Merrythought Village is a community of enterprising businesses located in the centre of the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge, Shropshire – although privately owned the site is open to the public with many attractions on offer including, an art gallery, riverside cafe, antiques centre, river boat cruises, a Cooperative food store and a teddy bear shop.
The main site is formed around four iconic foundry buildings built by The Coalbrookdale Company in 1890 that since 1930 have been home to the world famous teddy bear company Merrythought, founded by W G Holmes.
Merrythought remains a family business whose world famous teddy bears continue to be handmade in the original Victorian factory at Merrythought Village - making Merrythought Britain’s only teddy bear factory. During the week you can peek through the windows to see the teddy bears being made. Look out for the 6ft guardsman teddy bear standing outside the onsite Teddy Bear Shop which sells a vast range of Merrythought bears 7 days a week.
Merrythought Village occupies beautiful surroundings on the banks of the River Severn, just 400m upstream from the world famous Iron Bridge, built in 1779. There is ample parking facilities for cars and coaches in two adjacent council run car parks. The town centre and famous Ironbridge are a short walk away and the town park, Dale End Park, is next door with delightful walks along the river to be enjoyed.
Ironbridge’s rich history and abundance of museums, restaurants and guest houses makes it an ideal place to visit for a day or weekend trip with Merrythought Village being the perfect place to visit for a browse and some light refreshments.
