For History & Heritage Lovers
Our ten museums in the historic Ironbridge Gorge offer endless opportunities to uncover the stories of the people and places that changed the world in this area renowned for its unique contribution to the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution.
DISCOVER THE MATERIAL THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD
Begin your journey in Coalbrookdale, where it all began.
Visit the Old Furnace to stand where Abraham Darby I perfected the world-changing iron smelting technique.
Then go to Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron to find out more and see some of the functional objects and exquisite art castings it became possible to make.
Step back in time
Step back in time to 1900 and enjoy an immersive experience as you stroll through Blists Hill Victorian Town.
Meet the friendly residents including our police officer, craftspeople demonstrating traditional trades like printing and candle-making, and sellers in our shops. Ask them to tell you about their life and work on the East Shropshire Coalfield.
At the town's Bank change your cash for Victorian coins that you can spend on food and drink or a souvenir. Eat proper fish and chips (cooked in beef dripping!*) or enjoy a bag of traditional sweets.
PASS PLUS holders receive 10% off food and drink
* Vegan & gluten-free chips are available too!
DISCOVER Traditional trades
Discover traditional trades in demonstrations at Blists Hill Victorian Town. Meet our new tinsmith and resident blacksmith or ask your questions to foundry workers and signwriters. There is lots to see and learn!
FIND OUT ABOUT the Industries that shaped the Gorge
Visit the creative heart of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site at the Coalport China Museum and the Jackfield Tile Museum, both located in the former factories from where ceramics and tiles were transported all over the world.
STEP INSIDE a real-life time capsulE
The perfectly preserved Broseley Pipeworks, a former tobacco pipe factory, is the last of its kind.
Abandoned by workers in the 1950s, the tools of the trade remain undisturbed on the banks of wooden benches that snake through the building's twisting workshops and narrow, winding corridors.
Explore the world heritage site on foot
Follow in the footsteps of the Ironbridge Gorge's leading industrialists as you follow our walking tours through some of the area's most historically significant sites.
All the museums on this itinerary are included in our PASS and PASS PLUS, which allow you to visit the museums as many times as you like during a year.
Once you've finished the culture itinerary, maybe you would like to try one of our other itineraries, for culture seekers and families.