The Tar Tunnel

Unfortunately the Tar Tunnel is closed to visitors in 2025.

A GLIMPSE OF WHAT LIES BENEATH THE IRONBRIDGE GORGE

This 1,000-yard (914 metre) tunnel was dug out in 1786 to bring coal out of the mines at river level. However miners struck a spring of natural bitumen which was then harvested to use in industry.

William Reynolds subsequently built the adjacent Hay Inclined Plane to connects the canal at the top of the Gorge the river level.

Explore our sites

Coalport China Museum

Marvel at spectacular ceramic creations and extraordinary craftsmanship

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Jackfield Tile Museum

Discover how tiles from British designers decorated interiors around the world.

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Blists Hill Victorian Town

Step back in time to 1900

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Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron

Get closer to the material that made the modern world

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The Old Furnace

Where iron changed lives forever

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Enginuity

Fire up the fun with hands-on science and engineering

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The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse

Stand on top of the world's first iron bridge

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Museum of the Gorge

Gateway to the world, and your gateway to the Gorge

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