One of Shropshire’s top attractions, the Ironbridge Gorge is known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. But please do not be deceived by our heritage. Nowadays the area is far from industrial. Although the revolution started here, most of the factories are long gone and the natural beauty of the Gorge has been restored.

Beyond the Museums

Of course many of our visitors are attracted to the superb Victorian themed museums operated by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust.

However the Gorge is a splendid attraction in its own right. Nature has reclaimed most of the former industrial sites, leaving us with a unique and beautiful wooded valley. The gorge is a now a maze of footpaths, bridleways and country lanes.

The former homes of the Victorian Iron Masters and their workers can still be found in the communities around the Gorge. But no longer will you find the grimy back streets, or rows of chimneys belching back smoke. Nowadays the old homes are set in the picturesque villages and hamlets dotted across the valley.

Beyond the Gorge and the Museums you have the beauty of Shropshire to explore, with medieval towns, spectacular scenery gardens and historical sites dating back over 2000 years.

Visiting the Museums

See the official Ironbridge Gorge Museums web site at www.ironbridge.org.uk

Text from http://www.virtual-shropshire.co.uk