Access Information

We want everyone to feel welcome at our museums.

Look at the site access guides below for further, detailed information about access if you have a physical or hidden disability.

Alternatively, call the Visitor Information Centre on 01952 433 424 or tic@ironbridge.org.uk to discuss the best way to enjoy your visit. 

Most of our museums have good levels of physical access for all visitors.

Carers are admitted free when with a full paying adult or child who they can show they are caring for. The full paying adult or child may gain access with a single site ticket, a PASS or PASS PLUS. Please see our Help and FAQs page for more information.

Where possible, we offer free Blue Badge parking. Please speak to our front of house team upon arrival.

 Blists Hill victorian town

  • While Blists Hill Victorian Town generally has good accessibility for all visitors, visitors using a mobility scooter may find the paths and exhibits narrow and therefore struggle to turn around
  • Blue Badge parking is adjacent to the Entrance
  • There is a fast track queue that can be used by people with physical and hidden disabilities
  • There is a lift in the main entrance building
  • There are ramps and dropped curbs in the Town 
  • Accessible toilets in the Entrance and Forest Glen Refreshment Pavilion
  • Due to the nature of the historic buildings some areas are not accessible for visitors with limited mobility
  • There is a steep hill in the middle of the Town - use the incline lift to avoid the slope
  • An alternative exit from the Town is available - ask on arrival
  • Download the Blists Hill Victorian Town Access Guide here (PDF)

coalbrookdale Museum of Iron

Coalport China Museum

  • Blue Badge parking close to the museum with a ramp in to the Entrance
  • Coalport China Museum is on multiple levels with a lift between floors
  • Parts of the museum are outdoors with cobbled yards
  • There is an accessible toilet here
  • There are many tactile exhibits around the museum as well as 'talk boxes' using spoken interpretation
  • Download the Coalport China Museum Access Guide here (PDF)

Jackfield Tile Museum

  • Jackfield Tile Museum is on many levels and several buildings, with a lift in the main museum building and Fusion
  • Blue Badge parking is close to the entrance
  • There is an accessible toilet here
  • Parts of the museum are outdoors with cobbled yards
  • Download the Jackfield Tile Museum Access Guide here (PDF)

Enginuity

  • Enginuity has good access for all
  • The exhibition is mainly on one level with a lift to the mezzanine gallery
  • There are accessible toilets here
  • Exhibits are multi-sensory
  • This is a noisy environment with frequent loud sounds
  • Download the Enginuity Access Guide here (PDF)

We sometimes hold calm sessions in Enginuity which are suitable for visitors of all ages with autism or other sensory processing conditions. Find out more 

Darby Houses

  • Darby Houses have limited access to wheelchair users
  • They are approached via a steep hill. If approaching from the Museum of Iron, it is suggested that you park in the small car park to the side of the Houses. Spaces are limited and available on a first come first served basis
  • Ramps give access to the ground floor of both houses
  • Dale House is on one level
  • There is an accessible toilet here
  • Rosehill House is on two floors. There isn't a lift to upper floor
  • Paths between houses are mixed surface including gravel
  • Guides are available to talk to visitors about the houses
  • Download the Darby Houses Access Guide here (PDF)

The iron bridge Tollhouse

  • There is easy access to the Tollhouse from the local council Pay & Display car park via a ramp
  • There is a small doorsill at the Entrance to the Tollhouse
  • The Tollhouse is on two floors. There isn't a lift to the upper floor
  • Copies of information panels used in the upper floor exhibition are available on the ground floor
  • Download the Iron Bridge Tollhouse Access Guide here (PDF)

Tar Tunnel

  • There is limited access to the Tar Tunnel for wheelchair users
  • Please ask at Coalport China Museum for details of the best route from the car park
  • There are 4 steps down from the shop to the entrance to the tunnel.  A side door can be opened on request for direct level access

Broseley Pipeworks

  • The Pipeworks has limited access for wheelchair users
  • There is a car park with a gravel surface next to the Entrance
  • The Pipeworks in on multiple levels accessed via steep, narrow staircases
  • There is an accessible toilet here
  • There is not a lift here

Museum of The Gorge

  • The Museum of The Gorge is on one level (ground level)
  • There is a tarmac-surfaced car park adjacent to the museum (managed by Telford & Wrekin Council where standard tariffs apply)
  • There is an accessible toilet in the block in the car park

sensory bags at blists hill victorian town

For Christmas 2024 we have launched new sensory bags that will be available to visitors at Blists Hill Victorian Town. 

The brightly coloured bags, funded by a local business and private trusts and foundations, contain items including ear defenders, pop fidgets and spiky light up balls, specially chosen to soothe visitors to the museum who may become stressed, agitated or anxious due to sensory input or overload.

Ask at the visitor entrance to find out more.

 

THE SUNFLOWER SCHEME

We want people with hidden disabilities to feel welcome at our museums, so our front of house staff have received training on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.

Look out for their sunflower badges and feel comfortable wearing your sunflower lanyard at our sites.

We are currently working to roll this out to other teams. 

Find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme here. 

ENGINUITY QUIET SPACE and sensory guide

At Enginuity we have created some quiet spaces for visitors. 

For families with babies, toddlers and young people with additional needs, the Bright Sparks Sensory Room is the perfect place for a little time out.

We also have a book corner where children can sit down and read about engineers, bridges and scientists.

Download our new Sensory Guide to Enginuity to help you plan and enjoy your visit. Click here to download the guide now.

EAR PROTECTION ON OUR MINE TRAIN

The mine train at Blists Hill Victorian Town is popular, but we know that for some people the noise level is uncomfortable.

Therefore, we now have a limited number of ear defenders available to lend to anyone who would like to enjoy a slightly quieter experience. 

AUDIO DESCRIPTIVE GUIDE TO COALBROOKDALE MUSEUM OF IRON

We have created an audio descriptive guide to Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron to enable you to experience the museum in a new way. Click below to listen or download and click here for timestamps to help you locate specific segments of the guide. 

Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron audio descriptive guide

A guide to the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron.

fast track entry at blists hill victorian town

At the entrance to Blists Hill Victorian Town there is a fast track queue that can be used by people with physical and hidden disabilities.

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