Planning your visit
Whether you're new to Ironbridge Gorge or a returning visitor, there's so much to see and do including a recreated Victorian Town and museums, which tell the story of the Industrial Revolution. Initially, we're opening five places, which have recently come into our care, but over the course of this year, there will be a phased reopening of the other special places within this World Heritage Site.
Group Bookings and Coaches
We are currently unable to accommodate group bookings and coaches. We hope to be able to reinstate group visits from late summer and will update details of how to make a group booking on the website as soon as we know more.
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Step into the sights, sounds and stories of Ironbridge Gorge’s industrial past and explore a working-class town in the East Shropshire coalfield.
Visit Victorian shops and cottages, meet craftspeople demonstrating their trades and costumed storytellers sharing what everyday life was like for people living and working in industrial towns like Blists Hill.
As you make your way through the streets, stop off at the fish and chip shop for traditional beef dripping chips (vegan and gluten free options available) and enjoy a sing-a-long and drink in the New Inn public house.
Encounter some of the well-loved characters of the town, including Constable Jarrett, while enjoying demonstrations and lend the Victorians a hand with everyday tasks.
Let the young (and young at heart) run free in the Madeley Wood Outdoor Play Area, dress up like a Victorian in our Photography Studio or if you’re brave, join a lesson in the Board Schoolroom.
Some well-loved experiences, including horse-drawn carriage rides, steam exhibits and forge demonstrations, are expected to return in the coming months when we’ve worked through these more complex elements.
As a living, evolving town, Blists Hill will continue to be reopened and restored over time. Keep an eye out for conservation work on the Saw Mill and a refreshed Bank exchange coming before the school holidays, as well as Fairs, more familiar faces and a summer of fun.
Initially, all visitors, including National Trust members, will need to pre-book to visit Blists Hill. We are hopeful that as soon as work to upgrade the IT infrastructure is complete, this will no longer be the case and will keep you updated on progress.
Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron
Delve into the story of iron, the material that transformed the modern world.
Discover how Ironbridge Gorge’s geology was the natural location for an Industrial Revolution and how Abraham Darby I made his pioneering discovery.
Ironwork from Coalbrookdale was renowned for its quality and innovation and the museum is home to iron objects that revolutionised working people's everyday lives, as well as exquisite art castings that decorated buildings across the globe.
There's also lots to learn about the lives of the enterprising Darby family, whose lasting legacy is felt all around the world today.
Furnace Kitchen
Discover what's on offer in the Furnace Kitchen, seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Initially, the menu will include hot and cold drinks alongside a variety of cakes, sandwiches and children's lunch-boxes. The range of food options will increase as soon as we’re able.
Explore nearby
Elsewhere in Coalbrookdale there is more to explore:
• See the Old Furnace where Abraham Darby I perfected the iron smelting technique that triggered the Industrial Revolution and changed our lives forever. (temporarily closed for conservation repairs)
• Walk around the remains of industrial buildings
• Enjoy the greenery of the Gorge
Parking
Visitors to Blists Hill Victorian Town, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and Furnace Kitchen can enjoy free parking.
Jackfield Tile Museum
Explore the colourful history of tiles in a former factory whose products went around the world. Stroll through a London underground station, a 1940s bar and centuries of tilemaking.
Jackfield, a small town in the Ironbridge Gorge, became an international hub for tilemaking:
- See how tiles from Jackfield decorated homes and palaces around the world.
- Learn about the different types of tile and how they are made.
A history of tiles
Journey through the history of tile manufacturing:
- Enjoy themed tile displays spanning hundreds of years.
- See locally-made tiles by Maw and Craven Dunnill and designs by world-famous artists William Morris and Salvador Dali.
- Walk through recreations of period interiors resplendent in colourful tiles.
Booking your visit
Initially, visits to Jackfield Tile Museum will be pre-bookable and available at weekends only, starting Saturday 27 June and Sunday 28 June, from 10am–3pm (site closes at 4pm). Visits will include an introductory talk, followed by free-flow access through the exhibits.
Please note that the museum has several lifts to support access around the site. These are currently unavailable due to a technical issue, which will affect access to some areas. If you think this may impact your visit, please contact: ironbridgegorge@nationaltrust.org.uk. We’re working to resolve this as quickly as we can and apologise for any inconvenience. Keep an eye on our Access page for further updates.
All visitors to Jackfield Tile Museum, including National Trust members, will need to book in advance.
The story continues in Jackfield
Tile decorating workshops
Join in a tile decorating workshop at Craven Dunnill next door (selected dates only, advance booking required). Create your own unique tile with Craven Dunnill Jackfield using the traditional process of tubelining. Discover more here.
Fusion and the Footprint Gallery
Whilst you are here visit Fusion, home to a number of creative artists. You can visit their studios and purchase their work. Due to the nature of their work, opening times vary, please contact the artists directly. Check details here.
Iron Bridge Toll House
The Iron Bridge stands as one of the greatest symbols of the place where the Industrial Revolution began, here in the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Since its construction in 1779 tourists have flocked to marvel at the Iron Bridge and today you can still walk across it and admire spectacular views of the Gorge. The board outside the Tollhouse shows how much you would have previously paid to cross the Iron Bridge.
The Iron Bridge Toll House will reopen on Thursday 25 June for free-flow visits, seven days a week from 10am–4pm. Please be aware that access to the upper floor is by stairs only.
Questions about tickets and passes issued by IGMT
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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.
Visiting Ironbridge Gorge with your dog
Well behaved dogs are welcome to visit Ironbridge Gorge. Find out where you can explore and any restricted access before you visit.
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 understand the facilities and access across the sites.
