Take a trip back to where the Industrial Revolution began

Ironbridge, Shropshire

Ironbridge Gorge has World Heritage status for its unique contribution to the birth of the global Industrial Revolution in the 18th century.

More than 300 years ago, this was the world's technological hotspot where Abraham Darby I first perfected the use of coke to mass-produce iron. The surviving manmade and natural environment with its museums, monuments and artefacts – including of course the world-famous Iron Bridge of 1779 – serve as reminders of the area’s contribution to the history and development of industrialised society.

Now in the space of a day you can shop with shillings or meet a Victorian bobby on the beat at Blists Hill Victorian Town, walk through a tar tunnel with treacle-like bitumen oozing from its walls just like it did in the 18th century, and see the original furnace that fired up the Industrial Revolution.

And there's more fun to be had at Enginuity’s design and technology centre, Coalport China Museum and Jackfield Tile Museum, all with hands-on activities and holiday workshops.

Content provided by Visit Ironbridge

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