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Telford & Wrekin Council has confirmed that Ironbridge Gorge Park & Ride, Gorge Connect and Wrekin Connect will operate during the Festival weekend, helping residents and visitors enjoy events and attractions across the Gorge while reducing traffic congestion and parking pressures.

The services provide a convenient and affordable way to explore the Festival and some of the area's most popular attractions. Visitors can park for free at Jiggers Bank and enjoy unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel for just £2 all day, with under 16s and concessionary pass holders travelling free, making it one of the easiest and best-value ways to get around the Gorge during the celebrations.

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure & Tourism, said: “The Gorge has so much to offer, from world-class heritage and fascinating museums to independent shops, cafés and beautiful riverside walks.

“It’s a fantastic place for families to spend quality time together and enjoy a memorable day out right on our doorstep.”

The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival features a packed programme of events, including Heritage Open Days activities, free family-friendly workshops from the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust and the Rotary Club of Ironbridge Family Fun Dog Show.

Visitors can also enjoy free Heritage Open Days events at Coalport China Museum and Broseley Pipe Works from 18 to 20 September. Advance booking is essential for both venues.

The Festival programme also includes a series of free Severn Gorge Countryside Trust workshops:

• River Wildlife, Saturday 19 September, 11am
• Eco Detectives, Saturday 19 September, 2pm
• Wonderful Water, Sunday 20 September, 11am
• Water Hero Academy, Sunday 20 September, 2pm

All workshops are free to attend, but tickets should be booked in advance.

Service operating dates

Ironbridge Gorge Park & Ride

Operating from Jiggers Bank Car Park, the Park & Ride offers visitors free parking and unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel throughout the Gorge for just £2 per adult. Under 16s and concessionary pass holders travel free.

The service links visitors to key destinations across the Gorge, making it the easiest way to enjoy multiple attractions and events without the hassle of moving the car or searching for parking.

• Saturday 19 September 2026
• Sunday 20 September 2026

Gorge Connect

Gorge Connect helps residents and visitors travel around Ironbridge Gorge, providing additional links between attractions, communities and local businesses while supporting more sustainable travel throughout the World Heritage Site.

• Saturday 19 September 2026
• Sunday 20 September 2026

Wrekin Connect

Wrekin Connect provides convenient access to The Wrekin, helping walkers and visitors leave the car behind and enjoy one of Shropshire's most iconic landmarks.

• Friday 18 September 2026
• Saturday 19 September 2026
• Sunday 20 September 2026

 Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for The Economy, said: “The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival features a fantastic programme of events, from Heritage Open Days and family-friendly workshops to the popular Rotary Club of Ironbridge Family Fun Dog Show.

“The Park & Ride, Gorge Connect and Wrekin Connect services make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy everything the area has to offer while helping to reduce congestion and parking pressures.

“For just £2, adults can hop on and off the Park & Ride throughout the day, with under 16s travelling free, making it one of the most affordable and convenient ways to explore Ironbridge Gorge.

“This is also the final opportunity to use these services before they finish for the 2026 season, so I'd encourage people to make the most of them while they're running.”

For full timetables and service information, visit www.telford.gov.uk/ironbridgeparkandride