Ironbridge Gorge - The world’s first cast iron bridge 

Nestled in the heart of the spectacular Shropshire countryside, Ironbridge Gorge is known throughout the world as where industry began and lies alongside the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Three hundred years ago the town was a real powerhouse of UK industry, where Abraham Darby perfected the use of coke to mass-produce iron. 

Back then the town was laden with mines and factories bellowing out thick black smoke. Heavy industry has long gone but the town’s rich industrial heritage isn’t forgotten and is waiting to be explored on your coach break with National Holidays.

No trip to the town would be complete without walking the Iron Bridge, the world’s first cast iron bridge built in 1779 and pioneering engineering feat which acts a permanent reminder of the area’s industrial past and provides incredible views of the River Severn below.

Many of the town’s original factory buildings have also been lovingly restored and turned into a collection of museums dotted alongside the Severn, including Coalport China Museum, Jackfield Tile Museum, Broseley Pipeworks and Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron.

Step back in time at Blists Hill Museum, a living and working open-air museum where you can learn about the history of the area through the sights, sounds and smells of a reconstructed Victorian Town people dressed in authentic costumes will give an insight into daily working lives.

To find your next coach holiday or short break to The Ironbridge Gorge simply use our Holiday Search above.