Blists Hill Victorian Town
EXPERIENCE LIFE IN 1900
Step back in time to the year 1900 and explore a working-class town in the East Shropshire Coalfield. Be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life and get a glimpse of a new world shaped by industry.
Visit Victorian shops and cottages, meet craftspeople demonstrating their trades and taste authentic food in our recreated town.
History brought to life
Be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life.
- Exchange your modern money for pounds, shillings and pence in the bank
- See steam engines, printing presses and candle dipping machinery in action
- Talk to craftspeople demonstrating traditional trades
Traditional fun and games
Fun for all the family, Victorian-style.
- Ride old-fashioned fairground rides or go on the horse bus
- Have your portrait taken in Victorian costume
- Let off steam at the Madeley Wood Co. Outdoor Adventure
(Some activities are seasonal, please contact us for details. Additional charges may apply for some activities.)
Eat and drink like a Victorian
Tuck into traditional foods prepared the old-fashioned way.
- Enjoy a bag of fish and chips cooked the traditional way in beef dripping (vegan option available) or a pint from the New Inn pub
- Bag a sweet (or two!) from the 19th century sweet shop's selection
- Enjoy fresh bread, fruit buns, shortbread and more from the bakery
What's coming up
-
![Summer Of Childhood]()
A Summer of Victorian Childhood
- 19th Jul - 1st Sept 2025
- 10am - 5pm
Enjoy a summer of childhood and play at Blists Hill Victorian Town.
World Makers Guided Walk at Blists Hill
On this free guided walk (approx. 1 mile) discover the big picture of the Industrial Revolution and why it began in the Ironbridge Gorge.
Explore the original features of the World Heritage Site, like Blists Hill's blast furnace and brickworks, and learn about the early railways, canal system and extraordinary Hay Inclined Plane.
Dates: Thursdays 24 and 31 July, 7 and 28 August, and 4 September
Times: 11am and 2pm
Meeting point: Winding Engine (no. 29 on Blists Hill Observer map) at Blists Hill Victorian Town
Booking not required.
Parking information
Please note parking charges apply across all museum car parks. PASS PLUS and Friends can park for free during their daytime visit by validating their PASS PLUS at the front desk on arrival.
You can pay for parking with a debit/credit card at machines on-site or online within 48 hours of your visit.
Experience Ironbridge your way
To help you get the most out of your visit to the Ironbridge Gorge, we’ve created tailored itineraries to guide you around our sites.
Ready to book?
From single day tickets to our annual passes, choose a ticket which suits your needs.
For great value, save £5 when you purchase a PASS PLUS online.
A potted history of Blists Hill
Blists Hill Victorian Town is located on a site formerly used for ironmaking, mining and brickmaking. At its peak in the 1850s we believe more than 700 people were working at the mine, foundries and brickworks here run by the Madeley Wood Company.
Today when you visit you can still see some original features from this time, including the winding engine and pit wheel at the entrance to the 1780s mine; the Shropshire Canal (1792), which connected the area to Shropshire’s canal network; and the Hay Inclined Plane (1793), which connected the canal to the River Severn and the rest of the world.
Some of the buildings you can visit, for example the Candle Factory, Butcher shop and school, are historic buildings that have been deconstructed and rebuilt here brick by brick. Others are copies of historic buildings or feature original period interiors.
Images shows the original Blast Furnaces before conservation work.
Explore our sites
Sign up to our mailing list
Register your email with us and we’ll keep you up-to-date with news, events and offers.