Jackfield Tile Museum

About the museum

Jackfield Tile Museum occupies part of the former Craven Dunnill tile works in Jackfield, a village in the Ironbridge Gorge that became a centre of tilemaking and had produced ceramics since the 16th century. The factory made decorative and encaustic tiles that were used in homes, hospitals, pubs and railway stations around the world. Craven Dunnill left the Jackfield works in the early 1950s and moved to Bridgnorth, and the buildings were later used for metal casting.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust bought the works in 1983 with help from the Architectural Heritage Fund, and the museum opened here in the following decades. Tile production restarted on the site in 1989, and the Craven Dunnill Jackfield company still makes tiles next door and offers tile-making workshops.

In 2026 the National Trust took over ten Ironbridge Gorge museums from the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, including Jackfield. The museum shows themed displays of tiles from several centuries, locally made tiles by Maw and Craven Dunnill, and designs by famous artists, along with life-size recreated settings such as a London Underground station and a 1940s bar. Visits include an introductory talk followed by free exploration of the exhibits.

Highlights

• Themed displays of tiles from several centuries
• Recreated tiled settings including a London Underground station and a 1940s bar
• Locally made tiles by Maw and Craven Dunnill
• Tile-making workshops with Craven Dunnill next door
• Part of the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site

Permanent exhibitions

• History of tilemaking – Themed displays follow tile manufacture over several centuries, with locally made tiles by Maw and Craven Dunnill and designs by well-known artists.
• Recreated tiled settings – Life-size period interiors decorated with tiles, including a London Underground station and a 1940s bar.

Founded

2007

Operated by

National Trust

Admission & discounts

All visitors, including National Trust members, must book in advance; members can book free of charge. Prices are without Gift Aid (the adult price with Gift Aid is 13.20 pounds). English Heritage members receive 15 percent off until 1 April 2027, and holders of valid Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust Pass cards can visit until the card expires. Blue Peter badge holders under 18 enter free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance and main museum areas are step-free, with accessible parking bays close to the main entrance. The museum has several lifts, but they are currently out of service because of a technical fault, so some areas are not accessible; a digital app offers a step-free way to explore. Floors are mostly level but some original tile floors are uneven, and some doorways and corridors are narrow. The accessible toilet is outdoors across a brick courtyard from the main entrance, with ramped access. Sensory fidget toys and ear defenders are available from the welcome desk. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Families can use a tile spotter sheet, an activity bag and an activity station, and hands-on tile craft activities are offered in the holidays. The museum is entirely indoors. Baby changing facilities are available.

Getting there & parking

The ten Ironbridge Gorge sites are spread across the gorge and are reached by car, bus or on foot. Use the postcode TF8 7LJ for satnav.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The Peacock Cafe is currently closed. The Tile Press Cafe at the nearby Maws Craft Centre is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 15:30. A small shop sells souvenirs, and craft shops of local makers are next door.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit