The Water Rat Hotel Ironbridge Exterior photoThe Water Rat Hotel Ironbridge Exterior photoThe Water Rat Hotel Ironbridge Exterior photo

The Water Rat, Ironbridge

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From$90 /night
Check-in
03Sept
Check-out
04Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Buildwas Road, Ironbridge, TF8 7BJ
-
Close to The Iron Bridge
Great
8.6
/10
5.0
4.3
/5

4-star riverside country pub in Ironbridge

Dining

The Water Rat offers a menu filled with honest, seasonal dishes crafted from quality ingredients. Guests can choose from a variety of pub classics and inventive daily specials, with a focus on homemade meals like in-house smoked and cured meats. Outdoor dining options provide a scenic view alongside the River Severn, ideal for long lunches or evenings with friends.

Rooms

Six boutique en-suite rooms at The Water Rat blend comfort and Georgian charm. Each spacious room includes high ceilings, soft seating areas, and powerful showers. Guests can enjoy riverside views while also benefiting from thoughtful touches like wine glasses left in the rooms.

Location

Located on the banks of the River Severn, The Water Rat is steps away from the historic Ironbridge and its ten award-winning museums. This location allows guests to explore local attractions such as the Victorian working village of Blists Hill and the stunning countryside. The footpath along the river makes it easy to enjoy scenic walks to nearby sights.

Events

The Water Rat accommodates private gatherings in The Rat Den, featuring its own bar and facilities. This space is suitable for birthdays, reunions, and small parties, enhancing any celebration. The flexibility to arrange customized menus allows for special touches tailored to each event.

Activities

Guests at The Water Rat can enjoy a variety of local attractions and activities in Shropshire. From exploring historic sites like Wroxeter Roman City to visiting the scenic Long Mynd, there are numerous options for adventure. The pub also serves as a home base for discovering the regional museums and beautiful countryside.

Highlights

Dining: Seasonal dishes and hand-pulled pints

Events: Private space for gatherings

Location: Steps from Ironbridge and its attractions

Activities: Explore Shropshire's historic sites

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the Iron Bridge at sunrise for stunning views and fewer crowds.
  • Savor a traditional pork pie from the local butcher's shop, H. Smith.
  • Explore the interactive exhibits at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum.
  • Take a walk along the River Severn and discover the charming gardens.
  • Don't miss the historic Coalbrookdale Museum for a dive into local history.

Select your room type

The Water Rat offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Deluxe Double Room Shower
    2 persons
    20 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Shower
  • Family Room
    2 persons
    30 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Superior Double Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Water Rat offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Water Rat Ironbridge, dining options invite guests to indulge in a delightful experience that combines hearty traditional pub fare with the rustic charm of the English countryside. Surrounded by scenic gardens and a spacious beer garden, this venue is perfect for gatherings and intimate meals alike, all within a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Restaurant #1

    Traditional country pub
    Ambiance
    Cozy indoor seating complemented by a terrace and garden views, ideal for enjoying the fresh air and picturesque surroundings.
    Key Offerings
    A free continental breakfast to start the day off right, along with configurable spaces for buffet parties of up to 40 guests or sit-down dinners and lunches for up to 30, featuring a private bar and a convenient car park entrance.
    Reservation
    Recommended for groups.
    Hours vary; breakfast served daily.

