The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse
The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse
The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Walk across the first ever cast-iron bridge, built in 1779 across the River Severn. Marvel at its true strength and delicate beauty.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
1,935 reviews
Excellent
1,181
Very good
602
Average
113
Poor
20
Terrible
19
Angela E
Luton, UK28 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We took our children to see this famous Ironbridge this week, they found it great that they could not only walk over it but also underneath it aswell to see how it was made and put together.
They were fascinated that it was built in 1779 and was now 245years old and still standing strong! withstanding many floods even major ones in 1795 and 1947.
My husband and I visited the bridge about 12 years ago and it was a greenish grey colour back then, it was great to see its been restored to its original colour of when it was first built of a redish brown. The views of the river on both sides are brilliant on a clear day.
Unfortunately the toll house seemed to be closed due to being restored and had scaffolding all around it but we still learned alot with information and photo boards on the outside. On the toll price list board our children found it hilarious that a human was the same price as a pig, sheep and horse!
We would recommend a visit to this charming little town/village as seeing the actual bridge ties in well with the visits to the museums in the area which informs you of who, how and why the bridge was built.
The people and shop keepers are helpful and very friendly telling us stories of the floods that still keep happening more and more in the last decade.
They were fascinated that it was built in 1779 and was now 245years old and still standing strong! withstanding many floods even major ones in 1795 and 1947.
My husband and I visited the bridge about 12 years ago and it was a greenish grey colour back then, it was great to see its been restored to its original colour of when it was first built of a redish brown. The views of the river on both sides are brilliant on a clear day.
Unfortunately the toll house seemed to be closed due to being restored and had scaffolding all around it but we still learned alot with information and photo boards on the outside. On the toll price list board our children found it hilarious that a human was the same price as a pig, sheep and horse!
We would recommend a visit to this charming little town/village as seeing the actual bridge ties in well with the visits to the museums in the area which informs you of who, how and why the bridge was built.
The people and shop keepers are helpful and very friendly telling us stories of the floods that still keep happening more and more in the last decade.
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freddie B
Coalville, UK206 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
Great piece of industrial heritage nestled within the beautiful Shropshire countryside.
Whilst the bridge certainly might not be a day out in its own right, it could be a good one paired with the Wrekin not too far away. As for the Iron Bridge itself, it is a nice experience to walk across it and then go to the Tollhouse, which houses a small museum concerning the history of the bridge and the other industries within the area. It is also the centrepiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This can make it quite busy, but it'll never be as busy as other tourist places in Britain like Westminster Abbey.
Whilst the bridge certainly might not be a day out in its own right, it could be a good one paired with the Wrekin not too far away. As for the Iron Bridge itself, it is a nice experience to walk across it and then go to the Tollhouse, which houses a small museum concerning the history of the bridge and the other industries within the area. It is also the centrepiece of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This can make it quite busy, but it'll never be as busy as other tourist places in Britain like Westminster Abbey.
Written 27 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian
Amersham, UK316 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We happened to be passing by and diverted to come and see the Ironbridge. I didn't expect much and so on arrival it was really enjoyable to talk with my kids about the history of what this bridge achieved. I love that it's still free to access and walk across, and that you can walk underneath as well.
If you're popping by be really careful with signage and where you park your car. We saw many people getting tickets for parking in an area reserved for motor bikes, we were parked right next to it and only noticed on return how lucky we were!
If you're popping by be really careful with signage and where you park your car. We saw many people getting tickets for parking in an area reserved for motor bikes, we were parked right next to it and only noticed on return how lucky we were!
Written 26 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Braindamagedbaron
Newark-on-Trent, UK1,836 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
There once was a bridge
There once was some iron
There once was a bridge made from some iron
It was called Ironbridge
And thus the town of Ironbridge did flourish. The bridge is there, yes, it's a sight to see, yes. But the town itself is the real hidden gem. A glorious little idyll that just happens to have an historical structure slap bang in the middle.
There once was some iron
There once was a bridge made from some iron
It was called Ironbridge
And thus the town of Ironbridge did flourish. The bridge is there, yes, it's a sight to see, yes. But the town itself is the real hidden gem. A glorious little idyll that just happens to have an historical structure slap bang in the middle.
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma
Bognor Regis, UK22 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
How wonderful that this landmark still stands and is in such good condition for the public to visit! Beautiful views of the river Severn can be had when on the bridge. Definitely worth at least a stop-off to visit. The shops surrounding the bridge are worth a visit also if one has time.
Written 13 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fenella
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK42 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
What a beautiful place to visit, historical and pretty. The bridge is spectacular and free to go over. Walks by the river Severn, shops, cafes and pubs, plenty of place to eat and enjoy the history. Loved it.
Written 23 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonymerlin111
Manchester, UK359 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We visited on a chilly but sunny December day. The bridge itself is a wonderful piece of architecture - do visit the free tollhouse museum, which recounts the history of the bridge in well illustrated wall panels - including the visit (and crossing) of a circus elephant! It also has a small gift shop, and very helpful and friendly staff.
