Heart of England - Shropshire

Maybe the best place to start a journey back in time is the Museum of the Gorge. Here, you can watch a video that explains why the area is a World Heritage Site and you can look at a large model of the valley that displays the landscape of the Gorge in 1796.

The most popular Museum is Blists Hill Victorian Town, where life over a hundred years ago is brought to life. Groups can begin their experience by exchanging modern money in the town’s bank for Victorian shillings. They can then spend this money in the Victorian shops where they can buy traditional fish and chips, classic sweets, and other Victorian gifts such as decorative plasterware.

During the summer groups can take a ride on the Town’s funfair, acquaint themselves with its farmyard animals, and marvel at the exhibits that depict what life was really like in the Victorian period. They also have the chance to see how Victorian medicines and pills were prepared in the Pharmacy, and, if they’re feeling particularly brave, hear the gruesome tales surrounding the Dentist’s chair and Doctor’s surgery!

Once they have walked around the town, visitors are welcome to sit down in a traditional Victorian pub and during the main season join in a sing-along with Victorian performers, or take a pleasant ride on a Shire horse and cart.

At Jackfield Tile Museum groups can explore the magnificent former factory filled with thousands of beautiful tiles, including the new John Scott Gallery, which features work by Pugin, De Morgan and William Morris. On many days you can see the artisans in the Craven Dunnill factory making tiles and groups can even book a workshop to decorate their own tiles.

Coalport China Museum holds the national collections of Coalport and Caughley China, all displayed in the former Coalport factory. You can also watch demonstrators paining china or throwing pots. Next door is the YHA café where refreshments can be pre-booked.

Only a short walk away from Coalport China Museum is the Tar Tunnel. Adventurous visitors can put on a hard hat and go underground to see the pools of tar.

Next on a group’s list might be the Museum of Iron, where they can learn about the beginning of the iron industry, and how it rapidly changed during the Industrial Revolution. The nearby Darby Houses are the former homes of the Darby family and contain original furniture, china, paintings, papers and costumes of the family.

A lovely finale of a trip to the Gorge would be a stroll along the banks of the River Severn and across the famous Iron Bridge. Follow in the footsteps of millions of people from all over the world and cross the world first cast iron bridge.

There are many catering options and special packages available to groups, including specialist talks and tours. Call the Group Visit Officer to find out more.

Tel: 01952 435900 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.