I

ron. It might not sound like the most exciting thing in the world, but after a day at the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, we’re confident you’ll change your mind. After all, we’re talking about the superhero of modern engineering here, people!

This sleepy Shropshire village is where the Industrial Revolution was born, back in the late 18th century, when a certain Abraham Darby III built the world’s first iron bridge. It’s the one you cross on your way over the River Severn to the fascinating museum on the other side – and believe it or not there’s 384 tons of metal contained in those girders.

Even if you’re not one for museums, you can always stop halfway over and ponder just how they built this impressive structure. Plus the views down the River Severn are rather lovely – and there’s a nice pub (The Swan) just along the road.

After lunch, there are other nearby places where you can check out the area’s industrial heritage – and the impact it had on the world as we know it. Like Blists Hill Victorian Town, a living example of life in Victorian Shropshire; or Enginuity – an exciting, interactive museum where kids can learn about the birth of industry.

Told you iron was interesting.