil gardens afterward. The visitor centre offers fascinating local knowledge about the area’s heritage, making it perfect for curious visitors.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Finchfield Rd, Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ
Opening times: Sat-Sun: 11am to 4pm (closed weekdays)

Buildwas Abbey

Another set of impressive ruins, Buildwas Abbey is a Cistercian masterpiece that rivals even the grandest monastic sites. Its riverside setting adds to the atmosphere, making it a serene spot for contemplation or a scenic picnic.

While you’re exploring, pop into the visitor centre to learn more about the abbey’s fascinating past. Located in the beautiful Ironbridge Valley, it’s a perfect addition to a historical trip through Shropshire.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Much Wenlock Rd, Buildwas, Telford TF8 7BW
Opening times: 10am to 4pm daily

Telford Ice Rink

For something active and unexpected, Telford Ice Rink offers a fun twist on a classic activity. Adults can relive childhood memories on the ice or try their hand at curling during themed events.

It’s also conveniently located in the city centre near Telford Town Park, so you can warm up with a post-skate walk among the park’s seasonal blooms. The rink offers a huge range of sessions suitable for all skill levels, making it a great day out for the whole family.

Located: Telford Ice Rink (Google Maps)
Address: St Quentin Gate, Telford TF3 4JQ
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 8am to 11pm, Sat-Sun: 7am-11pm

Wenlock Priory

Steeped in Saxon history, Wenlock Priory is one of Shropshire’s most atmospheric ruins. The site’s ties to St. Milburga and its stunning cloisters make it a hit with history lovers.

Pair your visit with a trip to the Jackfield Tile Museum or the Coalport China Museum for a deeper dive into the region’s artistic heritage. The priory is located in the picturesque Ironbridge Valley, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: Bull Ring, Much Wenlock TF13 6HS
Opening times: 10am-5pm daily

The Tar Tunnels

One of Telford’s quirkiest attractions, the Tar Tunnel is a subterranean oddity where natural bitumen still seeps from the walls. The trip makes for a fascinating (if slightly eerie) experience, perfect for adults who love offbeat history.

Nearby, the Coalport China Museum and Coalbrookdale Museum offer more insights into Shropshire’s industrial past. This unique site is near to Blists Hill, making it easy to combine visits for a full day of exploring.

Location: (Google Maps)
Address: High St, Telford TF8 7HT
Opening times: Currently closed until further notice

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