The Water Rat Location

Buildwas Road, Ironbridge, TF8 7BJ
Explore Ironbridge
Explore Ironbridge
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
The Iron Bridge
The Iron Bridge
16 minutes' walk
Iconic cast-iron bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing engineering history. Ideal for picturesque photo opportunities.
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
19 minutes' walk
A collection of museums centered around the rich industrial heritage of Ironbridge. Offers guided tours and exhibits.
Museum of the Gorge
Museum of the Gorge
10 minutes' walk
Local history museum on the banks of the River Severn. Interactive displays and stunning views make it family-friendly.
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Blists Hill Victorian Town
40 minutes' drive
Recreation of a Victorian town with period shops and costumed characters. Perfect for a family day out with hands-on activities.
Hiking at Dale End Park
7 minutes' walk
Scenic park with a network of walking paths. Ideal for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic amidst beautiful nature.
Skiing at Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre
9 minutes' drive
Thrilling snow sports facility featuring indoor skiing and snowboarding. Rentals available, family-friendly environment.
Four Towers Restaurant and Guest House
1 minute' walk
Cozy restaurant offering British classics. Known for its hearty breakfast and warm atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
Chez Maw
6 minutes' walk
Charming eatery with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Renowned for its innovative menu and intimate setting.
The Malthouse
11 minutes' walk
Lively pub with a relaxed ambiance, ideal for enjoying live music and weekly quiz nights. Family-friendly atmosphere.
Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron
Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron
20 minutes' walk
Exhibitions on local industrial history with demonstrations and family activities. Engaging for all ages
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Ironbridge 20 min  ·  1.0 mi
  • Airports
    Birmingham (BHX) 123 min  ·  50.9 mi
    Chester Hawarden (CEG) 140 min  ·  57.9 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 10 min  ·  3.8 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:30
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
6
Former name
Meadow Inn Steakhouse

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Water Rat from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 323 verified reviews
8.7 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Breakfast
9.5/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free WiFi
8.1/10
Location
9.2/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.8/10
Guest reviews
based on 323 reviews
8.7/10
based on 566 reviews
8.6/10
sawyer from united states
Couple
double room private bathroom
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 12, 2026
6/10

an acceptable place to stay

large bathroom ample supply spacious bar check-in time evening food business travellers
the bathroom was large, and it included both a shower and a bath. ample coffee, tea, and biscuits were provided. the bar and dining area had a nice view of the garden and the severn river.
i received an email saying check-in started at 2:30pm. someone called me around 5:45pm, they said they waited for me. i also found out that evening food might not be available during the week due to functions.
0 Helpful
Tony from United Kingdom
Single
superior double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 16, 2025
9/10

wonderful stay!

spacious room tasty breakfast
the room was spacious and clean. the english breakfast was tasty, definitely a highlight!
0 Helpful
Victoria from United Kingdom
Family with children
superior double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 10, 2025
9/10

a charming riverside stay

friendly staff delicious breakfast
I found the staff friendly. they were very helpful with local tips. the breakfast was also delicious. The lady serving was good at her job!
0 Helpful
Jennifer from United Kingdom
Couple
Deluxe Double Room Shower
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: September 12, 2025
7/10
generous meal helpful staff main road early morning
The restaurant was great, meal portions were generous. Breakfast was also good and staff were helpful, especially Amelia from the bar, she were pretty good too.
The room we booked online looked great. we were given a room right on the main road. Cars and trucks passed by all evening and from early morning.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Water Rat
What time can I check in and check out at The Water Rat Ironbridge?
Check-in is available from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
Is there parking available at The Water Rat Ironbridge?
Public parking is available on-site free of charge without reservation.
What activities can guests enjoy at The Water Rat Ironbridge?
Guests can participate in activities such as canoeing, hiking, and pub crawls.
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Water Rat Ironbridge?
Rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and spacious en-suite bathrooms.
What dining options does The Water Rat Ironbridge offer?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant known for its Steakhouse menu, which features locally sourced produce.
Are there any nearby attractions to explore from The Water Rat Ironbridge?
Nearby attractions include Ironbridge Gorge Museums (1 km), Blists Hill Victorian Town (2 km), and Wroxeter Roman City (4 km).
What is the distance from The Water Rat Ironbridge to the centre of Ironbridge?
The centre of Ironbridge is approximately 1 km away, which is about a 15-minute walk.
What type of breakfast is provided at The Water Rat Ironbridge?
A complimentary continental breakfast is served to guests.
What nearby restaurants are available for dining besides The Water Rat Ironbridge?
The Spice Masala restaurant is located 1 km from the hotel and Chez Maw is 0.5 km away.
What are the room features at The Water Rat Ironbridge?
Rooms include high ceilings, spacious layouts, and modern comforts, with some offering views of the garden.
How far is The Water Rat Ironbridge from Birmingham?
The hotel is located 85 km from Birmingham.

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