Shropshire's Great Days Out - Blists Hill Victorian Town
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions.
Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Where is it? Legges Way, Madeley, TF7 5DU. A short distance from the Iron Bridge.
What is it? A fantastic recreation of a Victorian working community in the year 1900, with lots of fun things for the family to see and do. To get into the spirit of stepping back in time here, the town offers a giant film show on arrival.
Through another door and you will find yourself in another world – a 56-acre site housing costumed characters who work in the many different period shops such as the sweet shop, drapers, grocers, pharmacy and post office, places of work such as the bank, pub, printers and tin smiths as well as their homes.
How much is it? The best ticket to buy is an Annual Passport Ticket that allows repeat visits for 12 months to Blists Hill Victorian Town and all the other Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Adults £23.25, 60-plus £18.75, child £15.25, family (two adults and all their children – terms and conditions) £64.
What is there to do? Enter the spirit of it all and mingle with the Victorians. Chat to the Victorian townsfolk about what life was like 100 years ago, see their animals, and take a ride on the horse and cart. You can even spend some old English money at the bank.
Bring some extra pennies and have a ride on the old funfair next to the re-located Forest Glen building. Those who want a special memory of their day can dress up in Victorian costume and have a photographer take their picture, for an additional cost.
On many days of the week you can have a go candle dipping or join in the regular special events which take place throughout the summer programme. Oh, and don't forget to have a portion of the town's famous fish and chips, washed down, of course, with a refreshing pint in the New Inn, the reconstructed pub in the town.
Interesting fact: If many of the buildings look familiar, they are – a lot of them have been relocated from elsewhere in Telford.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm.
Verdict: If you've ever wondered how your (relatively recent) forebears lived, this is a great value, fun and educational day out that every member of the family, old and young, will enjoy.
Further information: www.ironbridge.org.uk, or ring 01952 433424.
