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Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Merrythought

Name: Merrythought
Address: Merrythought Village, Village, TF87NJ, GB
Telephone: +441952433044

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Merrythought

Merrythought has been hand-making the classic English teddy bear in Shropshire since 1930. The story of Merrythought began in 1930.

William Gordon Holmes, owner of a mohair
spinning mill in Yorkshire, recognised the opportunity to make luxurious soft toys from
this special fleece. He found a beautiful brick foundry building in the heart of Shropshire,
and with the help of some skilled local seamstresses, Merrythought was born. Our heritage is something we are immensely proud of, and the original workshop in
Ironbridge, Shropsh

ire, remains Merrythought’s home to this day; a magical place where
each teddy bear is brought to life using the finest materials and traditional craftsmanship
that has been handed down four generations of our small family business. Since only teddy bears of the highest quality are allowed to carry the trusted
Merrythought woven label, we ensure the utmost care and attention to detail in
everything that we do, right down to the hand embroidered nose and smile that gives
each teddy bear its own personality. A Merrythought is not just a teddy bear, but an exquisite piece of British heritage
to cherish and pass on to the next generation.

17/08/2026

Don't miss your opportunity to WIN Winnipeg! 🍯🐾

Created to celebrate 100 years since AA Milne's cherished 'Winnie-the-Pooh' stories were first published, Winnipeg is beautifully handmade and inspired by the real Canadian black bear whose name became forever linked with the world's favourite honey-loving bear.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Christopher Robin's adventures, or looking to begin a lasting friendship with a bear of your own, Winnipeg is a truly special keepsake 🧸

Enter via the link below before midnight (UK time) on 20 August... Good luck!
https://merrythought.co.uk/pages/competition

14/08/2026

Meet Noah, Jasper & Elliot, Merrythought's NEW fully-jointed soft plush bears! 🤎✨

Designed as cuddly companions for all ages, each bear has been lovingly brought to life from the finest woven plush and pure cotton velvet. Noah is available in a choice of Mocha or Gold, while Jasper and Elliot are crafted in a beautiful chestnut colour.

Available now from merrythought.com and the Merrythought Shop, Ironbridge!

13/08/2026

A rather colourful character from the Merrythought archives... 🦜

Appearing in our catalogues from 1963 to 65, this striking large Cockatoo featured a vibrant red and white plumage, colourful felt wings and tail, and was displayed upon its own gold aluminium triangle – making it one of the most distinctive designs of its time.

The Cockatoo was one of several perched birds introduced by Merrythought during the 1960s, showcasing a wonderfully imaginative chapter in our design history.

Do you remember these feathered friends, or have one in your collection? 🪶

10/08/2026

WIN Winnipeg - the Bear Behind the Name 'Winnie-the-Pooh'! 🍯🐾

This year marks the centenary of AA Milne's treasured tales, and to celebrate, Merrythought are giving one lucky winner the chance to welcome Winnipeg into their collection.

Lovingly hand-crafted from pure alpaca plush, Winnipeg is inspired by the real Canadian black bear who inspired the naming of one of the most beloved literary characters of all time, 'Winnie-the-Pooh'. A truly special keepsake and the perfect companion to share a lifelong friendship with.

To enter the competition, please click the link below before midnight (UK time) 20 August.
https://merrythought.co.uk/pages/competition

Good luck! ✨

07/08/2026

Visit Ironbridge's NEW Dale End Summer Market this weekend... 🎉☀️

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Ironbridge Gorge, Dale End Village's Summer Market will take place tomorrow, Saturday 8 August, from 10AM - 4PM, bringing together an array of local makers and artisans, delicious food and drink, live music, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

As part of Dale End Village , the Merrythought Shop will also be open, so why not pop in to say hello and perhaps find a new teddy bear companion to take home with you! 🧸

05/08/2026

From Windsor Gardens to the West End… 🧸🎭

Merrythought’s Little Paddington™ plush recently accompanied our customer, Lauren, and her family for a splendid evening at the theatre, where they enjoyed the spectacular Paddington The Musical - a delightful tribute to everyone’s favourite marmalade-loving bear.

Naturally, refreshments may have included Paddington’s signature snack!

03/08/2026

We've loved seeing the summer adventures you've shared to ! ☀️ Here are just a few of our favourites so far...

🛳️ 1. William's charming Merrythought Bear enjoyed a luxurious cruise around the Canary Islands aboard the magnificent 'Queen Victoria'.

🌎 2. Winnipeg joined her beloved owner, Julie, for a visit to the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT, Walt Disney World, Florida!

👜 3. Stacey's perfectly travel-sized Punkie took pride of place on her beautiful handbag, accompanying her on sunny days out.

Don't forget to share your own holiday snaps with your Merrythought companion to by 28 August for your chance to WIN Wishful, The Bear You Cannot Buy!

24/07/2026

On 24 July, we celebrate the birthday of a remarkable figure in Merrythought's history; Florence Attwood, our very first designer.

Affectionately known as 'Florrie', she overcame many challenges associated with being deaf and non-verbal to create some of our most enduring and recognisable designs. Her quiet creativity left a lasting mark, which continues to inspire many of the bears we craft to this day 🧸

In just one week, we will be unveiling the return of an iconic character from our archives, and one of Florence's earliest creations....watch this space!

21/07/2026

School's out and long summer days are here ☀️

A time for fun-filled adventures, grassy picnics, and lots of play with your beloved Merrythought teddy bear 🧸

18/07/2026

The classic ‘growl’ of a Merrythought teddy bear is a thing of joy....🧸❤️

Some of our timeless teddy bears still feature the unmistakable growl - an endearing touch that really bring’s a bear’s character to life.

Address

Merrythought Village
Village
TF87NJ

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441952433044

Website

http://www.merrythought.co.uk/

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