As part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations The Ironbridge Gorge Museums are inviting mums to enjoy a day out as their guest at five of their sites on Mothering Sunday, 26th March, when accompanied by another full-paying adult. This free entry offer includes Blists Hill Victorian Town, Coalport China Museum, Tar Tunnel, Jackfield Tile Museum, Museum of The Gorge, the Darby Houses and Enginuity - Design, Science and Technology Centre .
At Blists Hill, where life over 100 years ago is recreated by costumed characters, you can follow a family trail to discover how Mothering Sunday was celebrated in Victorian times. Along the way you can buy a slice of Simnel Cake from the Bakery, colour a card for mother and join a drop-in session to make a floral rosette in the Goods Shed between 11am and 1pm or 2pm and 4pm; some activities carry an additional charge.
To make the day extra special, treat mum and buy her a Victorian High Tea in the Club Room with delicious sandwiches, cream-filled scones and pastries along with a glass of Prosecco and a pot of freshly brewed tea for an additional £15.50 per adult and £12.50 per child (of all ages). Afternoon tea must be pre-booked by calling 01785 252247 or at sales@jenkinsonscaterers.co.uk
In the Victorian era Mothering Sunday was a special day when children working away in domestic service could return home to visit their mother and families. Although celebrated during Lent, fasting was relaxed and families could indulge in delicious rich foods and celebrations. Children were encouraged to bake a Simnel Cake or pick flowers as a gift for their mothers; hence the evolution of present giving on Mothering Sunday.
The museums are open from 10am until 4pm (Blists Hill Victorian Town is open until 4.30pm). A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing unlimited entry into all ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums costs £25 per adult, £20 for seniors, £15 for children under 18, £68 for a family of two adults and all their children and £50 for a family with one adult; under 5s free (terms and conditions apply); Passports can also be bought online in advance saving 10% and individual entry tickets are available at each museum. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge.
For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).
