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Ironbridge, Shropshire

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This is a beautiful area in which a large amount of early industry survives centred around the towns of Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge, Jackfield and Coalport. Coalbrookdale survives virtually intact from the time of the Industrial Revolution's height. The Industrial Revolution didn't of course typically happen in lovely valleys, but perhaps in their displays of the past the museums of Ironbridge are actually a vision for a future where industrialism will coexist in a better way with the environment.

There are ten museums spread along a beautiful section of the river Severn, which is still spanned by the world's first iron bridge. Many of the museums continue to work, producing metal work, or glass and china items. There is a new museum called Enginuity, where lots of interactive displays demonstrate engineering principles.

Opening Times: The following museums are open all year, seven days a week (except for Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Day): Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron 10am - 5pm, Jackfield Tile Museum 10am -5pm, The Tollhouse 10am -5pm, Coalport China Museum 10am -5pm, Museum of the Gorge 10am -5pm, Blists Hill Victorian Town 10am - 4pm.

The Tar Tunnel re-opens 8th March 2008 as do The Darby Houses. Broseley Pipe Worksre-opens May 2008. Engenuity re-opens 18th February 2008. All museums are open from 10am until 5pm, with the exception of the Broseley Pipe Works which is open from 1pm during the summer season.

Directions: The Ironbridge Gorge is on the river Severn five miles south of Telford in Shropshire.Take junction 4 from the M54 and follow the brown tourist signs which take you Blists Hill Victorian Town. Click here for an interactive map centred on Ironbridge.

Access: detailed information for each individual museum is available at the web site below. Wheelchairs are available on loan from all the museums. There is dedicated parking at most sites, and most sites have adapted toilet facilities. Thick handled cutlery, special needs crockery and non slip mats are available in all restaurants. The majority of restaurants in the museums are fully accessible. Large prints guides are available, and most items are available for handling. Demonstrators will be happy to help. A guide trained in sign language is available at all museums at weekends by prior arrangement with Visitor Information. There are induction loops at the Museum of the Gorge, the Blists Hill site, and at the Tourist Information Centre

Contact:

Tourist Information Centre 01952 884391

e-mail tic@ironbridge.org.uk

web: www.ironbridge.org.uk