These few days in Ironbridge were a replacement after our December 2020 Christmas Market Cruise had been cancelled due to Covid. Through one of the online agencies we booked a house to share with our friends. The day before we left for Ironbridge our chosen house was swapped by the owners to another property due to issues with the water system.
Monday 25th April 2022
The town house was a little further out of Ironbridge and was reached through the car park of the Best Western Hotel. The good news was that we had no issues parking two cars. The cleaner was still there when we all arrived, so we dumped the cars and walked back into Ironbridge to get some lunch.
The Malthouse
This pub/restaurant/hotel was where we had stayed on our first visit to Ironbridge. The food was as good as remembered!
Our townhouse
To reach the townhouse and the car parking we had to go through this arch at the side of the Best Western car park.
After lunch we walked back and unpacked the cars.
Ironbridge Gorge Museums’ Passport
The gorge has a lot of museums to visit. After our earlier visit we knew to buy a “passport” that would allow us to go into all the open museums at no extra charge.
We walked to the Museum of the Gorge and picked up our passports. Unfortunately the museum itself was closed because earlier in the year the River Severn had overflowed and flooded it.
Views of Ironbridge in the afternoon
This visit the bridge itself was thankfully free of scaffolding.
Tuesday 26th April 2022
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Our first museum visit was to Blists Hill Victorian Town. The Victorian signs for Covid “rules” were everywhere.
We visited some of the open shops in turn.
In one of the houses we chatted to this lady.
On our last visit the replica steam engine was doing runs up and down the lines towards the canal.
The candle making shed had demonstrations on how the thousands of candles a day were made.
Inside a very large barn there was an original Severn boat that had plied its trade up and down the river.
We visited a part of the Victorian Town that we had not been to before. This cottage was fascinating both inside and outside.
On the stove was a stew that would be lunch for the re-enactors! The stuffed hare hanging from the ceiling was a final touch to the place.
We were lent a key to the small chapel that was further down the path.
Back at the stables we watched as the horse was readied for pulling a carriage around the site.
In the foundry we watched as moulds were being prepared for a casting later in the week.
This gentleman was selling tickets for the carriage rides.
On our way out of the museum we stopped for coffees and a sit down.
Albert Edward Bridge
On the way back to Ironbridge we stopped to have a look at the Albert Edward Bridge that is a railway bridge that spans the River Severn off Buildwas Road. The bridge is made up of 4 cast parts bolted together and its span is 200 feet. It was in use until the Ironbridge Power Station was closed. Now only one track is used.
From the bank here are the views up and down river.
After we left the car at the town house we walked back into Ironbridge and after calling at the gin shop (just for a look!) we stopped at the Tontine Hotel for a drink….
…. and of course for more views of the bridge.
