Published on Thursday March 17th, 2022
Over the years, many remarkable discoveries and innovations have originated here, some of which have gone on to change the world.
Charles Darwin was born and schooled in Shrewsbury. Much Wenlock is believed to be the inspiration for the modern Olympic Games. And Thomas Telford’s engineering feats were so impressive they named a town after him.
But perhaps the biggest breakthrough came in Ironbridge Gorge. At the turn of the 18th century, this unassuming Shropshire valley kickstarted the Industrial Revolution.
Shropshire’s industrial heritage has not gone unnoticed. UNESCO recognised Ironbridge Gorge as a World Heritage Site in 1986. And if you take a short drive over the Welsh border, you’ll find Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal: another World Heritage Site that helped advance the region’s engineering prowess and transport infrastructure.
Let’s start the exploration of both iconic sites right here.
Here, in 1709, iron was first smelted using coke as a fuel instead of charcoal. This allowed commercial iron to be produced on a massive scale – a key reason why Ironbridge Gorge is often described as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Many visitors don’t go far beyond the bridge – but there’s so much more to take in. The World Heritage Site spreads over a vast area, including a three-mile stretch of the Severn Valley from Ironbridge village to Coalport, as well as the settlements of Coalbrookdale and Madeley.
Get closer to the material that helped make the world we live in today Is iron the greatest material ever made? Decide for yourself by visiting our museum. Find out how iron, and particularly Coalbrookdale iron, changed the course of the world. See stunning exhibits, exquisite art castings and functional cookware all made from iron. […]
See some of the most beautiful tiles in the world and discover how tiles made by British designers decorated interiors around the world. Jackfield was once the very heart of British tile production. In this former tile factory, previously home to Craven Dunnill, get an insight into the tile making process and tile decorating techniques. Then […]
Travel back in time to experience the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian life. Enjoy a fun day out and experience what life was like in 1900 under the reign of Queen Victoria. Meet our Victorian townsfolk and find out how key technological advances and industry changed lives. Step into our Victorian shops, homes and […]
The Severn Gorge Countryside Trust helps maintain a network of paths and trails and has created some excellent trail leaflets. These take you to beauty spots that tie in with the region’s industrial heritage.
The Sabbath Walks Trail, for example, follows pathways in Coalbrookdale dating back to the late 1700s. Back then, the paths were used by workers on their day of rest.
Or why not climb up to the Rotunda lookout point? You’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view along the wooded gorge and of the Iron Bridge.
North Shropshire is a heritage lover’s dream – and it makes a great base from which to explore the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal. This World Heritage Site is located eight miles north of Oswestry, just over the Welsh border.
This canal network has been in continuous use for more than two centuries. For the first 130 years, it enjoyed busy traffic. If you could have visited back then, you’d have seen a steady parade of cargo boats ferrying immense loads of coal, iron, slate and limestone: vital materials for the ongoing Industrial Revolution.
Nowadays, its historical importance, beautiful environment and 32 listed structures attract nearly half a million visitors every year.
Walking beside the Llangollen Canal is a wonderful way to spend a few hours. There are pubs along the way and lots of wildlife-rich trails just off the towpaths, including the lovely Ceiriog Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. You can also walk the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which offers amazing views across the Dee Valley. (Just don't look down!)
Between early spring and late autumn, you can take a 45-minute guided boat tour from Trevor Basin. As you cruise gently along, you'll enjoy commentary from a local expert, as well as a choice of food and refreshments. Longer trips are also available from Llangollen.
Located right next door to the mighty Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, this visitor centre tells the riveting story of its construction. While you're there, you can peruse historic artefacts, watch fascinating films and animations and let the kids loose at the children's activity area.
The charming Shropshire market town of Oswestry is just eight miles south of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site. Not only is it a great base from which to explore the area, but it also conceals a few historic gems of its own. That includes Old Oswestry: an impressive stepped hill fort that dates back to the Iron Age.
Lion Quays Resort is a truly magnificent setting for a romantic break, a pampered spa weekend away or a family stay set in stunning Shropshire countryside. Lion Quays also proves as an amazing waterside setting for peaceful business meetings or as a breathtaking and spacious backdrop for your wedding or special occasion. A natural antidote […]
Luxury Woodland Accommodation Henlle Hall, an exquisite Georgian country house set peacefully on the English–Welsh borders offering luxury accommodation in Shropshire. We offer both holiday cottages and holiday lodges to let all with hot tubs. Skilfully converted from a former coach house and stables, each spacious cottage showcases magnificent oak beams and original character quirks to […]
A family run B&B right on the Offa’s Dyke Path, ten minutes’ drive from Oswestry and within easy reach of the Shropshire Hills, and north and mid Wales. The house is a former corn mill and public house at the southern end of Candy Woods in the valley of the River Morda. We offer you […]
