Ironbridge Gorge

In 1986 the pivotal importance of Ironbridge at the birth of the Industrial Revolution was recognised when a two-mile stretch of the Ironbridge Gorge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Packed into this small area is an incredible amount of early industrial history. First-off, there's the Iron Bridge itself over the River Severn, the world's first iron bridge (1779), an astonishingly elegant and surprisingly light-of-touch design considering it was a first attempt. In the steep-sided leafy valley there are early factories dedicated to fine china, ceramics and iron working. And pretty much the whole history of the transport revolution is here, too with inclined plane tramways, canals and early railways. In all there are some nine museums to visit, all in close proximity. Here they are:

- Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and Darby Houses: Where the industrial revolution really started to motor when Abraham Darby perfected the process in 1709 of smelting iron with coke instead of charcoal. Led to a revolution in iron-making;

- Blists Hill Victorian Town: a 500-acre site including a great collection of historic buildings either preserved in-situ or relocated/reconstructed arranged to convincingly recreate a late 19thC working town. Includes the three huge canalside blast furnaces of the Madeley Wood Company;

- The Museum of the Gorge: details the history of the Gorge and includes a large-scale model of the area as it would have been in 1796;

- Iron Bridge and Tollhouse: the original focus for the heritage efforts - the famous bridge, with its toll house;

- Coalport China Museum and Tar Tunnel: The surviving buildings at the historic Coalport China Works now house a collection of Coalport and Caughley pottery that is considered to be of national significance.

- Jackfield Tile Museum (closed for to renovation until 2004): located in the still complete purpose-built Victorian tile factory, from which millions of decorative tiles originally went to decorate buildings all over the British Empire. This museum houses a terrific collection of the tile manufacturers' art;

- Broseley Pipeworks: Incredibly, this factory has been preserved almost as it was when it began operation in the 1880, with all the original machinery to manufacture clay pipes still intact.

- enginuity: a brand new science and industry interactive discovery museum - where you are encouraged to become apprentice engineers for the day. Loads of things to pull, push and press. Things to make, and things to experiment with.

For further information on any of the attractions or opening times contact the Iron Bridge Tourist Information Centre 01952 432166. In addition tickets can be purchased in advance on 0800 590258. The Passport Ticket, which gives access to all the attractions, is cheaper than individual attraction tickets if you plan to visit several sites.

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