Iron Bridge Tollhouse
Walk the world's first cast-iron bridge, a 1779 engineering triumph and symbol of the Industrial Revolution.
Step into the world's first cast-iron bridge, built in 1779 and a defining symbol of the Industrial Revolution. The Iron Bridge Tollhouse, housed in the original toll collection building, offers free entry to explore exhibitions about this engineering marvel. Walk across the historic structure, enjoy panoramic views of the Ironbridge Gorge and River Severn, and discover the fascinating story of how Abraham Darby III and architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard revolutionized construction with cast iron. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that remains a working pedestrian crossing after more than 240 years.
A brief summary to Iron Bridge Tollhouse
- Telford, Ironbridge, TF8 7JP, GB
- +441952433424
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- The bridge and Tollhouse are free to visit. The bridge is always accessible as a public pedestrian crossing, even when the Tollhouse is closed.
- Visit the Tollhouse during opening hours to see exhibitions about the bridge's construction and history. Opening times vary seasonally; check ahead as winter hours are reduced.
- Bring a camera for selfies on the bridge and panoramic shots of the Ironbridge Gorge and River Severn from multiple vantage points.
- Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a complete visit including the bridge walk and Tollhouse exploration. Nearby cafés and pubs offer refreshments.
- Explore the riverside walk along the Severn for additional views of the bridge and surrounding valley landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Bus
From Telford Central Railway Station, take the Gorge Connect bus service, which operates weekends and bank holidays from April through October, with service to Ironbridge Gorge and the town centre. Journey time approximately 20–30 minutes. Outside this period, alternative bus services from Telford town centre serve the area with varying frequency. Fare approximately £2–4 per journey.
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Car
From Telford town centre, drive approximately 8 kilometres south to Ironbridge, following signs to the town centre. Station Yard Car Park offers pay-and-display parking near the bridge; fees apply. Journey time approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic. Parking charges typically £1–3 for short stays.
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Walking from Ironbridge Town Centre
The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse are located in the heart of Ironbridge town centre. From most accommodation or amenities in town, the site is within a 5–10 minute walk on flat, accessible paths. The bridge itself is easily reached from the High Street and Tontine Hill area.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services operate from Telford Central Railway Station and Telford town centre to Ironbridge. Journey time approximately 15–20 minutes. Estimated fare £12–18 depending on exact pickup location and service provider.
Iron Bridge Tollhouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Iron Bridge Tollhouse
A Revolutionary Monument in Cast Iron
The Iron Bridge stands as one of the greatest symbols of the Industrial Revolution, representing a pivotal moment when engineering ambition transformed architecture forever. Completed in 1779, it was the world's first bridge constructed entirely from cast iron, a material that had previously been considered unsuitable for such large-scale structural applications. Designed by architect Thomas Farnolls Pritchard and built by Abraham Darby III, manager of the Coalbrookdale Company ironworks, the bridge emerged from a practical need: as industry flourished in the Ironbridge Gorge, transporting goods and people across the River Severn became increasingly challenging. The solution was revolutionary, and the bridge's success sparked a global transformation in how cast iron would be used in construction for centuries to come.Crossing History on Foot
Today, the Iron Bridge remains a fully functional pedestrian crossing, still bearing the weight of visitors who journey here to experience this engineering triumph firsthand. Walking across its elegant arches, you can feel the solidity of cast iron beneath your feet while absorbing the remarkable achievement it represents. The bridge's delicate beauty belies its true strength—a paradox that has captivated millions of tourists since its opening. The structure dominates the small town that takes its name, creating an unmistakable silhouette against the surrounding landscape. From the bridge itself, you gain spectacular views of the Ironbridge Gorge and the River Severn winding through the valley below, offering photographers and visitors alike unforgettable vistas of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.The Tollhouse: Gateway to Understanding
The original Tollhouse, positioned on the south side of the River Severn, once served as the collection point for crossing fees—a vital revenue stream that helped finance the bridge's maintenance and operation. Today, this historic building functions as a tourist information centre and small museum, providing free entry to visitors eager to learn more about the bridge's construction and significance. Inside, exhibitions reveal the engineering challenges overcome, the visionary thinking behind the project, and the broader context of industrial innovation that defined the era. A board displayed outside the Tollhouse shows historical toll rates, offering a tangible connection to the bridge's working past. The Tollhouse also hosts a temporary display commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, featuring letters from local servicemen, toy soldiers produced by the Greenwood & Ball company, and photographs of the munitions workers known as the 'Bomb Girls'.Riverside Setting and Natural Beauty
The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse occupy a spectacular natural setting within the Ironbridge Gorge, where the River Severn carves through dramatic landscape. A riverside walk along the Severn provides stunning views of the bridge from multiple angles, revealing how the structure integrates with its environment. The surrounding valley, with its steep banks and wooded slopes, creates an atmospheric backdrop that enhances the bridge's visual impact. This natural amphitheatre has drawn visitors for over two centuries, each generation discovering anew the interplay between human engineering and the landscape it spans. The site's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognises both the bridge's architectural significance and the broader industrial heritage of the Gorge.A Living Monument to Industrial Progress
Unlike many historical structures relegated to museums or preserved behind barriers, the Iron Bridge remains an active part of daily life in Ironbridge. It continues to serve its original purpose as a bridge, welcoming pedestrians and pets across its cast-iron span. This living history distinguishes it from purely commemorative monuments, allowing visitors to experience the bridge not as a relic but as a functioning structure that has endured for over 240 years. The bridge's resilience speaks to the quality of its design and construction, validating the bold decision to use cast iron in such an ambitious way. For visitors, this means experiencing not just a historical artifact but an ongoing testament to human ingenuity and the durability of well-engineered solutions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Old Hall Restaurant
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The Clock Tower
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The Hayward Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Forge Retail Park
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
