Ironbridge
Ironbridge is a large village in Shropshire on the banks of the River Severn, at the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge.
It is known for its world-famous bridge which exemplifies the industrial history of Ironbridge Gorge.
Constructed in 1779 the iron bridge was a magnificent achievement of engineering.
It was built by Abraham Darby III to link Coalbrookdale, the town of Broseley and the mining town of Madeley.
It was the first bridge in the world not to be constructed from wood but cast in iron. Meant to showcase the genius of Coalbrookdale ironmasters, it became a major tourist attraction.
Today the bridge, the adjacent settlement of Ironbridge and the Ironbridge Gorge form the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
The bridge itself is toll-free and available to cross on foot. It remains an impressive 378-ton symbol of the Industrial Revolution. And it is looking better than ever.
Ironbridge Gorge Museum
The industrial heritage of Ironbridge is depicted in nine museums run by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.
- Blist Hill Victorian Museum
- Coalport China Museum & Tar Tunnel
- Broseley Pipeworks
- The iron bridge & Toll House
- Museum of the Gorge
- Jackfield Tile Museum
- Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron
- Darby Houses
- Enginuity
Each of them are unique and housed in ‘original’ buildings. It is impossible to squeeze all the museums in one day.
Just pick one and make sure you have enough time to admire the steep wooded slopes of the gorge.
Walking
Walking is a fantastic way to explore the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
We started at Benthall Hall and walked through the woodland of Benthall Edge towards Ironbridge. A lovely 3,5-mile circular offering great views of Ironbridge Gorge and the iron bridge itself.
But there are many more trails through the Ironbridge Gorge. Many of them have been established and waymarked by the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust.
Why not try the Iron Trail, Lime Trail, Sabbath Walks Trail, or walk to Blist Hill Victorian Town through beautiful woodland.
Severn Way
The Severn Way is a 224-mile waymarked walk, tracing the route of Britain’s longest River, with 55 miles running through Shropshire.
The route in Shropshire passes from the Welsh border at Melverley to the county town of Shrewsbury.
From here you walk along some spectacular meanders to reach Ironbridge, the birthplace of Industry.
The route then leads through fertile river valleys to Bridgnorth and on to pass into Worcestershire on its way to Upper Arley and on towards Bristol.
The whole route is marked with a blue boat (a Trow) on a white background.
Cool Places to Explore: Shropshire Hills AONB | Buildwas Abbey | Bridgnorth | Shrewsbury | Market Drayton | Wenlock Priory.
