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Ironbridge Gorge

Shropshire & Staffordshire

Internationally recognised as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

Blists Hill Victorian Town, Legges Way, Telford, Shropshire, TF7 5UD

    Industrial building at the Ironbridge Gorge Blists Hill site

    Important notice

    The Ironbridge Gorge sites in our care remain temporarily closed as we prepare for a phased reopening. Local businesses at Jackfield and Coalport remain open.

    Planning your visit

    While we prepare for re-opening there are still many reasons to visit the area, including the iconic bridge itself (in the care of English Heritage) and the many local businesses which remain open. There are also several other National Trust places just a short visit away.

    Attingham Park 

    An 18th-century estate for all seasons with 200 acres of parkland and Regency Mansion

    Shrewsbury, Shropshire

    Fully open today
    A large historic stone mansion set within expansive green parkland, viewed from across a pond with reeds in the foreground. The building has tall sash windows, a symmetrical façade and is surrounded by mature trees under a lightly cloudy sky

    Dudmaston Hall 

    A working estate with an old family home at its heart

    near Bridgnorth, Shropshire

    Fully open today
    A spring garden, sculpture overlooking a pool.

    Benthall Hall 

    A family home for 500 years. Benthall Hall and garden are open Saturday to Monday during term time and Saturday to Wednesday during local school holidays.

    Broseley, Shropshire

    Partially open today
    Crocuses at Benthall

    Dudmaston Estate Comer Woods 

    A working woodland for nature, people and wildlife

    Bridgnorth, Shropshire

    Fully open today
    Exploring Comer Woods at Dudmaston, Shropshire

    Wightwick Manor and Gardens 

    Paint, Politics and Pre-Raphaelite Artists

    Wolverhampton, West Midlands

    Fully open today
    A view of the east wing of Wightwick Manor from across the South Terrace lawn, light by the winter sun.

    Iron Bridge 

    Cared for by English Heritage, the world's first iron bridge was erected over the River Severn here in Shropshire in 1779. This pioneering structure marked a turning point in English design and engineering; after it was built, cast iron came to be widely used in the construction of bridges, aqueducts and buildings.

    Ironbridge Gorge, world heritage site, shropshire.

    Plans for the future

    We're really looking forward to caring for Ironbridge Gorge into the future and welcoming back long-term supporters as well as sharing this special place with new visitors. Read about our plans and timings below.

    Ironbridge Gorge museums 

    From spring 2026 we have taken on the care and management of the places that make up the birthplace of the industrial revolution within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site in Shropshire. The Ironbridge Gorge is a globally-important UNESCO World Heritage site, meaning it is recognised internationally as being ‘of outstanding value to humanity’, comprised of buildings, structures and artefacts of international, national and local significance. There are ten places within the Gorge site, including the Blists Hill Victorian Town and Enginuity Museum all of which have transferred into our care.

    Last updated:
    19 March 2026