The Best Hotels to Book In and Around Ironbridge

Get a taste of country life at this smart 17th-century property, set on the outskirts of the market town of Shifnal and 15 minutes from Ironbridge. The hotel offers 54 well-appointed bedrooms, or you can upgrade your stay with one of the three suites which feature double jacuzzi baths. Communal areas include a fine-dining restaurant, playing on the regal country theme, and a leisure club complete with a swimming pool and hot tub.

As the name indicates, this self-catering holiday home will bag you prime views of the famed Iron Bridge. The dinky redbrick property has a warm and cosy feel, but has modern fixtures and fittings. Along with a large bedroom with a king-sized bed and ensuite, there’s a lounge and a fully-equipped kitchen. Although it’s not a hotel, the hosts here get top marks, as a range of provisions await you on arrival, including fresh milk in the fridge, biscuits, and bubble bath and shower gel in the bathroom.

Despite its historic guise, this 18th-century malthouse has a thoroughly modern feel inside; think food served on slate boards, craft beers and cowhide-patterned bed throws. The ground floor restaurant serves up American-inspired dishes: Instagrammable burgers, creamy crayfish macaroni cheese and classic hot dogs. A particular highlight is the salted caramel and pretzel brownie accompanied by honeycomb ice cream. After having your fill, roll into bed in one of the individually decorated rooms, which feature the original wooden beams and river views.

Park yourself close to the Iron Bridge at this former 17th-century coaching inn, which also once served as an antiques shop. Today the inn offers a spacious beer garden and a delightful indoor space, with the original beamed ceilings and slightly wonky walls. On the accommodation front, there are three homely ensuite rooms; two have river views. Along with the friendly service, there are delicious cooked breakfasts, with a vegetarian option available.

Nestled on the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Ironbridge Gorge, this delightful pub puts you in the heart of the action. The picture-perfect property dates back more than 200 years, and while it has been upgraded over the centuries, many of the original features remain. A wood-burning fire takes centre stage in the pub area, complete with a wood-beamed mantle. Come summer, the expansive garden here is a real treat, especially for children. Upstairs, there are four guest bedrooms finished with pine furnishings and neutral tones.

Feel right at home in this characterful three-bedroom property, with stellar views of the Ironbridge Gorge. The guesthouse is part of a large Victorian mansion; Captain Webb, the first man to swim the English Channel, was once one of the residents. All the rooms are ensuite, with light and sunny interiors. Further reasons to visit include the convivial hosts and the cooked breakfast, which is included in the price.

Step back in time to the Georgian era at this pint-sized property in the heart of historic Ironbridge. The beautifully restored bed and breakfast has three bedrooms, which combine modern and antique-style furnishings. One of the standout spaces is the sitting room, which features the original library shelving, a fireplace and the meditative sound of antique clocks ticking. But the pièce de résistance is the garden, which catches the sun from the late morning right through to sunset.

Opt for a little Edwardian refinement at this B&B on the outskirts of Telford, just over 10 minutes from Ironbridge by car. The property prides itself on serving up a “real Shropshire breakfast”: locally sourced sausages and bacon, a hash brown, pan-fried mushrooms, tomatoes and an egg, which can be fried, poached or scrambled. There are four individually decorated bedrooms, with views over the garden and countryside beyond.