Tar Tunnel

Get a glimpse of what lies beneath the Ironbridge Gorge

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book a special guided tour...

A visit to the Tar Tunnel is a unique chance to see what lies beneath the surface of the Ironbridge Gorge.

  • Walk from the Coalport China Museum to the Tar Tunnel, and learn about the history and use of the surrounding buildings
  • Find out how locals made an accidental discovery that would make industrialists money
  • Step inside and look into the 1,000 yard tunnel going deep into the hillside

2024 opening times

The Tar Tunnel is open on selected dates throughout the summer. See Opening Times opposite.

Access to the Tar Tunnel is by guided visit only.

Please meet at Coalport China Museum to begin your tour. The tour culminates with the opportunity to look into the Tar Tunnel from inside the entrance. Please note that it is not possible to visit the whole tunnel. 

The following facilities and rules apply at this attraction:

  • Shopping available
  • Guide dogs only

Already have one of our great value PASSes? Click here to book your free guided tour.

Parking

PASS PLUS holders and Friends can park in the Coalport China Museum car park for free during their daytime visit by validating their PASS PLUS at the front desk when they arrive. Find out more. 

INTRODUCING IRONBRIDGE

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Discover the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

GET INVOLVED

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Hands-on fun and interactive experiences

BE INSPIRED

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Explore our awe-inspiring collections 

DISCOVER INNOVATION

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Step in to the historical heart of Ironbridge

Opening times

Opening times
Dates Opening times
22nd Jul – 1st Sep 2024 Fridays & Sundays only. Tours at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm & 3pm
2nd – 29th Sep 2024 Closed
30th Sep – 25th Oct 2024 Closed
26th Oct – 3rd Nov 2024 Closed

See our opening times page for other attraction times.

Directions

The postcode for Tar Tunnel is TF8 7HT

See our directions page for further details.

Click here to read our FAQs.