Three key Ironbridge museums in Shropshire, now managed by the National Trust, will reopen to visitors this month following their acquisition in March.

Initial Reopenings

The Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron and the Furnace Kitchen will welcome visitors starting Wednesday, May 20. Blists Hill Victorian Town follows on Thursday, May 21, timed perfectly for the half-term break.

National Trust Statement

The National Trust shared excitement in a message to members: “We know that everyone who loves Ironbridge Gorge will be happy to hear this and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back as well as those who are new to these places.”

They added: “Blists Hill, and the chance to step into the sights, sounds and stories of Victorian life in the Gorge, is loved by so many people both locally and across the country, so we’ve worked hard to get it open in time for half-term.”

Plans include reintroducing popular activities and demonstrations, plus new ones based on visitor feedback. All visitors, including members, must pre-book initially for Blists Hill via the National Trust website. Officials expect to lift this requirement after IT upgrades.

Upcoming Phases

The Jackfield Tile Museum and Enginuity will reopen to schools in June, with weekend bookings available for the Tile Museum. The Ironbridge Toll House targets mid-June. Remaining sites, such as the Museum of the Gorge, will follow in a phased rollout through the year.

These museums highlight the Ironbridge Gorge’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, bolstered by significant investment from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.