Out and about

Places to visit:

If you fancy adventuring a short distance away you will find a host of interesting places to visit such as:

Much Wenlock - (15 mins) the birthplace of the modern Olympic games
The Wrekin - (15 mins) one of Shropshire's best-known landmarks - and legend has it, it was built by a giant with a grudge against Shrewsbury!
Bridgnorth - (15 mins) home to England's oldest inland electric funicular railway
Shrewsbury - (30 mins) the birthplace of Charles Darwin
Ludlow - (45 mins) annual food festival held in and around the historical Ludlow Castle
Church Stretton - (45 mins) historic Market Town situated in the heart of the South Shropshire hills on the English/Welsh border known as The Marches
Long Mynd - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (50 mins) with amazing views across the county

Things to do:

Walking Guides:

Explore the Severn Gorge

The Severn Gorge Countryside Trust looks after more than half of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, caring for 289 hectares across 52 sites and maintaining more than 25 kilometres of public footpaths.

For our guests, this means a wonderful landscape just waiting to be explored. Discover peaceful woodlands, beautiful wildflower meadows, historic remains and spectacular viewpoints, linked by an extensive network of paths through the Gorge.

Best of all, you can enjoy much of this wonderful countryside on foot directly from Puddle Duck Cottages, following paths through Jackfield, Coalport and the wider Ironbridge Gorge. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, a longer day’s walk or simply heading out with the dog and seeing where the path takes you.

The Trust works to protect this unique landscape, its wildlife habitats and historic features while keeping it accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Pull on your walking boots, step out of the cottage door and start exploring.

You can discover walking trails and places to visit on the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust website.

Southwater

Within a 15 minute drive you will find Southwater which offers an abundance of things to do in the heart of Telford Town Centre. The vibrant centre is packed with exciting attractions including a state of the art library, IMAX Cinema, Ice Rink, TenPin Bowling, Mecca Bingo and Telford Town Park with its 162 hectares of green space, numerous play areas and its aerial ropes and mini golf adventure course. Southwater and its neighbours offer a lively events calendar throughout the year from a local produce market to live entertainment and music providing the perfect day out.

Eating Out Guide:

Good food, your way.

A holiday is all about doing things at your own pace. You might enjoy a leisurely evening cooking in the comfort of your cottage, but when you’d rather let someone else take care of dinner, you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, pubs, cafés and takeaways nearby to suit every taste and budget.

We’re always happy to recommend some of our favourite places, whether you’re looking for a special meal, a relaxed pub lunch or something delicious to take back to your cottage and enjoy.

The Black Swan (Jackfield) Take a leisurely stroll along the Severn Valley Way to this welcoming village pub overlooking the River Severn. Just 10 to 15 minutes from the cottages, it’s a lovely spot for a pint, a relaxed meal or simply to soak up the friendly atmosphere. Walkers and dogs are welcome, and the riverside views from the beer garden are particularly special.

The Tile Press Cafe (Jackfield) Just a five-minute stroll from the cottages, this continental-style café and courtyard at Maws Craft Centre is a lovely spot for a leisurely brunch or lunch, or simply great coffee and a slice of something delicious. Keep an eye out for their events and pop-ups too. Dogs are welcome.

The Half Moon (Jackfield) This friendly riverside pub is a lovely place to relax and watch the River Severn go by, and it's less than a 10 minute walk. Choose from traditional pub favourites, freshly made pizzas and a seasonal Sunday carvery, accompanied by a choice of three traditional cask ales served daily. The riverside terrace is a real highlight, particularly on a fine day. Family and dog friendly.

The Shakespeare Inn (Coalport) Over 200 years old, this friendly and welcoming pub is a firm favourite, just a five-minute stroll from the cottages across the Memorial Bridge. The varied menu includes English, Mediterranean and European dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list and a selection of real ales for beer lovers. Outside, there’s a large three-tiered beer garden with lovely views across the Gorge and River Severn, as well as a children’s play area. And a little word of warning: the portions are famously generous, so tackling a starter, main and pudding can be quite a challenge! Dogs are welcome on the terrace and in the beer garden during the day and evening. If you’d like to dine with your dog inside the bar, we recommend calling ahead to check availability.

The Woodbridge Inn (Coalport) A lovely riverside gastro-pub full of character, with cosy corners for a quiet drink or meal and livelier spaces when you’re feeling a little more sociable. The large, raised terrace is a real highlight, offering drinks and dining overlooking the River Severn, while the sunny garden room provides another lovely place to eat and enjoy the view. There are two pleasant walking routes from the cottages, either along the track behind us or across the Memorial Bridge and through Coalport. Dogs on leads are welcome in the bar, on the terrace and in the gardens, with complimentary dog biscuits at the bar earning an extra paws-up from us!

Elephant Crossing (Ironbridge) A great independent spot for tapas, steaks and cocktails, with a relaxed atmosphere and a fabulous terrace overlooking the Iron Bridge. It’s particularly lovely on a sunny day when you can sit outside, enjoy something to eat and drink and take in one of Ironbridge’s most famous views. Dogs are welcome both inside and out, and it’s around a 25 to 30-minute walk from the cottages.

Embers Cafe (Coalbrookdale) If you fancy venturing a little further on foot, this woodland café at the Greenwood Centre is well worth the walk. With fire at the heart of what they do, the menu features sandwiches and small plates inspired by their fires, alongside coffee, cakes and a selection of drinks from the fully licensed café. The woodland setting makes it particularly special and, at just a five-minute stroll from Ironbridge High Street, it’s an ideal place to discover while exploring Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale. Dog friendly too.

The White Hart (Ironbridge) Take a leisurely walk into Ironbridge to this historic riverside inn on The Wharfage, now home to Suree’s Kitchen and the award-winning cooking of Chef Suree Coates, Midlands Chef of the Year 2026. Suree is renowned for her fresh, authentic Thai food, combining delicate, beautifully balanced flavours with carefully sourced ingredients and homemade sauces. After many years in The White Hart courtyard, Suree’s Kitchen has now moved into the inn itself, bringing her distinctive cooking to this lovely riverside setting. Cosy, characterful and complete with an open fire, it’s a particularly tempting place to head on a cooler evening. Dog friendly and around a 25 to 30-minute walk from the cottages.

The All Nations (Madeley) 01952 585747 If you appreciate a traditional pub with plenty of character and a good pint of real ale, this one is well worth seeking out. The building retains many of its original features and fittings, giving it a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. Conveniently located near Blists Hill Victorian Town, you can expect a friendly welcome, excellent ales and freshly made cobs. For something, a little different, the black pudding and cheese toastie has quite a following with the locals! Around a 20-minute walk from the cottages.

The Hundred House (Norton) If you ask us where we like to eat, this would be our personal favourite, and we think their Sunday lunch is the best around! Everything is freshly prepared from scratch on site, with a tempting choice of starters, mains and desserts. Quality ingredients are a real priority, with plenty sourced locally or even grown in their own garden, including vegetables, herbs and fruit. Expect super-fresh ingredients, plenty of flavour and seriously good food. Family and dog friendly. 15 minute drive away.

Zengh (Broseley) A superb Indian restaurant that’s become a firm favourite with Puddle Duck Cottages guests. Eat in or order a takeaway to enjoy in the comfort of your cottage, with orders available by telephone or through their website.