We also walked the Iron Trail from the bridge, which ascends through the World Heritage Site taking in buildings and other sites of historical importance - I would definitely recommend it, but do note it does involve a steep climb and descent, and though the well laid wooden steps do help, it may not be suitable for everyone. Details of the walk, including a map, can be found easily online.
A great day out and would absolutely recommend.
We also walked the Iron Trail from the bridge, which ascends through the World Heritage Site taking in buildings and other sites of historical importance - I would definitely recommend it, but do note it does involve a steep climb and descent, and though the well laid wooden steps do help, it may not be suitable for everyone. Details of the walk, including a map, can be found easily online.
A great day out and would absolutely recommend.
Written 9 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerryskc
Kansas City, MO557 contributions
Oct 2022
You have to when you are here, don't you? The Iron Bridge after which the town is named is impressive and well worth spending some time admiring, trying to get the photo that nobody else has (good luck with that).
There was ample parking close to the bridge when we visited on an October weekday, but I imagine there are crowds here during the height of the tourist season. We walked along the river to the "Museum of the Gorge" which was closed for renovations. A notice to that effect would have been nice!
Still, this is well worth seeing and the town is delightfully picturesque. I have been here several times during my life and it is always impressive for me, a history enthusiast.
There was ample parking close to the bridge when we visited on an October weekday, but I imagine there are crowds here during the height of the tourist season. We walked along the river to the "Museum of the Gorge" which was closed for renovations. A notice to that effect would have been nice!
Still, this is well worth seeing and the town is delightfully picturesque. I have been here several times during my life and it is always impressive for me, a history enthusiast.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stu151
Wickford, UK1,887 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Now fully restored and magnificent in it's "original" state.
A must see if you're interested in our industrial history, possibly boring otherwise.
Interesting (small) toll house museum, with helpful member of staff "in charge". There may be a entry charge , or it may be part of the overall ticket price for the Ironbridge group of museums (so be careful) - we used Art Pass which makes it free.
Ironbridge itself is worth spending time in - lots of small shops/cafes plus the Merrythought teddy bear "factory/shop" at the far end of the High St !
A must see if you're interested in our industrial history, possibly boring otherwise.
Interesting (small) toll house museum, with helpful member of staff "in charge". There may be a entry charge , or it may be part of the overall ticket price for the Ironbridge group of museums (so be careful) - we used Art Pass which makes it free.
Ironbridge itself is worth spending time in - lots of small shops/cafes plus the Merrythought teddy bear "factory/shop" at the far end of the High St !
Written 24 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShaunH290
London, UK3,022 contributions
Jul 2021
The bridge is the epicentre of the World Heritage Site. An advert for the new technology of 1779, it became an instant hit with the movers and shakers of the Industrial Revolution. However, the Quaker beliefs of the builder meant that everyone should pay the same toll to cross the bridge. This was emphasised when Prince Charles paid the toll to celebrate the bicentennial, even though the toll had been abolished in 1950.
The Toll House contains a small exhibition space where it is worth investing time to discover just how world changing this bridge was. Six ferry boats were replaced but they just could not compete with such a structure. It is bizarre that we still have the Woolwich Ferry in London more than 200 years later.
The Toll House contains a small exhibition space where it is worth investing time to discover just how world changing this bridge was. Six ferry boats were replaced but they just could not compete with such a structure. It is bizarre that we still have the Woolwich Ferry in London more than 200 years later.
Written 18 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can dogs go across too?
Written 11 September 2021
Isn’t it about time you changed the Photo on the page, the bridge has been a red-brown colour for a year.
Written 11 December 2019
Dont think that question for me as i only visited it
Written 12 December 2019
I am not aware of any guided walking tour. The Guardian Newspaper suggests a self-guided tour on its website - you might like to try that.
Written 6 November 2019
Hi, is there any public transportation available from Telford central train station to The ironbridge? Thanks
Written 20 July 2019
Quote from a travel guide for the area.......
'The Gorge Connect bus operates
every weekend and Bank Holiday Monday from the
beginning of April to the end of October, the bus
serves the Ironbridge Gorge area as well as Telford
town centre and Telford Central Railway Station'.
Written 21 July 2019
Is there a charge to cross the bridge as will only have time to visit the Victorian Village as well so probably won’t pay us to buy a passport.
Written 1 May 2019
No charge at all for the Ironbridge, it’s totally free. The Victorian Village is quite expensive on its own as are most of the gorge museums but the village is the best of them all.
Written 1 May 2019
the distance on foot from the iron bridge to the jackfield bridge and back again?
Written 4 October 2018
We stayed in Coalport and walking distance to Ironbridge is about 1.75 miles. I would say the tile museum is no more than a mile.
Written 4 May 2019
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