New homes in Shifnal

Whether you’re discovering more about local history, exploring the countryside or shopping in nearby towns, there’s lots to see and do close to your new home in Shifnal. With good commuter links, Shifnal is only a short journey from Telford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham, ideal if you want to settle in a rural location within easy reach of major local employers.

A quick history

Historians believe Shifnal began life as an Anglo-Saxon settlement in the 7th century. It is recorded as a village in the Domesday Book and was given a town charter in the 13th century. A few centuries later in the 1500s, an early charcoal-powered blast furnace was built. In 1591 a fire in the town destroyed many buildings, but Queen Elizabeth I helped to fund the rebuild. 

By the 18th century, Shifnal was a coaching town, welcoming travellers on their way to Chester, Shrewsbury and beyond from London. The town was connected to the railway network in the mid 19th century, and many people believe the town inspired Charles Dickens’ novel The Old Curiosity Shop after he visited his grandmother who worked at Tong Castle nearby.

Business and industry

Shifnal is a commuter town, with lots of businesses including Agilent Technologies in Church Stretton, Caterpillar in Shrewsbury, Müller Yogurt & Desserts in Market Drayton and Tudor Griffiths Group in Ellesmere. The town is also within commuting distance of Birmingham, where employers include the National Express, Mondelez International, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce.

Things to do in the area

Located in the heart of Shropshire and close to Telford, there’s lots to see and do near your new home in Shifnal. If you enjoy discovering local and national history, the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford is a great place to visit, where you can see the world’s oldest Spitfire and browse the National Cold War Exhibition.

Neighbouring Telford is home to the popular Town Park, where the kids will love discovering the Crooked House, Snow White’s Cottage and maze at the fairytale-inspired Wonderland area. Telford Steam Railway is a great attraction for families, while the town is also home to Telford Ice Rink, and Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre.

One of the most iconic sights in Shropshire is the Ironbridge Gorge, encompassing ten award-winning museums spread out along the valley. If you have young children, they’ll enjoy visiting Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom and Lakeside Animal Park, while the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are the ideal setting for a relaxing walk.

Other attractions in the local area include Blists Hill Victoria Brown, The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse, and Wightwick Manor and Gardens.

Travel and commuting

Shifnal is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, ideal if you’re commuting each day or travelling to see friends and family. The journey to Telford takes less than 10 minutes by car or five minutes by train, while Shrewsbury can be reached in 25 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train. The journey to Wolverhampton takes 25 minutes by car or train, and Birmingham can be reached in 35-40 minutes by car or 45 minutes by train.

If you’re travelling to the capital, the journey to London takes two hours 40 minutes from Shifnal by car or around the same amount of time by train, changing once in Birmingham New Street. Birmingham Airport is a 45-minute car journey away from Shifnal, or one hour away by train.