We left Shrewesbury for Ironbridge Gorge half an hour away, just as the rain set in. This bridge was the catalyst for the Industrial Revolution as three generations of the Darby family devised a way to use coke rather than coal for smelting iron ore to build the bridge initially....but this led to bigger things and the whole area was a thriving area for cast iron, pottery and Coalport pottery was nearby etc
The bridge was interesting....though a little smaller than I expected. We walked across to the Toll House and got lovely views down the Severn River.
There are 10 museums to choose from and we went into Engenuity first which personally I would skip given the choice again, as you get better information and displays in some of the other museums. The Coalbrookedale Museum of Iron was excellent with many displays both inside and out showing the development of the iron industry. We also visited two restored Darby houses used by the families.
There are 10 museums to choose from and we went into Engenuity first which personally I would skip given the choice again, as you get better information and displays in some of the other museums. The Coalbrookedale Museum of Iron was excellent with many displays both inside and out showing the development of the iron industry. We also visited two restored Darby houses used by the families.
Had we had more time we could have visited
- The Coalport China Museum
- Jackfields Tile Museum
- Tar Tunnel
- Broseley Pipeworks
- Blists Hill Victorian Town
Cheltenham Spa Town
From Ironbridge, we drove through some lovely countryside to Cheltenham. Cheltenham is a Regency Era town with lovely Georgian buildings. It became a popular a Spa town in the 18th century when springs were located and developed, although it is much older than this. There is a park and gardens and a wide boulevard in the main shopping street. Cheltenham is also famous for horse racing, and the
National Hunt Racing in the UK, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup are annual events.
National Hunt Racing in the UK, and the Cheltenham Gold Cup are annual events.
Our hotel “Cheltenham Apartment and Rooms” was excellent. We paid for a room but due to a mix up had an apartment which was nearby. Fully self contained, it was spacious and it was a bonus to be able to get our washing done and dried.
We walked toward town and had a small but very tasty meal at the Thai Family Restaurant. It had been awarded a Trip Advisor Top Restaurant Award. There were several duck choices and we chose duck curry and a papaya salad.
Breakfast in the Apartments was really delicious. It was a real treat to have a choice of scrambled egg and salmon on rye toast......very yummy! Cereals, toast and coffee completed the meal.
Today was a trial day so the town was busy. We had a quick look around the town…. especially the Trevallian Area. Cheltenham is good for shoppers with some nicer antique, clothing and decor shops.There is the Holst Museum for those interested in music, and Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum. The Pittsville Pumproom sounded interesting but we ran out of time. It was time to head back to Oxford and on to the airport.
We walked toward town and had a small but very tasty meal at the Thai Family Restaurant. It had been awarded a Trip Advisor Top Restaurant Award. There were several duck choices and we chose duck curry and a papaya salad.
Breakfast in the Apartments was really delicious. It was a real treat to have a choice of scrambled egg and salmon on rye toast......very yummy! Cereals, toast and coffee completed the meal.
Today was a trial day so the town was busy. We had a quick look around the town…. especially the Trevallian Area. Cheltenham is good for shoppers with some nicer antique, clothing and decor shops.There is the Holst Museum for those interested in music, and Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum. The Pittsville Pumproom sounded interesting but we ran out of time. It was time to head back to Oxford and on to the airport.
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