More than 200,000 visitors and over £1 million invested: the first six months of the National Trust's care of Ironbridge Gorge, and the quiet work still going on behind the scenes.

The National Trust is celebrating landmark visitor numbers after six months at its reopened sites within the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The conservation charity stepped in to help care for the 10 museums, 35 listed buildings and 400,000 collection items across Ironbridge Gorge earlier this year with help from the Government, after the sites ran into financial difficulties.

Dr Emma Login, Project Manager at Ironbridge Gorge, said: “We’ve been blown away by such a strong start to our first six months of reopening. We’re thrilled that so many people have supported us in these very early stages, whether that be our visitors, our staff and volunteers, our local stakeholders or our funders. There are some exciting plans for Christmas and more planned for 2027, so we’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors back for more fantastic, immersive days out.”

A summer of support
Over 70,000 visitors came through the gates in the summer alone. Family-friendly activities and an inland beach brought in for the Summer of Play delighted visitors throughout the six weeks of the summer holidays. A further 20,000 visited over October half term, to experience traditional celebrations of history, folklore and autumn charm, including a specially made Witchmarks trail, hands-on workshops and daily tours which told the histories, myths, and legends, associated with Blists Hill.

Open days with guided tours at both Coalport China Museum and Broseley Pipeworks have also proved to be popular, giving visitors an intimate experience of some of the Gorge's possibly lesser-known sites. The overwhelmingly positive response from supporters is now helping the team at Ironbridge to plan more open dates at these sites for 2027.

Christmas is coming
Thoughts now turn to the festive season with the National Trust promising a traditional Victorian experience with trails for children, carol singers, the return of the fairground and visits from Father Christmas all running from 21 November 2026 to 4 January 2027. 

The large visitor numbers are welcomed by the charity during what is being considered a particularly challenging time across the heritage sector. But the milestone comes with an honest message. Behind the scenes there’s still a lot of important work to be done, as the Trust lays the foundations for a site that can sustain itself for generations to come.

Looking ahead to 2027
In 2027, the Trust plans to bring a deeper authentic Victorian experience to Blists Hill, with an evolving seasonal programme of events and activities for all ages, providing visitors with a fun and memorable day out and something new to discover each time they return.

"We are keen to get as many of these incredible spaces back open to the public so they can enjoy the history and heritage of the area," continues Dr Login. "We'll continue with a gradual, phased reopening across the sites as the team complete conservation, safety and infrastructure works.”

Investing in a sustainable future
The National Trust took on the running of the Ironbridge Gorge museums to secure their future. "In just six months, close to £1 million has been invested back into this unique and complex site to build the foundations from which we can grow,” said Mark Agnew, National Trust Project Director.

“A transfer of this scale takes time and has meant a lot of change in a short space of time for the Ironbridge team of staff and volunteers. Everyone has worked brilliantly together to get the sites open and welcome in visitors.”

"The reopening of certain spaces may feel very measured,” Mark continued, “but we're working on a long-term plan to put strong and sustainable foundations in place. We want to create resilience against local and global challenges to protect these remarkable historic sites for future generations."

“We’re also linking with up with local businesses and organisations to see how we can work together and support our neighbours and the local community on our doorstep. I was delighted with such a warm reception from attendees at the recent Local Visitor Enterprise Conference to the Trust’s plans for the gorge and I’m excited for us to move forward into 2027 together.”

“We’ve had a positive response to our Year of Listening from visitors, from the local community, and our stakeholders and partners. Everyone has really engaged with the debate and discussion about how the National Trust can develop the offer across Ironbridge Gorge and the part we play in the cultural and economic life of Telford and Shropshire.”

“I want to thank everyone who has supported us over the last six months as we have got opening underway across the Gorge. We are really looking forward to building on these foundations and expanding our offer into 2027”

Cllr Carolyn Healy, ward member for Ironbridge Gorge, Telford & Wrekin Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said: “As both the local counsellor for Ironbridge Gorge and someone who is proud to call this area home, it's been wonderful to see so many people returning to enjoy these unique museums and heritage sites over the past six months. The Ironbridge Gorge is not only treasured by local people; it is recognised around the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds a special place in our nation’s story.

“The National Trust’s careful and considered approach is helping to secure the long-term future of these important heritage assets, while ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. Protecting and conserving such a significant collection is a huge responsibility, and it’s encouraging to see investment already being made to safeguard these sites for future generations.”

“These museums play a vital role in the cultural, educational, and economic life of the Gorge, and I look forward to seeing the plans for 2027 and beyond continue to build on this positive start.”

For more information about Ironbridge Gorge and to book your tickets, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ironbridge-gorge