Gorge on the Black Country’s Historic Museums 2026
Black Country Living Museum
British Ironwork Centre
Ironbridge
River Severn Cruise
Wightwick Manor © National Trust Images Susan Guy www.nationaltrust.org.uk
This delightful tour is a real showcase of the Black Country and Shropshire with visits to the extraordinary Black Country Living Museum, Wightwick Manor House and Ironbridge Gorge, as well as a lovely River Severn cruise. We also visit the incredible British Ironwork Centre and spend time in charming Shrewsbury.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Black Country Museum & Wightwick
This morning we make our way to the Black Country Living Museum, one of the most extraordinary open-air museums in the UK, offering a glimpse into 300 years of history like no other. Set in 26 acres, we discover the story of the industrial revolution and the Black Country folk who changed the world. In the afternoon, we visit Wightwick Manor & Gardens. Pronounced “Wittick”, the house is a family home full of Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors.
Day 3 River Severn Cruise & Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Today, we travel to Shrewsbury to take a cruise on the River Severn on a triple deck modern boat. Our 45 minute return cruise takes us from Victoria Quay to English Bridge and offers plenty of photo opportunities and lovely views as we head out and an entertaining commentary from the captain as we return. Hot and cold drinks and snacks can be purchased on board. In the afternoon we visit Blists Hill Victorian Town within the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. This living museum vividly re-enacts life in Ironbridge from the early 1700s to the Victorian era. Alternatively you could choose to visit the Coalport China Museum, Broseley Pipeworks or the Darby Houses instead (please note that time will not allow visits to multiple sites). We complete our day by viewing the Iron Bridge itself.
Day 4 British Ironwork Centre & Shrewsbury or RAF Museum Midlands
This morning we visit the British Ironwork Centre (free entry), the UK’s largest centre for decorative metal work known for its Spoon Gorilla, made from 40,000 spoons; Knife Angel, made from over 100,000 seized blades; and Manchester Bee, made entirely of firearms. After admiring the thought-provoking Sculpture Park, we make our way to the market town of Shrewsbury where we spend the afternoon exploring at leisure.
OR
Alternatively, visit the fascinating RAF Museum Midlands with an exclusive private guided highlights tour followed by free time in the historic county town of Shrewsbury. Famed for its Tudor centre lined with quaint half-timbered houses and medieval castle housing the Shropshire Regimental Museum.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Black Country Museum & Wightwick
This morning we make our way to the Black Country Living Museum, one of the most extraordinary open-air museums in the UK, offering a glimpse into 300 years of history like no other. Set in 26 acres, we discover the story of the industrial revolution and the Black Country folk who changed the world. In the afternoon, we visit Wightwick Manor & Gardens. Pronounced “Wittick”, the house is a family home full of Pre-Raphaelite art and William Morris interiors.
Day 3 River Severn Cruise & Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Today, we travel to Shrewsbury to take a cruise on the River Severn on a triple deck modern boat. Our 45 minute return cruise takes us from Victoria Quay to English Bridge and offers plenty of photo opportunities and lovely views as we head out and an entertaining commentary from the captain as we return. Hot and cold drinks and snacks can be purchased on board. In the afternoon we visit Blists Hill Victorian Town within the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. This living museum vividly re-enacts life in Ironbridge from the early 1700s to the Victorian era. Alternatively you could choose to visit the Coalport China Museum, Broseley Pipeworks or the Darby Houses instead (please note that time will not allow visits to multiple sites). We complete our day by viewing the Iron Bridge itself.
Day 4 British Ironwork Centre & Shrewsbury or RAF Museum Midlands
This morning we visit the British Ironwork Centre (free entry), the UK’s largest centre for decorative metal work known for its Spoon Gorilla, made from 40,000 spoons; Knife Angel, made from over 100,000 seized blades; and Manchester Bee, made entirely of firearms. After admiring the thought-provoking Sculpture Park, we make our way to the market town of Shrewsbury where we spend the afternoon exploring at leisure.
OR
Alternatively, visit the fascinating RAF Museum Midlands with an exclusive private guided highlights tour followed by free time in the historic county town of Shrewsbury. Famed for its Tudor centre lined with quaint half-timbered houses and medieval castle housing the Shropshire Regimental Museum.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Mercure Telford Centre
Forgegate, Telford
This modern hotel is conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, bars and the Ironbridge Gorge. All 153 comfortable bedrooms are modern in design and contain a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant is well-sized with plenty of light whilst the bar offers a relaxed setting in which to enjoy a drink, and there are 3 lounge areas. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym.
• Ground floor rooms • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in room • Leisure facilities • Coach parking is on-site & free of charge
Mercure Telford Centre Hotel
Forgegate, Telford
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £387pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £141
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Entrance to Black Country Living Museum
• Entrance to Wightwick Manor & Gardens
• Return 45-minute Severn River cruise
• Entrance to Blists Hill Ironbridge Gorge Museums
• Entrance to British Ironwork Centre (free entry) or RAF Museum Midlands
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
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