Tar Tunnel - looking through the tunnel - Ironbridge.jpg

Tar Tunnel

Join a guided tour from Coalport China Museum to the Tar Tunnel and learn more about this unusual attraction.

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One of the great curiosities of the Gorge

This is one of the Gorge’s more curious tourist attractions – an eerie brick-lined tunnel dug into the hillside.

Stand at the entrance to the tunnel and see the treacle-like bitumen oozing through gaps in the walls.

Visitors are no longer able to walk down the tunnel. The attraction is open on Sundays during the summer as part of the Coalport China Museum site tour and visitors can view the Victorian curiosity from the entrance accompanied by a guide.

The Tar Tunnel is currently closed and will reopen for pre-booked guided tours, on Fridays & Sundays at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm or 3.30pm, from 29 July until 11 September only. It is closed at all other times.

The following facilities and rules apply at this attraction:

  • Shopping available
  • Guide dogs only

Opening times

Sorry, we can't display opening times for this attraction right now.

In 2022 the Tar Tunnel can be visited, on a pre-booked guided tour, on Fridays & Sundays at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm or 3.30pm, from 29 July until 11 September only. It is closed at all other times.

See our opening times page for other attraction times.

Directions

The postcode for Tar Tunnel is TF8 7HT

See our directions page for further details.

A hidden Gem

  • Learn more about the geology of the Gorge
  • Marvel at the problem-solving of early industrialists

Is there a cashpoint?

You can withdraw money from our free-to-use cash machine at Blists Hill Victorian Town or from the Co-op in Ironbridge town.

Can I bring my dog?

Assistance dogs are welcome to visit with you, other dogs are welcome at Blists Hill Victorian Town only.

How long will my visit last?

We suggest a visit to the Tar Tunnel will take at about 20 minutes.

These are our recommended visit times:

Blists Hill Victorian Town 3+ hours
Coalport China Museum 1.5 hours
Tar Tunnel 20 minutes
Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron 1.5 hours
Darby Houses 1 hour
Enginuity 2 hours
Iron Bridge & Tollhouse 30 minutes
Museum of The Gorge 45 minutes
Jackfield Tile Museum 1.5 hours
Broseley Pipeworks 1 hour 

 

Is there anything for kids to do?

Kids love looking underground here.

Children must be accompanied by an adult whilst visiting.

Is the Tar Tunnel suitable for visitors with disabilities?

  • There is limited access to the Tar Tunnel for wheelchair users
  • Please ask at Coalport China Museum for details of the best route from the car park
  • There are 4 steps down from the shop to the entrance to the tunnel.  A side door can be opened on request for direct level access

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