Moira Furnace Museum & Country Park 2024

19th century open blast furnace. Guided tour shows how it worked and the lives of the inhabitants of the area. Boat trips on Ashby Canal run daily from the museum. Also can be seen in the country park a set of lime kilns which are worth exploring.

Contacts

Operator: Moira Furnace Museum Trust

Address: Furnace Lane Moira Swadlincote Leicestershire DE12 6AT

  • Telephone: 01283 224 667
  • Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  • Website: View website

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Open Days & Times

Sat-Sun & BHol 23 Mar-27 Oct 1000-1600. Thu-Tue 1-16 Apr; 27 May-3 Jun; 15 Jul-3 Sep. Sat-Sun Oct half-term. Visit website or facebook for more details.

Travel

  • By Rail: Burton-upon-Trent / 10 miles

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Refreshments
  • Souvenir Shop
  • Part disabled access

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It is set in a country park and the resorted stretch of the Ashby Canal runs alongside. Boat trips on the Joseph Wilkes Narrowboat run throughout the Summer season, a relaxing sail along the canal watching the local wildlife.

The Furnace played a significant part of the industrial revolution and is probably one of the most important blast furnaces still in existence throughout Europe. Built in Moira by the late Sir Rawdon Hastings, The Earl of Moira, due to the lands minerals and the location of the canal for transportation.

The Furnace's failure, due to poor management and poor quality minerals became housing for residents of the evolving Moira village, until the 1970s. The site had cottage industries such as cobblers, bakers and a seamstress to name a few, allotments, orchards and life stock, quite a community in its own right.

The site has a children's play area, ancient woodland, lime kilns, walks, fishing and a craft village housing the tea room.

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