Watch: The gorgeous market town that ‘everyone’s talking about’: Why locals and tourists love it in Ironbridge

The historic town is famed for many things - from the Iron Bridge, the first major bridge in the world made of cast iron that was built in 1779 and where the town earned its name, to the thriving community of independents that line the river.

Its rich history compels tourists from all over the world to visit - and there's no doubt that they have a great time.

They can be seen walking up and down the streets of Ironbridge, peeking into the shops of independent businesses and eating pork pies from the infamous shop Eley’s. 

But it’s equally loved by the people who live here - and who have shaped the town into a community over the years.

Mark Alford, from top-rated cafe Tea Emporium in the Square, said he loves the “diversity of the people” in Ironbridge.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Mark, who has been in Ironbridge for five years now, explained: “We get an awful lot of tourists - and we get an awful lot of people, locals and whatnot.

“My other half wanted a cafe or a coffee shop, something like that. We fell upon this [site] by pure luck, and we loved it. It's just a lovely place.

“In the summer, it's always busy. It's just a beautiful place to come. There’s lots of museums, lots of cafes, lots of other small businesses and local businesses, which keeps the place going.”

Mark added: “And the bridge - [I can] just sit here outside and look at the bridge all day. It’s so gorgeous.”

Next door, Derek Bowen, of Moonshine and Fuggles, agrees - there’s plenty to see and do in Ironbridge. 

“The space and the community we actually live in - it's just lovely.

“Come and visit us. Come see our lovely spirits and ales and wines in the shop. We have a lovely taster bar.

“There's some other great venues across the Ironbridge, eateries and places to visit as well as museums. It's a great place to be perfect.”

Derek also said he loves “the great outdoors” the most about Ironbridge.

From Dale End Park to the Gorge itself, the village offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and historical landmarks.

Tom and Pauline, who have lived in Telford for 55 years, said they frequent Ironbridge to enjoy scenic walks by the river and enjoy feeding the ducks, particularly when the sun peaks through the clouds. 

The charm and appeal of Ironbridge is clear to them - as it is to Christine Darlington, owner of longstanding business Darlington's of Ironbridge.

Christine, who was proudly born and bred in the town, said: “We're protected in a lot of ways. A lot of people, a lot of visitors, come here and say, ‘Isn't this beautiful?’

“It's unspoiled here, that's the word: unspoiled.”

Like Tom and Pauline, Christine said newcomers must visit the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, which always has an array of activities and events to get involved with throughout the year.  

Meanwhile, shop owner Stephanie Brinkworth of River Bloom, who has just joined the bustling row of independents in Tontine Hill, said there are many “hidden gems” to be uncovered in the “lovely” town.

Stephanie, originally of Newport, said: “I think it's always been a feeling of you driving down the hill - and it's lovely. 

“It's like a holiday town. Everybody always talks about it and it's amazing.

“There are so many hidden gems all around that it's unbelievable.

“I wish more people will realise that there's so much more.

"It's not just even the streets or the high street or the shops - there is so much more to Ironbridge. It’s unbelievable.”