A fortnight’s stay at the Falcon Hotel, Telford, housed in the heritage 1767 building!

When you travel out of town alone for work or on a vacation with family, you choose to stay at a very comfortable hotel with good food and service. Certainly, a better and more luxurious hotel when on a vacation with family. I had to travel a lot for official work and have stayed at a number of hotels. In most cities I had some preferred hotels where I always stayed, the most important reason being the comfort and its proximity to my workplace. I do remember such hotels, some vaguely and some prominently, and others are totally forgotten. And when on vacation we mostly stayed at very popular hotels known for their scenic locations, their luxury, and hospitality and we remember them, and in minute detail with happy family photographs.

This article is about one such memorable hotel where I stayed for two weeks. It is the Falcon Hotel in Telford, the largest town in Shropshire County. I remember this hotel for its interesting long history, comfort, and magnanimous hospitality by the owner Mr. Gavin Pearson, his lovely family, and the staff. You can see them in some of the attached photographs.

Part of this hotel building dates back to 1680 and the entire structure as we see it today is in existence since 1767. It is a Red brick building with a hipped plain tile roof and brick end chimney stacks. This building is listed under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act as amended for its special architectural and historic interest. These details you can see towards the end of this article. This building was a Coaching Inn for over a century when royalty and the wealthy halted here for drinks and food and change of horses for their coaches. It changed hands a few times in its long history and the Falcon Hotel commenced in 1979.

The hotel is a 3-storey charming retreat with 10 boutique-style bedrooms, each unique in its design and character. The ground floor has three dining rooms which combine to create a stylish Brasserie Bar with modern interiors throughout. A comprehensive selection of carefully prepared vegetarian, fish and meat dishes are served using fresh, quality, local produce.

The nearest Airport to Telford is Birmingham, 30 miles away, and the nearest Railway Station is Wolverhampton, 15 miles away. Telford is an interesting place. The most important places to see are the Iron Bridge and the Toll House and a number of Museums. The Iron Bridge was unveiled in the year 1779; it is the world’s first cast iron bridge.  Iron Bridge is known throughout the world as the symbol of the Industrial Revolution. The Iron Bridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic bridge is just 7.5 miles from the Falcon Hotel. Apart from many other interesting places around Telford one which is easily accessible and not to miss is Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, which is just 66 miles away.

I was there for two weeks during severe winter and I had absolutely no inconvenience and enjoyed my stay. The hotel has a new owner now, and it is named the Old Orleton Inn, and as in the past it is still a popular 5 Star Heritage Hotel in Telford.