Ironbridge Gorge

Ironbridge Gorge is a deep river valley carved by the River Severn, with steep wooded slopes on both sides and scattered industrial buildings. Ten museums spread across the area tell the story of how goods were manufactured and what people made here.

The first iron bridge made entirely of metal was completed here in 1779, making this place a center for new manufacturing methods. Raw materials found in the area—coal, limestone, and iron ore—enabled this growth and attracted factories.

The museums throughout the gorge display how people made pottery, ceramics, and metal products that shaped daily life and work in the region. Visitors can see the tools and workshops where craftspeople practiced these trades.

Parking is available at multiple spots throughout the gorge, with shuttle buses connecting the various museums and attractions. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths between sites are hilly and some sections are unpaved.

This place was a testing ground for inventors and experimenters who developed new metalworking techniques that spread to other parts of the world. Many breakthroughs would not have happened without the specific raw materials and landscape of the valley.