Tar Tunnel
With a National Art Pass you get
Tar Tunnel, an abandoned 1,000-foot tunnel containing natural bitumen, is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire.
Be prepared to don a hard hat if you want to visit the eerie, abandoned, underground tar tunnel that stretches deep into the hillside. Over 200 years after miners first struck a spring of natural bitumen, the black treacle substance still oozes through the walls and wells up in puddles. Back in the late 1700s, bitumen was turned into pitch, lamp black and rheumatical remedies and a visit to the tunnel will explain how the early industrialists of the Gorge overcame the natural obstacles.
Take a guided tour
The Tar Tunnel is open on selected dates throughout the summer and access is by 45-minute guided visit only. Numbers are limited so pre-booking is advised. Learn about the history and use of the surrounding buildings and discover the fascinating geology of the area.
A part of Ironbridge
The Tar Tunnel is one of ten museum sites within the Ironbridge Gorge World UNESCO Heritage Site telling the story of the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Other nearby Ironbridge attractions include the Museum of the Gorge, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Jackfield Tile Museum and Broseley Pipeworks.
The Tar Tunnel offers a unique and educational experience for visitors to Telford. Its underground setting, the fascinating history of the tunnel, and the opportunity to see natural bitumen make it a worthwhile attraction for those interested in exploring something a little different.
Visitor information
Address
High Street, Coalport, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7HT
01952 433424
Opening times
22nd Jul - 1st Sep 2024: Fridays and Sundays only. Tours at 11AM, 12.30PM, 2PM and 3PM
2nd Sep - 3rd Nov 2024: Closed
Check website for details.
Exclusions and safety measures
The Tar Tunnel will reopen for pre-booked guided tours, on Fridays & Sundays at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3pm, from 26 July until 1 September only.
It is closed at all other times.
Visitor information
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.