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In a Nutshell
Quality arts and crafts with a bite to eat amongst the industrial heritage of the Ironbridge Gorge. Set in the former Maws tile factory, built in 1883, the centre now plays host to an eclectic mix of quality craft shops and small businesses from artists to upholsterers. You never know what you will find in this charming centre, and it is nearly always something you weren't looking for! (last visit we went for a coffee and bought an arm chair!) 
Parking and Pooping
Approaching from Ironbridge, you follow the signs to turn left after the road bridge on the B4373 and make your way down the narrow lane between the Victorian buildings and passed the Jackfield Tile Museum. The craft centre has its own small car park by the river and there is plenty of parking on the approach road as well. Parking is currently free. Toilets are found in the craft centre itself. 
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Walkies
The Ironbridge Gorge offers plenty of opportunity for walks along the river, and depending on the weather you can pick your side of the river for more or less shade. From the centre's car park, it is an easy stroll down the side of the craft centre to the footbridge over the river, where you can walk along the short canal section by the Hay Incline to the Coalport China Museum. You are away from busy roads here, so plenty of open space, grass banks and easy footpaths to follow. There are a few benches along the pathways and various benches within the craft centre to take a break. Keeping the Humans Amused
The craft centre has a real mix of quality crafts, with artisans producing hand made goods from knitwear, paintings, chocolates, furniture restoring, upholstery, jewellery etc, etc. The link to the centre's website is here for the full current list. In general we have found the quality to be excellent and reasonably priced. All this is set amongst the industrial heritage of the tile factory and the surrounding buildings that formed the various industries working with the clay brought in along the river.
Chow Time
The main cafe here is the Tile Press Cafe, serving a range of hot/cold meals and snacks and being fully licensed. The cafe is dog friendly and spacious inside for wetter days, with picnic tables in the courtyard for enjoying the sun. Water bowls are plentiful and it's a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. More Info
Maws Craft Centre www.mawscraftcentre.co.uk/ Tile Press Cafe www.facebook.com/TheTilePress/ Last visit: July 2021
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