National Trust to reopen Ironbridge Gorge sites in phases from spring 2026

The National Trust has shared an update on plans to reopen the Ironbridge Gorge museums and attractions following the transfer of ownership from the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust.

The sites will close after normal operating hours on Sunday 22 February, ahead of the formal transfer to the National Trust, which completes on 2 March 2026. A short period of closure will follow while essential work is carried out to prepare the sites for reopening.

The National Trust has confirmed that reopening will take place in phases over the coming months, allowing time for assessments and preparation to ensure a high‑quality visitor experience. Staff and volunteers from the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust will also be welcomed into the organisation, supporting continuity and local expertise.

While final plans will be confirmed once teams are fully in place, the National Trust currently anticipates the following reopening timeline:

> Museum of the Gorge and Toll House – from late April 2026
> Blists Hill Victorian Town, Museum of Iron and Old Blast Furnace – from mid‑May 2026
> Enginuity – from summer 2026 (with school visits from April 2026)
> Coalport China Museum, Jackfield Tile Museum, Darby Houses, Tar Tunnel and Broseley Pipeworks – to follow with phased reopenings

Further updates will be shared on the National Trust website here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/shropshire-staffordshire/our-work/our-work-in-shropshire/ironbridge-museums