Youngsters will also be able to try their hands at forensic science during the two-day event by taking each other’s finger prints, printing reward posters and matching plaster cast footprints to different shoes.
Visitors who follow the trail of clues around the open-air museum can put their powers of deduction to good use to help the eccentric private detective and his side-kick solve the curious mystery of who stole the treasures from the Earl of Craven’s mansion. Holmes and Watson will be on hand during the weekend to discuss the crime and talk about past cases.
And this year Mrs Hudson their housekeeper at 221B Baker Street, London will be joining the intrepid detective duo on their visit to darkest Shropshire; there will also be a hansom cab to transport them around the town.
In addition, visitors can take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, listen to storytelling and watch a mystery performed in mime by Kaleidoscope, Blists Hill’s visiting theatrical group. They will also be able to see the townsfolk of Blists Hill going about their daily routine in the authentic shops, homes and workshops, creating Victorian remedies in the chemist, counting coins at the bank, making bread and dipping candles. They may even choose to have their portraits taken at the photographer’s studio, buy a bag of treats from the traditional sweet shop or stop and chat to the townsfolk on Canal Street.
A Passport, to all ten of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums valid for twelve months and multiple return visits, costs £21.95 per adult, £17.60 for the 60 plus, £14.25 for students and children and £59.95 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.
The museums are open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm; activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee, for further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 884 391 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).
