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The Library House - Ironbridge

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Comfy, cosy B&B in the midst of British history

It’s not often that you get to stay in the midst of real history, but this beautiful B&B in the famous Ironbridge Gorge is positively oozing with the stuff. Sitting just 60 metres from the world’s first ever cast-iron bridge and one of the great symbols of the Industrial Revolution, The Library House is a Georgian townhouse that adds a light and gentile airiness to the whole proceedings.

Three cosy double bedrooms have been furnished in keeping with The Library House’s heritage, albeit with the luxury touches you would expect from a modern-day boutique guest house. Neutral colours mix with antique furniture, high ceilings and huge sash windows, with great views over the gardens and churchyard beyond. Shiny en-suite bathrooms, with black slate floors and flat-screen tellies with DVD players, make sure this paragon of Georgian elegance isn’t stuck in the past. Downstairs, the guest sitting room and breakfast room are equally fresh and airy, with more collectibles to covet and plenty of comfy chairs and book supplies to ride out any rainy or lazy days. The award-winning breakfast itself is stunning – healthy, varied and vibrant, with fresh fruits, homemade muffins and the Full English made with local ingredients.

With one of the key sites in this country’s history on your doorstep, you can’t help but wallow in the very British-ness of it all.

Where is it?

Ironbridge in Shropshire is one of the most important landmarks in British history, advertising itself as ‘the birthplace of industry’. Sitting at the bottom of the picturesque Ironbridge Gorge, the small town centres around the bridge itself – a huge, dark Meccano-esque structure rising out of the woodland on either side to cross the River Servern and tower above the buildings below. Opened in 1781 as a desperately-needed way to transport goods across the river and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it became a popular tourist attraction in the nineteenth century, and the town grew up around it as a result. School history lessons may have put you off knowing anything about the Industrial Revolution, but even the least history-minded can’t help but be impressed by the drama of the bridge in such a tranquil setting. There are, of course, plenty of museums and even a working Victorian Town crammed into Ironbridge. Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk for the full round-up. Ironbridge itself is a pretty little place, with pubs, restaurants, gift shops and craft markets clustered in the shadow of the gorge. Walkers and Cyclists will be in their element as paths and trails wind their way up and down the banks of the Severn, with the 210-mile Severn Way passing right past the town. A lovely place to aim for is Buildwas Abbey (www.english-heritage.org.uk Tel: 01952 433274), an impressive and beautiful ruined Cistercian Abbey, two miles along the river from Ironbridge.

If the gorge becomes oppressive, Ironbridge is perfectly placed as a base to explore the rest of stunning Shropshire. Miles and miles of rolling hills, pretty villages and country roads. The pretty market town of Much Wenlock is 15 minutes’ drive from Ironbridge, and a lovely place to waste a day away. Famous as the birthplace of the modern Olympics (don’t ask…), the 700-year-old town’s winding streets, half-timbered buildings, priory and countless little shops and cafes are surprisingly off the beaten track, and all the more charming for it. Friendly Wenlock Books (www.wenlockbooks.co.uk Tel: 01952 727877), named as Independent Bookseller of the Year, is a :particularly perfect place to potter.

Alternatively, you could drive 20 minutes south of Ironbridge to the higgledy-piggledy Severn-side town of Bridgnorth, where the high town and low town are connected by a nostalgic cliff railway (www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk Tel: 01746 762052). From Bridgnorth you can join the famous Severn Valley Railway (www.svr.co.uk Tel: 01299 403816), an Agatha Christie-esque steam railway that will bring a spot of old-fashioned romance to your weekend away.

Where can I eat?

The Library House is within easy distance of some great places to eat. Ironbridge itself is home to Restaurant Severn (www.restaurantseven.co.uk Tel: 01952 432233), a picturesque little place offering mouthwatering British dishes using local and seasonal ingredients, many grown by the owners. It’s very popular amongst Shropshire gastro-fans, so book your table before you arrive. For something less intimate, but equally as special, try Chez Maw (www.chezmawrestaurant.co.uk Tel: 01952 432247), for a vibrant menu in stylish surroundings.

For an eating place with a view, drive the twenty minutes out past Much Wenlock to the stunning Wenlock Edge. After a brisk walk along the ridge of hills, with jaw-dropping views towards the Welsh border, drop in at The Wenlock Edge Inn (www.wenlockedgeinn.co.uk Tel: 01746 785678), a proper country pub offering delicious, hearty dishes and real ale in a warm and cosy bar. Perfect.

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It’s not often that you get to stay in the midst of real history, but this beautiful and luxurious B&B in the famous Ironbridge Gorge is positively oozing with the stuff.