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Family days out at Ironbridge Gorge

A young girl in a pink top with curly blonde hair is sat in her mother's arms, while she carefully pats a dark brown shire horse on the nose. The horse has a white streak on its nose and its looked after by a lady dressed up in Victorian clothes.
Plan your family day out at Ironbridge Gorge | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Step back in time for a family adventure at Ironbridge Gorge. Plan your family day out and explore the different sites, discover things to see and do, and which events and activities to enjoy during your visit.

Planning your family visit

  • Baby changing: At Blists Hill baby changing facilities can be found at the Welcome Cafe, Forest Glen Pavilion, and at Madeley Wood Adventure Playground. Baby changing facilities are also available at Jackfield Tile Museum, and at the Museum of Iron. 

  • Pushchairs: Are welcome at all of our sites across Ironbridge Gorge, but please be aware that many of the historical buildings have uneven floors and stepped access.  

  • Access: Step-free access and routes are available Jackfield Tile Museum and at the Museum of Iron. Blists Hill has uneven surfaces and historic buildings. Please see our access page to help you plan your visit.  

  • Breastfeeding: You’re welcome to breastfeed anywhere at Ironbridge.

  • Sunny days: Bring hats, suncream and a water bottle. You can fill up a water bottle for free at any of our cafes, just ask one of our staff. 

  • Rainy days: Head into the Victorian shops at Blists Hill, or enjoy puddle jumping and walks along the canal. There’s covered seating at playground too. Don't forget your waterproofs and wellies! Shelter from the rain when you head over to one of the other sites such as the Museum of Iron and Jackfield Tile Museum.  

  • Playground: Madeley Wood Adventure Playground can be found at Blists HIll. 

  • Picnic areas: At Blists Hill picnics spaces can be found at the Station Cafe, Forest Glen, Maeley Wood Adventure Playground and on the Green, and at the Furnace Kitchen at the Museum of Iron. 

  • Highchairs: Are available at the Station Cafe and the Forest Glen Pavilion at Blists Hill, and at the Furnace Kitchen at the Museum of Iron. 

  • Balance bikes: We kindly ask you to leave balance bikes and scooters at home to help us look after the historic buildings and uneven floors. 

A group of people are walking along a path near some red-bricked buildings and trees, pushing a pushchair with young children, and dogs on leads.
Discover family-friendly things to do at Ironbridge Gorge | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Family-friendly things to do at Blists Hill 

Be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life as you step back in time to the year 1900. Visit Victorian shops and cottages, meet craftspeople demonstratingtheir trades and taste authentic food as you explore a recreated working-class town in the East Shropshire Coalfield.

A young family are looking through papers at an old school desk with a quill on top, while a young girl in a pink cardigan is pointing at a blackboard.
Experience Victorian life at Blists Hill | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Family-friendly things to do at the Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale

Explore the actual blast furnace from 1709, view big metal creations, learn about the history and see original pieces, craft activities during the holidays. 

 

Enguinuity 

Please note that Enginuity is currently closed. We are in the process of reviewing the exhibits in Enginuity as part of our longer-term planning for Ironbridge. We know that it’spopular with families, so we want to ensure that everything is running smoothly and safely before it reopens.  
 
We’ll post updates on the website and on our social media channels when we are further along with these vital works to look after this much-loved space. 

A view looking through a dark red door into a brightly lit museum room with ornate windows and a wooden floor. Around the room are examples of different tiles with beautiful designs.
Discover things to do as a family at the Jackfield Tile Museum | © IGMT

Faily-friendly things to do at Jackfield Tile Museum 

Follow the tile trail, walk through life-sized recreated settings like a London Underground tube station, and an old pub. Hands on tile-related craft activities are available during the holidays.

A view with a redbrick Toll house to the left and metal brown gates that seal the entrance across the famous Ironbridge Gorge. A couple of people are stopping to walk through the gates and others are looking at the Toll House. In the distance are green leafy trees and an old church.
Discover things to do with the family across Ironbridge Gorge | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family visits to the Toll House Museum 

The Iron Bridge Toll House stands at the foot of the world-famous Iron Bridge, one of the greatest symbols of where the Industrial Revolution began. Step inside to uncover the history of this traditional toll house. This is a small space and we welcome families inside for self-led visits. 

 

Other locations at Ironbridge Gorge 

Please note that The Museum of the Gorge, Darby Houses, Coalport China Museum and Tar Tunnel, and Broseley Pipe Works are currently closed while we carry essential conservation works. Thank you for your patience while we care for these unique historical sites.  

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Booking your visits to Blists Hill & Jackfield Tile Museum 

As we're getting things back up and running, and reviewing how we manage parking, we're asking everyone to pre-book their visits to Blists Hill and Jackfield Tile Museum.

A woman in Victorian costume and hat speaks to two visitors to Blists Hill. She is wearing a rose coloured shawl and glasses.

Access at Ironbridge 

We want everyone to be able to enjoy and explore Ironbridge Gorge, so we've collected together all the information needed to plan your day and to understand the facilities and access across the sites.

A person's legs as they sit comfortably in a tramper mobility vehicle

Eating and Shopping at Ironbridge Gorge 

Discover where to eat, drink, and shop at Ironbridge Gorge

A scone is cut in half on a wooden board. One half is covered with cream, then jam! Behind it is the pot of jam and a light coloured cup containing tea, next to a blue ceramic teapot.

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