Telford hotels

Set facing the sprawling 52-acre Telford Centre, the Ramada by Wyndham Telford Ironbridge is one of the best hotels in Telford for enjoying the town’s attractions. While it functions well as a business-oriented hotel (there are seminar rooms galore), this well-stocked spot is equally good for leisure. The guestrooms are spacious and provide a great base for exploring.

From the outside, it’s not hugely remarkable, but facilities like an indoor swimming pool are a nice touch – though I’d skip the on-site restaurant and take advantage of the many quality food options inside the Telford Centre (less than a 10-minute walk away). The Umami World Kitchen Buffet is my favourite for its sheer variety.

The Ramada is also under 10 minutes from Telford Central train station, offering speedy links to Birmingham and Wales.

While the Telford Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort is in a perfect location for exploring Telford’s historic southern flank, this hotel is even better if you’re looking for a relaxing game of golf. If you’re packing your clubs, the on-site 18-hole championship standard course makes this one of the best hotels in Telford for golf enthusiasts.

Inspired by the famous Augusta Masters course in the US, the hotel also boasts a putting green, driving range, pro shop and tutorial lessons. I’m no golfer, but even I know this place has some serious sporting pedigree.

There’s also a sleek spa and the hotel’s quality Restaurant 1779 – named after the nearby Iron Bridge – means there’s no need to drive anywhere for dinner. Simply relax and enjoy the fine food in Shropshire’s bucolic surroundings.

Ironbridge Gorge is one of my favourite corners of the Midlands, and it’s not just because of the famous rust-red bridge. Fringed by the River Severn (Britain’s longest river), the charming parade is a hodgepodge of quaint cafes and picturesque pubs, and it’s within this historic jumble that the Ironbridge View Townhouse lies.

One of the best hotels in Telford for experiencing Ironbridge Gorge, the multi-award-winning Ironbridge View Townhouse has fine bridge views (as you may have already gathered) and lovely interiors. Book a self-catering one-bedroom cottage and you’ll have plenty of space, making them ideal for families.

This is somewhere to slow down and appreciate the stunning scenery and rich local heritage. Don’t miss the delicious pies and pastries from Eley’s Pork Pies shop directly across from the bridge.

Southern Telford is a historic haven, while the town’s north side is a quieter affair – this is where you’ll find the picturesque Hadley Park House Hotel. With its sublime Georgian architecture, this is one of the best hotels in Telford for a romantic break. Unsurprisingly, Hadley Park House’s handsome exterior makes it particularly popular with weddings.

With its AA 4-Rosette award, the restaurant here is one of the finest in Telford and a dining experience I’d recommend ahead of any other in the region – don’t miss the generously-stacked traditional afternoon tea either.

There are few true luxury hotels in Telford, but Hadley Park boasts some rooms with four-poster beds and en-suite hot tubs. Throw in some complimentary Champagne and you’ll be happy you chose this side of Telford for a plush break.

This Grade-II listed coaching inn dates back to the 17th century, and its location on Telford’s western edge makes it perfect for exploring Shropshire’s great outdoors. Within sight of The Wrekin hill, the Old Orleton Inn is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Telford for walks and hikes, while also doubling up as a wonderfully historic spot to return to.

With some parts of the original building dating back to the 14th century, the inn’s 11 rooms are homely and cosy, with a full breakfast provided each morning downstairs. Some rooms also come with four-poster beds.

If you have a car, drive to the gorgeous Shropshire Hills. Carding Mill Valley is one of England’s most beautiful corners and my favourite spot for stargazing.

An easy-going property on Telford’s north side, Fallow Field, Telford by Marston's Inns is one of the most wallet-friendly stays in town. This no-frills English pub hotel is one of the best hotels in Telford for budget-conscious travellers.

There are 27 clean and comfortable guestrooms and the on-site restaurant offers a range of classic English pub grub. It’s also a highly affordable family accommodation option and features indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

Speaking of children, Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World is less than a 10-minute drive away and is a lovely local attraction that’ll keep kids occupied all day. I also like how close the hotel is to major roads and motorways, making for an easy, stress-free exit to continue your travel journey.

Set across from the Lloyds Head Free Bridge spanning the River Severn, the Ye Olde Robin Hood Inn is a 17th-century coaching inn that looks like a classic countryside pub. It’s in Ironbridge but despite being just a short riverside walk from the centre, it feels quite separate.

With its crooked roof, riverside setting and hearty pub food, the Ye Olde Robin Hood Inn is one of the best hotels in Telford for a classic English pub experience.

And while the Iron Bridge is the main attraction in the area, I just love sitting in the Robin Hood’s lovely beer garden on a sunny afternoon. Kicking back with a pint while enjoying wonderful views of the gorge’s rolling valley is a perfect summer’s day for me.

Nowhere in Telford is better placed for exploring the local legend known as the Wrekin. Rising over 400 metres above sea level, the hill is a hugely prominent landmark and The Huntsman of Little Wenlock is one of the best hotels in Telford for climbing its steep trails.

The Huntsman is a smart village pub offering just two double rooms and one twin room. The food in the downstairs restaurant is high quality, with menus changing seasonally and modern British cuisine cooked exceptionally well.

It’s a five-minute drive to the Wrekin Forest Glen Car Park from the hotel, while the walk is around 40 minutes. The full loop will take about two hours, but the views from the summit are spectacular and I love sinking a cold beer back at The Huntsman after an exhausting but satisfying climb.

Ironbridge Gorge isn’t short on excellent accommodation and the Best Western Valley Hotel is one of its finest spots. This handsome Grade-II-listed redbrick hotel is in a lush setting and its 44 charmingly cosy guestrooms offer idyllic views of the rolling gorge.

Something visitors often aren’t aware of is the sheer number of museums in this location, and the Best Western Valley Hotel is one of the best hotels in Telford for reaching them on foot. From the fascinating Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron to the kid-friendly Enginuity, there are 10 museums to explore (though you’ll need a car to see Blists Hill Victorian Town).

Back at the hotel, Chez Maw is an intimate fine-dining experience serving up quality modern British food, though I also enjoy wandering up the road to the Water Rat Inn which offers more traditional pub grub (especially good on a chilly winter’s evening).

If you’re a history buff, the Bridge View Guest House is the place to book. Directly facing the Iron Bridge UNESCO World Heritage Site, this homely B&B is easily one of the best hotels in Telford for enjoying this historic sight. With its custard-yellow exterior, the hotel is a distinctive spot and it’s tightly packed in among the quaint shops and tea rooms along Tontine Hill.

The guestrooms are surprisingly spacious and the welcome is warm, while the full English breakfast downstairs prepares you for a full day of exploration in this fascinating area.

​​​​​​​Though for me, the main reason to stay here is the fact you can simply open your curtains and wake up facing the Iron Bridge. It’s a beautiful sight all year round, but my favourite period is during the autumn when the gorge frames the bridge in a flurry of red, gold and orange.