IronGorge Camping

There are no special prizes for guessing how the town of Ironbridge got its name. Huddled along the banks of the River Severn and made up of a mix of Georgian houses and small independent shops, the settlement is almost entirely orientated around its central, cast-iron bridge – the first of its kind in the world and cause of much celebration in 1779 when it first opened. Not all the excitement has died away. In that strange way that the world goes round, this once modern and famously new era bridge is now celebrated for its age and history – a physical reminder of the area's rich industrial history.

The resulting town is a wellspring of museums and attractions. You can venture underground in the Tar Tunnels, peer through the galleries at the Jackfield Tile Museum or sniff at curious remedies in the Victorian Pharmacy, all infused by what has, overtime become a surprisingly excellent spot for eateries in West Shropshire. It’s a painless ten-minute walk from town to Irongorge Campsite, a secluded rural spot on the settlement’s western edge. Or at least that’s how long the walk is to the first couple of museums. To wander down to the bridge itself takes a further 20-minutes or so, ducking in and out of shops not included.

The campsite itself echoes the spirit of the town. Small, independent and welcoming, it’s a family run spot with excellent views over Wrekin Hill – a hulking natural landmark that can apparently be seen as far away as Manchester’s Beetham Tower. In total there are just 12 grassy pitches (despite the whopping 14 acres of space the smallholding affords) with a restriction to just tents giving it a thoroughly laid-back, traditional vibe. Campfires blaze in firepits crafted out of old washing machine drums and children run freely around the far end of the field. Bliss indeed. The fact that cars are banished from the camping field adds to the quiet vibe, and it's all part of the fun to wheel your kit to your pitch in one of the trolleys provided.

The notable exceptions to the tents-only rule are a pair of timber glamping pods, the first with two single beds and the second sleeping up to four, with a large double bed and two berth-style singles that act as a seating area by day. Linen and pillows are provided, though you need to bring your own duvet or sleeping bag. Together the two sturdy structures provide a cosy alternative to camping (particularly in the winter months) but still feel wonderfully connected to the rest of the site, as opposed to tucked quietly away on their own.

In all the campsite is a wonderful space for families, couples or groups, looking for that authentic campfire by night, pooh-sticks by day sort of escape. Ironbridge’s ten museums mean wet weather days will never be a problem, while the footpaths leading directly from the campsite and the proximity of the heather-strewn Shropshire Hills make it a hot spot for outdoors enthusiasts too. The only downside, of course, to such a small, well-run site is that it doesn’t take long before the “sorry, we’re full” sign is swinging from the gate post… All the more reason to snap up a booking while you’ve got the chance!