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UK: Telford is a cast-iron certainty

MONUMENT: Spanning the gorge

I didn’t know too much about the place, apart from that it was not on my top 20 list of places to visit.

I knew it was a new town and is famous for its roundabouts. But what I didn’t realise was that there is a great history to the place and its surrounding Shropshire countryside.

The focal point of that history is Ironbridge Gorge, a World Heritage Site. The bridge, which spans the river Severn at Coalbrookdale, is a wonder of engineering. It was built in 1779 and was the first cast iron bridge in the world.

The powers that be in Telford have made the most of the bridge by opening 10 museums within a couple of minutes’ drive from the landmark. But toddlers and museums don’t often go together. The last thing an inquisitive 16 month old wants is to wander around displays telling you how a bridge is built.

Winner

But in Enginuity we hit upon a real winner with my daughter. It is similar to Xperiment at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, only bigger and better. It gives children a hands-on approach to learning as well as having a big section for the younger children.

Be warned, though, because the exhibit showing how rainwater ends up in your tap can leave you with a child soaked to the skin!

Less than five minutes’ drive away is the Blists Hill Victorian Town, which is exactly what it says on the tin.

It’s a rebuilt Victorian town and, as you walk down the main street you have to pinch yourself to believe you are still in the 21st century as actors in traditional costume wander around tending to their daily business.

First port of call is the Lloyd’s Bank where the manager will tell you the difference between a shilling and a farthing before exchanging your golden pound coins for their Victorian equivalent.

You can then use your baffling new currency to buy freshly-baked bread from the bakers, handmade pies from the butchers or beer from the pub.

The continual waft of smoke from the burning coal fires makes you wonder how anybody lived past the age of 20 in those days.

Passion 

There are no information boards to read. If you want to learn about Victorian times you have to ask the actors who fulfil their roles with passion. And I can recommend the butchers’ pork scratchings.

The other museums, which focus on such wide and varied things as tiles, pipes, China and tar, are well worth a visit, but not all on the same day.

Away from the Gorge, Telford has lots to do – including an ice-rink alongside the 450-acre Telford Town Park, which boasts large play areas and gardens.

And then there is Wonderland, where fairytales almost come true.

While there, you can visit Snow White’s cottage, Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, to name just a few, as you stroll through the enchanted woods.

Or try Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom – home to the world famous sheep steeplechase. That’s right, forget the Grand National, the sheep steeplechase is the biggest race of the year – however, gambling is not allowed, so you won’t get fleeced!

FACTFILE

CHRIS and his family stayed at the Park House Hotel, Shifnal, near Telford (019152 460128)

For further information or to obtain a copy of the Telford and Ironbridge Gorge visitor and accommodation guide, phone 01952 202975 or log onto the website listed below For details about The Ironbridge Gorge Museums, phone the Tourist Information Centre at Ironbridge on 01952 884 391 or visit the website listed below.

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