Ironbridge Gorge - World Heritage Site

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery through the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, with sleuths following pavements, footpaths, historic lanes and hillside routes as they investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding Sid 'Smelter' Smith's unfortunate encounter with an anvil.

The investigation winds through Coalbrookdale and Ironbridge, exploring the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Expect a maze of footpaths, several steep climbs and some steep descents, along with a handful of lanes that have no pavements at all. As a result, the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

⚠️ Important: Detectives will encounter busy roads, narrow pavements, steep hills and several stretches with no pavement, so please stay alert to traffic at all times, walk in single file where necessary and keep younger detectives under close supervision. Extra care is also needed on the steeper slopes and near the River Severn.

⚠️ The High Street in Ironbridge is known to suffer flooding at times, so it is worth choosing a dry period for your investigation.

Getting There

Time to assemble your squad and open the case file:

By car: Your investigation begins at the Museum of the Gorge Car Park (TF8 7NH). Parking here is limited to three hours, so if you're planning a longer day out, consider using the Station Yard Car Park (TF8 7JP) or the seasonal Ironbridge Park & Ride service. The Park & Ride operates from Jiggers Bank (TF4 3XH) on selected dates and provides access to key locations throughout the Gorge.

By public transport: Ironbridge is served by local bus services from Telford, while Telford Central railway station provides the nearest mainline rail connection. From there, buses connect to the Gorge area.

Your first clue awaits beside the toilets near the Museum of the Gorge car park, where the Bear Squad have already begun assisting the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Even top detectives need a comfort break during a long case!

Public toilets can be found in the car park at the start of the investigation. Additional cafés, pubs and visitor facilities become available later in the case, particularly after Clue 13 when you reach Ironbridge itself.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged detectives are welcome on the case 🐾

With woodland paths, riverside sections and historic streets to explore, it's an enjoyable outing for canine companions. Just keep leads handy near roads, steep drops, busy visitor areas and around the bridge.

Food & Drink Stops

Cracking this case is hungry work!

Refreshments are available in local pubs and cafés after Clue 13 when you reach Ironbridge village. You'll find plenty of options around the bridge and riverside area, making it a perfect place to pause, compare suspect notes and refuel before tackling the final stages of the investigation.

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Iron Bridge

The world's first major cast-iron bridge is the star attraction of the Gorge and one of Britain's most important engineering landmarks. Standing beneath it, it's easy to see why Sid 'Smelter' Smith found the area so fascinating.

Museum of Iron and Coalbrookdale

Your investigation passes through Coalbrookdale, where Abraham Darby's breakthrough use of coke in iron smelting helped spark the Industrial Revolution. The nearby museums bring this remarkable story to life.

Merrythought and the Bear Squad

The famous Merrythought teddy bear factory has been making traditional British teddy bears in Ironbridge since 1930. While the Bear Squad's detective credentials remain unverified, their local knowledge certainly proves useful during this case.

Optional Detour - Explore More of the Gorge

The Trail only scratches the surface of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you're making a day of it, there are numerous museums, historic industrial sites and riverside walks throughout the Gorge that are well worth exploring.