Ironbridge

Looking for fun things to do in Ironbridge? Check out our ultimate guide to Ironbridge for families. From all the best Ironbridge Gorge Museums and epic outdoor adventures, we've got all the best ideas to help you plan your day out.

Did you know Ironbridge is home to 10 amazing interactive museums? Watch and talk to the Museum's craftsmen as you get immersed in the history of Victorian times in the Blists Hill Victorian Town get hands-on in the Tar Tunnel Museum!

Ironbridge is also a World Heritage Site and forms the beating heart of the industrial revolution. As there is so much to do here we highly recommend that you do a little planning before you arrive, to make sure you make the most of your time on site.

Award-winning Museums Nearby...
Ironbridge is a worldwide location known to be the heart of the Industrial Revolution. In each of these award-winning museums, you're little ones will get to see, touch and learn about the spectacular creations and extraordinary craftsmanship that helped but Ironbridge on the map!

Learn about Magnificent metal, creative crafts like exquisite ceramics, Victorian life, British tile designers, clay tobacco pipemakers and so much more! If you are from the West Midlands it's a great opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of your county and learn about your black country heritage. The 18th Century Iron Revolution is a fascinating subject to learn about and your kids will be completely gripped in the history of it. 

All the award-winning museums are spread along the valley beside the River Severn, just south of Telford, and include:
Blists Hill Victorian Town (TF7 5UD) - there's no TV, no cars, just tons of fun as you experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Victorian age.

Enginuity (TF8 7DQ) - a much more modern experience, generating electricity from flowing water, pulling a 10 tonne locomotive by hand, seeing through things with a giant x-ray machine

Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron (TF8 7DQ) - re-opens in Easter 2017 after an exciting redevelopment project

Tar Tunnel (TF8 7HT) - put on your hard hat and venture underground into the eerie brick-lined tunnel. 

The Ironbridge and Tollhouse (TF8 7JP) - marvel at the strength and beauty of the first ever cast-iron bridge, built in 1779

You can also visit the Coalport China Museum (TF8 7HT), the Backfield Tile Museum (TF8 7LJ), the Museum of the Gorge (TF8 7NH), Darby Houses (TF8 7DQ) and the Broseley Pipeworks (TF12 5LX)

Outdoor Activities
Museums are wonderful places to visit for sure, but if you are looking for family activities with a bit more of an endorphin rush then you'll love all the outdoor activities on offer in Ironbridge!

Ever heard of a Mega SUP-Ride? in the simplest terms is a giant paddle board that can hold up to 8 people! Starting in the beautiful Shropshire countryside,  each mega-SUP holds between 5-8 people and are modelled on the single SUP. Strap on your wetsuits and helmets and climb aboard your very own giant paddleboard! It's a quirky day out whereby families can explore the famous River Severn. Spot majestic wildlife nearby like swans, egrets, kingfishers and even deer! You'll pass iconic historical buildings too like the old power station and of course the world famous Iron Bridge. Each voyage lasts about 3-3.5 hours and you will end up your travels in Jackfield. 

Ever heard of the Severn Valley Way? If you're a family of avid walkers you'll know this iconic and seriously lengthy walk. Taking 11-22 days to complete, the Severn Valley Way walk starts in Powys, Wales and ends in Bristol. The walk cuts through Shrewsbury and Ironbridge too! This walk entails a flat path all the way and if you join its trail in Ironbridge you'll get to walk through the stunning ancient gorges. 

Looking for an Ironbridge park to spread out a picnic or play some outdoor games? Families often love visiting the Ironbridge Coach Park (Ironbridge, Telford TF8 7JR) and Dale End Park (8 The Courtyard, Ironbridge, Coalbrookdale, Telford TF8 7EG). Both parks have car parking available but there may be some charges.