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Local Area Information

Wildlife at the Cottage  


Given the riverside location and wonderful woodland that surrounds the gorge, the cottage is an ideal place to take a moment and watch the wonderful wildlife that surrounds it.  

The following can be regularly seen from the garden -  

Kingfishers – in the willow tree on the opposite river bank. Easier to see when the sun is shining as they shine in the sunlight!  
Mallards - they sometimes venture onto the garden looking for oats 
Goosanders – often travelling in groups, you can sometimes see up to 15 or more together at one time on the river, diving for their dinner 
Swans – can often be seen on the river, we have even had a black swan once. Can be protective so please do not get too close to them  
Grey Herons – can usually be seen close to the rivers edge looking for fish  
Otters – often heard rather than seen at night time  
Longtailed Tits  - usually travel in groups and can be seen in the Willow trees 
Blue Tits  - there are some nesting in the birdboxes above the bedroom windows 
Blackbirds  - their lovely song can be heard around the gorge  
Bullfinches  - they love feasting on the teasel seeds in the garden but can be hard to spot! 

If you spot any or get any pictures, please do let us know!  

Local Pubs & Restaurants

There are many lovely establishments within walking distance of the cottage and some are highlighted below –   

  • The Black Swan, Jackfield – 2-minute walk - 01952 882 471 - Dog friendly pub with a beer garden overlooking the River Severn serving food and drinks. Booking is advisable for tables inside.   
  • Ye Olde Robin Hood – 4-minute walk – 01952 433 071 - Serving food and drinks, overlooks the River Severn with outdoor seating and a large car park.  
  • The Half Moon, Jackfield – 11-minute walk - 01952 884 443 - Large terrace and beer garden on the edge of the River Severn  
  • The Golden Ball, Ironbridge – 10-minute walk (uphill) – 01952 432 179 serving food and drink and dog friendly, they even serve a Sunday lunch for dogs!  
  • The Coracle Micropub, Ironbridge – 15-minute walk -  01952 432 664 - microbrewery with a great selection of drinks on offer  
  • The Boat Inn, Jackfield – 15-20 minute walk – serving drinks only but do have music / acoustic nights and various events on. Garden and seating overlooking the river  
  • The Brewery Inn, Coalport  – 30-minute walk - 01952 581 225 - serving food and drink with views over the river, open for breakfast lunch and dinner but always best to call ahead as hours can vary and it does get busy  
  • The White Hart, Ironbridge – 15–20-minute walk - 01952 432 901 - serving both food and drink, with occasional evening tasting menus. Simpler lunchtime menu on offer as well  
  • Suree's Kitchen, Ironbridge – 15–20-minute walk - 01952 432 964 - Thai restaurant in Ironbridge open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Small but lovely and booking in advance is required.  
  • The Shakespeare Inn, Coalport – 30 minute walk - 01952 580 675 - serving food and drink with huge portions, their sizzling dishes are a favourite 
  • The Woodbridge Inn, Coalport  – 35/40 minute walk – 01952 882 054 Brunning and price pub, serving food and drink with a lovely outside area

The above is just a selection and further pubs and restaurants can be found on websites such as trip advisor  

There are also loads of cafés in an easy walk from the cottage which are open during the day time. Some of these are listed below and further details can be found online or by calling the venues directly - 

Tile Press at the Maws, Jackfield – 15-minute walk - 01952 883 190 
Darbys of Ironbridge, Ironbridge – 15-minute walk – 01952 433 060 
Truffles Cafe, Ironbridge - 15-minute walk – 01952 433 993 
Dale End Café, Ironbridge – 25-minute walk – 01952 872 650

Local Attractions and Things To Do  

Ironbridge is only a 15 minute walk from the Cottage and aside from the famous bridge, the local area provides 10 award winning museum sites including the popular Blists Hill Victorian Town, Jackfield Tile Museum, Enginuity, The Tar Tunnel and Coalport Tile Museum. 

You can also visit Ironbridge Antique Centre, Ironbridge Fine Arts and Merrythought, who have been making handmade teddy bears since the 1930’s 

Maws Craft Centre in Jackfield is just a 15 minute walk away and includes lots of independent and artisan shops and craft makers. Well worth a visit.  

National Trust Properties nearby include Benthall Hall located in Broseley and Sunnycroft a bit further afield in Wellington 

English Heritage properties include Buildwas Abbey, Much Wenlock Priory and Lilleshall abbey.  

There are loads of walking trails and cycle routes locally, some of which take you all the way to Bridgnorth.  

The Severn Gorge Countryside Trust manage over 260 hectares of local land, including over 25 kilometres of footpaths.  All of their land is open to the public 365 days a year and its worth visiting their website to find out more.  

Telford Town Centre & Southwater are around a 15 minute drive away, and offers a shopping centre, cinema, various chain restaurants, bowling alley and ice rink if you are looking for something indoors on a rainy day