The beautiful Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire has several dedicated picnic sites with stunning views in and around the World Heritage Site to set out your hamper, packed full with some of the region’s finest local food and drink.

Choose from a riverbank setting at the Lloyds or Maws Craft Centre alongside Jackfield Tile Museum, or near the Toll House, which was built by the great industrialist Abraham Darby around 200 years ago for the original Iron Bridge over the Severn. Other great picnic spots within the World Heritage Site include Coalport Road, opposite Blists Hill Victorian Town. After sampling Shropshire’s best local produce al fresco, you can take a walk around the open air living history museum and chat to the ‘residents’ as they go about their daily life.

Many of the region’s other major attractions also provide beautifully located picnic sites. At Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury and Dudmaston Hall, Bridgnorth (both National Trust stately homes) there are picnic benches around the grounds, while at Buildwas Abbey (English Heritage) you can enjoy a woodland walk and picnic beside the ruins; there is also a children’s play area.

More rural picnic spots, many with superb panoramic views, include the 51 hectare Severn Valley Country Park at Bridgnorth which spans both sides of the River Severn; a picnic platform within sight of The Wrekin hill’s 1,335ft summit overlooking the famous Shropshire plain and at Wenlock Edge, a 16 mile escarpment between Ironbridge and Craven Arms.

Families might also like to picnic at one of the countless spots in the 450 acre Telford Town Park, home to the fairytale Wonderland attraction and where there are several dedicated children’s play areas. Or they can take a walk in the woods at Rays Farm, Bridgnorth, admire the beautiful wood carvings and set up their picnic amongst the trees.

Accommodation and Further Information
Ironbridge and Telford has a wide choice of accommodation for visitors ranging from four star hotels with dining awards to traditional country inns, farmhouses and comfy B&Bs; there are also quality camping and caravan sites and cosy cottages for those who prefer to self-cater. For further information, or to obtain a copy of the Ironbridge and Telford visitor and accommodation guide, Tel: 01952 567562 or log onto www.visitironbridge.co.uk.