Merrythought

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, Shropshire, 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.

A little Merrythought charm goes a long way 👜✨We love seeing our key charms accompanying your favourite handbags on dail...
18/09/2026

A little Merrythought charm goes a long way 👜✨

We love seeing our key charms accompanying your favourite handbags on daily adventures 🧸

🍂 To mark the the arrival of the cosiest season of the year, we're welcoming back two woodland favourites: Pippin and Wo...
14/09/2026

🍂 To mark the the arrival of the cosiest season of the year, we're welcoming back two woodland favourites: Pippin and Woody 🧸🌲

Inspired by woodland walks, earthy tones, and the beauty of the 'Ber' months, these charming companions thrive as autumn begins to unfold.

Celebrating   with some familiar favourites from our very first catalogue, including these detailed recreations of two h...
09/09/2026

Celebrating with some familiar favourites from our very first catalogue, including these detailed recreations of two hero bears; The Merrythought Bear and Bingie 🧸🧵

For over a century, teddy bears have captured hearts, and become faithful friends and collector's pieces across generations. Merrythought has played an important role in the history of the teddy bear since 1930, and to this day, we continue our commitment to the finest British craftsmanship.

🎄 COMING SOON...The countdown to Christmas has begun! And a new Merrythought character might already be helping themself...
04/09/2026

🎄 COMING SOON...

The countdown to Christmas has begun! And a new Merrythought character might already be helping themself to festive snacks... 🥕

Arriving next Friday ❤️

🍂 Autumn has arrived... and so has our NEW personalisation colourway - Pumpkin! 🎃 This seasonal shade of satin ribbon an...
02/09/2026

🍂 Autumn has arrived... and so has our NEW personalisation colourway - Pumpkin! 🎃

This seasonal shade of satin ribbon and matching embroidery thread is a great choice for creating a one-of-a-kind personalised teddy bear for someone special, and adds an extra touch of autumnal charm 🧸

A long weekend calls for adventure... preferably with a trusted teddy bear by your side! 🧸
26/08/2026

A long weekend calls for adventure... preferably with a trusted teddy bear by your side! 🧸

21/08/2026

Happy 105th birthday to Edward Bear! 🧸🎂

This year feels especially significant, as we celebrate 100 years since the original publication of AA Milne’s beloved ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’ stories - the timeless tales inspired by the special bond between Christopher Robin and his childhood bear, Edward.

Don't miss your opportunity to WIN Winnipeg! 🍯🐾Created to celebrate 100 years since AA Milne's cherished 'Winnie-the-Poo...
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

Meet Noah, Jasper & Elliot, Merrythought's NEW fully-jointed soft plush bears! 🤎✨Designed as cuddly companions for all a...
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!

A rather colourful character from the Merrythought archives... 🦜Appearing in our catalogues from 1963 to 65, this striki...
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? 🪶

Address

Merrythought Village
Village
TF87NJ

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+441952433044

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