It was a beautiful autumn day for our visit to Blists Hill Victorian Town. We have been to Ironbridge on many occasions and earlier this year purchased an “Annual Passport” 60 plus ticket, which allows unlimited daytime admission to all 10 Ironbridge Gorge Museums. There is so much to see at Blists Hill we made that the only attraction to visit on that day. I maybe stating the obvious, but do wear comfortable shoes, as there are cobblestones and unmade road surfaces.
There are things to spend your money on but no cash machines on site. You can pay for things in modern money or you can exchange money at the old bank into pounds, shillings and pence. The best thing I found to buy was a delicious fruit loaf freshly baked in the authentic bread oven -mmmmm! There is also a tearoom on site, which provides a welcome sit down half way around the exhibits.
The structures in this open-air museum have been recreated from original ones that were located elsewhere. In each building a costumed person demonstrates various Victorian skills and provides interesting bits of information. I think that some of them are volunteers – they certainly enjoy their work and you are made to feel very welcome.
The Museum of the Post Office in the Community is located on the first floor of the Post Office and has something of interest for everyone. It is designed to be fully accessible with a lift to take wheelchair users to the exhibition space. Incidentally Blists Hill offers a 50% discount for a disabled visitor and their companion with free car parking (There is a charge for all other car parking) There are also fully accessible toilets on the site.
To get to Blists Hill take the exit junction 4 of the M54 and follow the brown signs. We shall be returning again to Ironbridge to visit the other museums in this World Heritage location, which spans the River Severn.
