National Trust reveals just how many people have visited Ironbridge museums since takeover

The National Trust has revealed how many people have visited Ironbridge’s museums in the six months since it took over the sites.

The takeover was formalised in spring this year, after being announced by the Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, in October last year.

Several months of preparation work took place ahead of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust (IGMT) handing over the 10 museums and 35-listed buildings it had looked after for decades.

The museums, buildings and collections, carry a global significance, detailing Ironbridge’s place in history as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution - also marked by its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Now the National Trust has given the first insight into how the takeover has gone, revealing that more than 200,000 people have visited in the six months since it took control.

The organisation also says it has spent £1m on the sites.

The takeover came amid building financial pressure on IGMT, against the backdrop of a hugely challenging climate for visitor attractions across the country.

As part of the arrangement the government provided a £9m grant to support the handover.

Dr Emma Login, project manager at Ironbridge Gorge, said they had been delighted at the level of support since the National Trust became custodians of the historic sites - and were now looking to the festive period.

She 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.”

Breaking down the past few months the National Trust said more than 70,000 people had visited in the summer alone.

A further 20,000 visited over the October half term where they were able 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.

The trust said 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.

It said: “The overwhelmingly positive response from supporters is now helping the team at Ironbridge to plan more open dates at these sites for 2027.”

With Christmas rapidly approaching the trust is promising “a traditional Victorian experience,” with trails for children, carol singers, the return of the fairground and visits from Father Christmas, running from November 21 through to January 4.

While the trust has welcomed the number of people visiting the sites, it has stressed more work is needed to lay “the foundations for a site that can sustain itself for generations to come” - including improving the experiences on offer at Blists Hill.

The Blists Hill plans include an evolving seasonal programme of events and activities for all ages, intended to provide visitors with 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.”

Addressing the work since it took over Mark Agnew, National Trust project director, said: “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.

“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, 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.”

More information about Ironbridge Gorge is available online.