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 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.
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.
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
IWM2024 has negotiated special rates for visitors requiring accommodation at The Ramada Hotel Telford. Quote code IWM2024 when making your reservation to access special rates. Reservation phone ; (44) +01952 527337 or email: reservations@southwatereventgroup.com
Nearest Airport: Birmingham International (BHX)
Nearest Train: Telford (15 minutes from Lilleshall by road)Â 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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