Ironbridge, Shropshire, England

Ironbridge, Bridge

A couple of years ago when we visited Ironbridge for the first time we were really disappointed because the famous iron bridge was completely swathed in scaffolding and plastic while it underwent major refurbishment. We were luckier this time. The bridge was the first cast iron bridge to be made, way back in 1779 and it is beautifully elegant for something so solid and strong. It spans the River Severn, which didn’t look quite as slow and sludgy on this visit, it was a brighter day and there had probably been less rain – we’ve made up for it since then!

River Severn, Ironbridge, Shropshire

You get a good view of part of the town from the bridge, the buildings seem Georgian to me. Just a wee bit to the right of the photo there’s a good secondhand bookshop.

Ironbridge from bridge

Ironbridge is popular with tourists, well it’s a scenic town and a good place to stop and stretch your legs a bit. It isn’t annoyingly busy though and there are several museums that you can visit if you’re so inclined.

Ironbridge from bridge

This town is regarded as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution so I imagine it’s a lot cleaner than it was way back then when there must have been smoke belching out of the various factory chimneys. It seems so rural nowadays, with all the trees and greenery.

6 thoughts on “Ironbridge, Shropshire, England

  1. It’s just down the road from me, well, a few miles. My wife and I have been through it but two things put us off wandering round: the stupidly high charges for the museums and the lack of reasonably priced parking. Yes, it is a tourist hot spot, so not somewhere we would go for a leisurely stroll along the Severn.

    It does have a marvellous history. We learned a lot about this from several documentaries that saved us the trip! It is a 50% chance you will see the Iron Bridge on an “Escape to the Country” in Shropshire.

    Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock are nice places fairly nearby and worth a visit.

    • Hamish,
      We’ve always managed to find a free parking space in the main street on the river side, across from a sweetie shop and cafe I think. I must admit I haven’t been into any of the museums, I object to them having a charge anywhere as most museums and art galleries in Glasgow and Edinburgh are free. We have been to Much Wenlock before but not to Bridgnorth, I’ll remember that for the next time we are in that area. Thanks.

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