NEWSROOM

Running every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from 10 July to 13 September 2026, Wrekin Connect is a new trial service linking the Ironbridge Gorge, Wellington and The Wrekin, providing a convenient and affordable way to travel between of the Borough’s best-lived visitor destinations.  

The service is open to anyone travelling along the route, including passengers using the Ironbridge Gorge Park and Ride at Jiggers Bank car park, where parking remains free throughout the summer. It also offers a convenient link for visitors arriving in Wellington by train or bus, making it easier to continue their journey to Ironbridge Gorge and The Wrekin.

Passengers can hop on and off throughout the day for just £2, with children and concessionary pass holders travelling free. The flexible service allows people to enjoy a full day out exploring the area without the need to use their car.

The route serves a range of popular destinations including The Wrekin, Wellington town centre, Madeley High Street, Ironbridge Wharfage, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Jackfield Tile Museum and other attractions across the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.

The trial service forms part of wider efforts to improve connections between key visitor destinations while helping to reduce traffic and parking pressures in some of the Borough's busiest tourism areas. Wrekin Connect will also support the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site Festival taking place later in the summer. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year and the new service, together with the Ironbridge Gorge Park and Ride, offers a convenient way to travel between attractions and events without the stress of finding parking.

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Transport & Digital Connectivity said:

"Telford and Wrekin is home to some of the UK's most remarkable destinations, from the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site to the iconic Wrekin, and we want to make sure everyone can enjoy them.

"Wrekin Connect provides a simple and affordable way to travel between The Wrekin, Wellington and Ironbridge Gorge, helping residents and visitors explore more of the borough without relying on the car.

"As a trial service, we'd encourage people to give it a try and share their feedback to help shape its future."

Councillor Angela McClements, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure said:
"The Wrekin, Wellington and Ironbridge Gorge each offer something different for visitors, and Wrekin Connect makes it easier than ever to experience them all in a single trip.

"By improving connections between some of our most popular destinations, we're helping visitors discover more of what Telford and Wrekin has to offer while supporting the local businesses, attractions, cafés and shops that play such an important role in our visitor economy."

For the full timetable and route map, visit www.telford.gov.uk/ironbridgeparkandride.

For inspiration on great days out, places to eat, visit and explore across Telford, or for businesses interested in free membership of Visit Telford, visit www.visittelford.co.uk