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Investigate Ironbridge

All Areas > Travel > Holidays & Travel

Author: Al Hidden, Posted: Saturday, 24th February 2018, 09:00

Ironbridge Ironbridge

In the last two issues, we planned some Portuguese sunshine and long-haul travel to British Columbia. This month we’re closer to home with a little gem just up the road in Shropshire…

Birthplace of the industrial revolution
What comes to mind when you think ‘UNESCO world heritage site’? Maybe Brazil’s Iguazu Falls or Norway’s Geirangerfjord, but surely not the picturesque, wooded Severn Valley near Telford. But it should, because Ironbridge Gorge was rated among the world’s favourite UNESCO sites!

When planning a January getaway, we found cosy, beautifully appointed, ‘Flat on the Square’ overlooking the world’s first wrought iron bridge – albeit currently swathed in scaffolding during refurbishment before reopening later this year. Despite this, the still usable bridge was rather romantic as we strolled across to eat, Mediterranean-style, at stylish, reasonably priced Darcy’s. It’s just five minutes from the flat and the food, including delicious Basque cod, was amazing.

Many good restaurants
We also loved the quirky La Casita tapas restaurant across the road from our flat. There are numerous good, varied local restaurants, including a well-reviewed chip shop for budget eating and the pricier, also well-rated, Restaurant Severn across the square.

So what does one do in Ironbridge? You could use the town as a base for exploring Shropshire, but not before discovering its many local delights. Walking the River Severn’s banks is great for orientation, perhaps stopping at the Gorge Museum. This riverside museum is one of several reflecting the area’s key role in Britain’s Industrial Revolution. It really was an eighteenth-century equivalent to the modern ‘Silicon Valley’!

Do visit the fascinating Blists Hill Victorian Town – complete with delicious 1900-style fish and chips. A 12-month passport ticket gives unlimited access to many local museums ranging from Blists Hill and Coalport China Museum, to Coalbrookdale’s Museum of Iron and contemporary Enginuity. Your ‘passport’ quickly pays for itself before you save more with additional visits. It’s a bargain, especially with Ironbridge so close to Gloucestershire.

Bears on the Square
In summary, we loved Ironbridge’s romantic, scenic, sometimes ‘steampunk’ ambience with excellent activities, accommodation and dining. And if industrial history isn’t ‘you’, bookshops, gift and antique stores abound – don’t miss Bears on the Square directly under your flat!

For couples or families, there’s a lot to love about Ironbridge Gorge and its museums. With luck, Abraham Darby’s iron bridge will be uncovered in all its restored glory when you visit!

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