A Taste of Telford and Shropshire
At first glance, Telford might not spring to mind as an event destination but a recent familiarity visit proved that this 'new town' is ideally situated to enable visitors to discover Shropshire's rich cultural, historical and industrial heritage.
Our accommodation was the recently opened International Hotel. It is situated within walking distance of the superb International Centre, which is able to cater for most large conferences ands exhibition, and adjacent to the Holiday Inn, with whom it shares a range of guest facilities.
Telford International Centre
A packed three days included a Victorian themed evening at the Blists Hill Victorian Town in nearby Ironbridge. This excellent attraction offers 'something different' enabling visitors to step back in time to a period where life was hard but the simple pleasures of limited leisure time could really be enjoyed.
Apart from an excellent meal, the real highlight of the evening was being allowed full and free access to the delights of the Victorian funfair with its rides and prize stalls.
Nearby Ironbridge Gorge, the cradle of the industrial revolution, offers a wide range of museums and craft centres. Visitors can purchase a Passport enabling entry to all the attractions. It is stamped at the entrance to each venue but don't worry if you do not able to visit them all during your stay, the passport has no expiry date and allows you to visit any that you have missed next time you are in the area.
The famous Ironbridge Gorge
Other highlights of the weekend included afternoon tea at the Albright Hussey Hotel and Restaurant, just outside Shrewsbury. A listed Grade 11 country house, the present building dates back to Tudor times and was rebuilt in 1524 with the brick and stone wing added by 1560.
The present owners Franco and Vera Subbiani along with son Paul purchased the building in 1988 and have personally supervised the restoration programme making it one of the finest hotels and eating places in the area. New bedrooms and conference facilities make it an ideal place for smaller residential management and sales meetings.
Albright Hussey Hotel and Restaurant
It does not take long for the visitor to realise that Weston Park is a remarkable house surrounded by stunning grounds landscaped by 'Capability' Brown.
Ancestral home of the Earl of Bradford, it was gifted to the nation and, with the support of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, it is known in the care of the Trustees of The Weston Park Foundation.
The beauty of Weston Park is that is neither a club nor Hotel but is available, on a private hire basis, for special events such as weddings or business meetings.
In 1998 it hosted the G8 Summit and Northern Ireland Peace Talks offering the VIP attendees both a tranquil setting, privacy and yet castle-like security
The Madeley Court Hotel
The Madeley Court Hotel provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the splendour and architectural history of a medieval residence that has been skilfully transformed into a premier country house hotel. It proved an excellent venue for our gala dinner evening with wonderful food and excellent company.
Telford proved to be an ideal base from which to visit the area and the weekend provided a taste of what Shropshire is able to offer to the business and leisure visitor.
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