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IWM2026 Lilleshall Hall

13th-22nd May, 2026

Lilleshall Hall
Near Newport
Shropshire
United Kingdom
TF10 9AT

The International Watercolour Masters Exhibition will be held again at Lilleshall Hall in the Ford Hall exhibition arena. It will feature more than 70 of the world’s elite watercolour Masters in a truly historic exhibition. Lilleshall is world famous as the home of Britain’s elite athletes and sports stars, in May 2026 it will become the home of the worlds elite watercolour painters.

Lilleshall History

Lilleshall was originally built in 1831 as the hunting lodge and family retreat of the Duke of Sutherland. It first became a National Sports Centre in 1951 and was opened by the then Princess Elizabeth II with the original plaque still in place in the entrance to the main hall. It was Lilleshall’s connection with Association Football that brought the Centre to the attention of the nation. The England team trained for two weeks at Lilleshall prior to their success in the World Cup of 1966. In 1967, Sir Alfred Ramsey returned to the Centre to unveil a plaque to commemorate his team’s stay and endorse the view that Lilleshall could justly claim some credit for England’s famous victory. Athletes that train here achieved 13 medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With its unique and rich heritage and commitment to providing a World Class Experience, Lilleshall is a fitting venue to stage the elite International Watercolour Masters Exhibition.

Lilleshall Amenities

Lilleshall is situated among the spectacular and secluded surroundings of the Shropshire countryside within 134 hectares of English Heritage Grade II listed grounds. The main house (Lilleshall Hall) overlooks the beautiful Capability Brown inspired gardens. As well as a range of world class facilities available for use (bookable in advance), the Centre has two walking routes. The 2.5 mile Discovery Trail will provide you with the chance to discover some of Lilleshall’s many gems including the Italian Water Garden, the Pet Cemetery and the World Class Sports Facilities. The 6 mile Adventure Fitness Trail enables you to discover these gems but also provides you with the chance to test your fitness, taking you through the woodland belts alongside the estate’s 2 mile sweeping drive to the golden gates (an exact replica of those at Buckingham Palace), before returning (a steady climb all the way!) to explore the heart of the estate. There is a cafe bar open from 7:30 – 23:00 where you can enjoy hot and cold food and drinks.

Nearby Attractions

Beyond the site, Lilleshall is well placed for many local attractions including Weston Park, Ironbridge Gorge and Museums, Hoo Farm, Telford Town Park and Wonderland, The Wrekin, RAF Museum Cosford, Telford Ski Centre and Telford International Centre. The historic market town of Newport, where you will find many independent shops, pubs and restaurants, is approximately 4 miles away. Telford, with its many tourist attractions, shopping centre, cafes, bars, restaurants and cinemas, is within a 15 minute drive. The towns of Stafford, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury are all within a 25 minute drive.

Hotels

There are many hotels and B&Bs within a short drive of Lilleshall Hall. New for the 2026 show is the Artist Village accomodation within the IWM2026 Festival at Lilleshall.  The nearby town of Telford has many hotels, also the beautiful riverside town of Bridgnorth (approxomately 30 minutes by road).

General enquiries regarding Lilleshall phone 44 +01952 603003

Lilleshall Hotel bookings Lilleshall Hotel

IWM2026 has negotiated special rates for visitors requiring accommodation at the Lilleshall Artist Village and Lilleshall Hotel, also  The Ramada Hotel Telford. Quote code IWM2026 when making your reservation to access special rates.

Travel Information

Nearest Airport: Birmingham International (BHX)
Nearest Train: Telford (15 minutes from Lilleshall by road) also Wolverhampton (approx 30 minutes by road) Good rail connections (hourly) to Wolverhampton from London Euston Station, approx 2 hours journey time.
Road: see map.
Local Taxi: Diamond Cars 01952-222222

 

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