Distance Shot Of Iron Bridge 02 2023

The Iron Bridge & Tollhouse

WALK ACROSS THE WORLD'S FIRST IRON BRIDGE

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.

Today you can still walk across it and admire spectacular views of the Gorge before taking a free visit to the Iron Bridge Tollhouse to learn about this magnificent monument’s history. 

 

The Tollhouse Sign

A pioneering monument

Since its construction in 1779 tourists have flocked to marvel at the Iron Bridge. 

  • Look at the board outside the Tollhouse and see how much you would have paid to cross the Iron Bridge
  • See the exhibition inside the Tollhouse to learn how and why this famous bridge was built
Guests Walking Across The Iron Bridge 06 22

A spectacular setting

This extraordinary structure dominates the small town that takes its name. 

  • Take a riverside walk along the Severn to enjoy stunning views of the bridge and the surrounding valley
  • Don’t forget your selfie on the bridge
A black and white photograph of a young man, smiling, wearing WWII army uniform

VE Day display for 80th anniversary

See a free temporary display to mark the 80th anniversary celebrations of Victory in Europe Day in 2025.

  • A letter from local man, Private Maurice James Cadman, in Germany to his family on VE Day
  • Toy soldiers produced by local company Greenwood & Ball
  • A photograph of the local 'Bomb Girls' the nickname given to munitions workers
The Iron Bridge In The Ironbridge Gorge Credit Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust 2

Experience Ironbridge your way

To help you get the most out of your visit, we’ve created tailored itineraries to guide you around our sites in the Ironbridge Gorge.

Ironbridge itineraries

The Iron Bridge 1779

A potted history of the Iron Bridge

The Iron Bridge over the River Severn is the world’s first iron bridge.

As industry in the Gorge developed there was increasing demand for more practical means to transport goods and people from one bank of the River Severn to the other. The bridge was commissioned, designed by architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard and built by Abraham Darby III, manager of the Coalbrookdale Company ironworks in Coalbrookdale.

 The bridge opened in 1779 and acted as a catalyst for the architectural use of cast iron more generally.

Find out more about the history of the Iron Bridge

Parking information

There is available parking in the Station Yard Car Park. This is a Local Authority Pay & Display car park so a separate ticket is required.

Free parking for PASS PLUS and Friends is only available at museum car parks so does not apply for this car park.

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