The birthplace of the industrial revolution reopens after £9M makeover | UK | Travel
Two of the Ironbridge Gorge museums recently taken over by the National Trust will open their doors this week, offering families a historic half-term break in the Shropshire countryside.
Coalbrookdale Iron Museum and Bakery Kitchen will open for the first time on 20 May, with the outdoor Blists Hill Victorian Town opening a day later on 21 May.
Other sites are expected to reopen throughout the year.
Why did the Ironbridge Gorge museums close?
Both have been closed since February while the transfer from the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust to the National Trust was completed; this has been described as one of the most significant transfers the charity has made in 130 years. The deal was made possible by a government investment of £9 million.
What is Ironbridge Gorge?
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the gorge passes through forested hillsides above the River Severn and is considered by many historians to be the cradle of the industrial revolution. Coal extraction here began in the 1500s, and the proliferation of furnaces and foundries in the 1700s made the valley one of the most industrially important places in the world, Time Out reports.
The centerpiece of the Iron Museum is the furnace where Abraham Darby I developed the groundbreaking process of iron smelting, the innovation that set the industrial revolution in motion. Meanwhile, Blists Hill Victorian Town brings the 19th century to life with authentic shops, cottages and costumed artisans.
Claire Tafft, National Trust project manager for visitor engagement at Ironbridge Gorge, said: “As a living, thriving town, Blists Hill will continue to reopen and be restored over time. We appreciate everyone’s support as we embark on this new chapter and look forward to sharing what’s still to come.”
How can I visit Ironbridge Gorge and how much does it cost?
All visits to Blists Hill Victorian Town will initially require advance booking. Entry is free for National Trust members; English Heritage members can benefit from a 15 percent discount until April 1, 2027.
Families with young children will find that children under five are admitted free and group tickets start from £36. Motorists can park for free at the Iron Museum, and the Bakery Kitchen is open from 9am daily throughout the week.
Ironbridge Gorge is approximately 2.5 hours from London and 45 minutes from Birmingham; making it an accessible day trip from either city.
