Ironbridge Gorge

Take the family to visit the Ironbridge Gorge, awarded World Heritage status in 1986 in recognition of the area’s contribution to the birth of the Industrial Revolution. It is one of the great family days out in Shropshire with award-winning museums.

Discover these popular attractions on sites in the picturesque landscape where Abraham Darby constructed the first cast-iron bridge in 1779. Educational and fun, the Ironbridge Gorge Museums are full of family things to do, see and learn.

Some attractions are closed for conservation works during 2026 and 2027 so please see the National Trust website to confirm opening before travelling.

Step back to the past at the recreated Victorian town of Blists Hill and meet Victorian characters to bring history alive. Tour Broseley Pipeworks to find out how clay tobacco pipes were made or learn about the early iron industry at the Museum of Iron and The Old Furnace.

See beautiful china and explore the Coalport China Museum. Nearby is the 914-metre Tar Tunnel, dug in 1786 to bring coal out of the mines. Admire fabulous decorative tiles at Jackfield Tile Museum and even book onto a tile making workshop next door.

Explore the Museum of The Gorge and Iron Bridge Toll House with its huge model of the valley as it looked in 1796 and displays explaining the river’s role in the area’s development. Meanwhile, Enginuity, the interactive design and technology centre, is packed with exciting activities for future scientists and engineers. The Darby Houses give an insight into what life was like for the ironmasters.

Admission prices vary for individual attractions.

Visits to some attractions require pre-booking and opening dates/times vary.

Please see the National Trust’s website to plan your day out.