Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
4.5
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Set in open parkland, alongside a stretch of the Ashby Canal and wrapped up in the heart of the National Forest, Moira Furnace is the most well-preserved blast furnace in the country, dating back to 1806. Now rescued from demolition and restored, it serves as an outstanding landmark with a surprisingly interesting museum nestled inside. The canal barge, the Joseph Wilkes, glides visitors up and down the restored stretch of the Ashby Canal whilst the park and woodland provide ample space for legs of all lengths to stretch themselves out and enjoy the feeling of being close to nature.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
170 reviews
Excellent
82
Very good
64
Average
19
Poor
1
Terrible
4
gabytate1
Swadlincote, UK1 contribution
Dec 2019
We have been visiting moira furnace for about 20 years and have watch it grow into the wonderful nature area that it is now.
I have seen a poor review to its cafe however we can honestly say that we have not had a bad meal/snack from them since we have been visiting, I'm sorry the guy had a bad experience but we have not experienced this a the service has always been very good from the girls that served us at hub cafe. They have never complained by have to warm up 3 sausages for our dogs thank you ladies
I have seen a poor review to its cafe however we can honestly say that we have not had a bad meal/snack from them since we have been visiting, I'm sorry the guy had a bad experience but we have not experienced this a the service has always been very good from the girls that served us at hub cafe. They have never complained by have to warm up 3 sausages for our dogs thank you ladies
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
21 contributions
Aug 2020
If you are vaguely interested in wildlife and history then this area will keep you captivated for hours. The website explains what you can expect, but the reality of a visit exceeds expectations with woodland, canal side and wild flower meadow walks all within a manageable area, The museum and lime kilns are an added bonus with free parking too.
But oh dear, The Hub cafe is another story. Previous reviews have had a moan and it seems little has changed. We ordered two cappuccinos and couldn't believe how tasteless they were, just like a mix of hot water and milk. My wife felt she should point this out to the staff, but was simply told all the correct measures had been loaded into the machine. Note to staff - try it yourself.
So, six stars for the venue, but take a flask.
But oh dear, The Hub cafe is another story. Previous reviews have had a moan and it seems little has changed. We ordered two cappuccinos and couldn't believe how tasteless they were, just like a mix of hot water and milk. My wife felt she should point this out to the staff, but was simply told all the correct measures had been loaded into the machine. Note to staff - try it yourself.
So, six stars for the venue, but take a flask.
Written 2 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, John, for such a great review! We are very proud of our site and the history around it. The volunteers take great pride in the site and museum and pride themselves on delivering the best service they can, whether face to face or behind the scenes.
Unfortunately, the Hub Cafe is a private business in a unit owned and leased out by the district council. We have no control over them or they offer. Maybe a review on their Tripadvisor would be beneficial as they will get this directly and be able to act on it. When the museum is open, we do sell refreshments from the museum. We hope you return and see us again in the future.
Thank you
Written 13 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
centralscrutiniser
Solihull, UK41 contributions
Aug 2021
Outstanding attraction for people of all ages. Whether you're particularly interested in industrial heritage, or just fancy a walk along the towpath I'd highly recommend a visit. It's a really unique thing to see, and the volunteers are all incredibly friendly and concerned with making sure you enjoy your visit. Great playground and woodland walks nearby, plenty of parking, easy access. Can't fault it.
Written 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Odyssey813207
Warrington, UK13 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Interesting place to visit to find out about local history and industry. We did the trip on the canal boat too, and the tour guide on that was entertaining and informative. When we got off the boat, a museum volunteer offered to show us around the museum. We took him up on it, and being a local, he was full of local knowledge. Nice little cafe and Craft centre too. It was a good day out.
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lydi
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Really lovely small museum. Enough there to keep a 6, 4 and 1 Yr old occupied. We did the top half of the Museum,went for the boat ride and then looked round the ground floor. The children loved the boat ride- you get a discount for this if you pay for museum entry. Staff were really friendly
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise C
Tamworth, UK703 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
It is a lovely day out for all the family that is free. In the car parks they do ask for a small donation which is worth it because the place is so well kept There are lots of safe areas for children to run around and play games there are several lovely walks around the forest areas or the canal. Also there is a lovely friendly restaurant serving drinks and food which reasonably priced it is worth paying a visit if you don’t take your own picnic.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucky13s
Tamworth, UK147 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We love Moira country park for a walk at any time. Many of the paths are all weather, though even these get a bit muddy. There is a variety of scenery, tow path and woodland. Plenty of parking and a cafe if the mood suits.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shazza
Paphos, Cyprus13 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Disagree with hub cafe bad reviews but we only had drinks. It was very busy had to wait 5-10 min to be served but it was a busy weekend and maybe they need 2 staff serving rather than 1. Boat trip amazing, gentleman showed both my grandsons engine part and both came away realising how hard life was back then. Museum I think was over charged to be honest. Had a great 3 hours here though.
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kateC1795RZ
95 contributions
Aug 2022
We had a lovely couple of hours here. The cafe is great - we had breakfast which was good value for money. The lady at the museum was very friendly and helpful - very cheap to look round.
We used the country park too for a walk.
Would recommend if you are in the area.
Parking is free.
There is a boat trip which we didn't do but it looked popular!
We used the country park too for a walk.
Would recommend if you are in the area.
Parking is free.
There is a boat trip which we didn't do but it looked popular!
Written 5 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
muncher5
Derbyshire, UK289 contributions
Sept 2021
We took our dog with us for the craft market they have every month. It was lovely, even took her on the canal boat which we didn't know at first dogs could go on, so was a lovely treat. Ice cream was great, service was great, and the stalls were lovely, i think we spent far too much money but there was a lot there. Food places were good as well. Highly recommend for a few hours walking around.
Written 4 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there anywhere to lock bikes up if wanted to go in tea room or on a boat trip?
Written 29 January 2023
shaunm1963
Lancashire, United Kingdom
Hi Joanne, I cannot remember seeing any cycle racks/storage/security, perhaps because I wasn't looking for such. However, I use a Mobility Scooter and the museum staff (who are truly amazing people) told me I could leave it in their shop area whilst I went on the boat trip (superb) and the museum (fascinating). Also, there were plenty of people on bikes so I would guess that they wouldn't simply leave them un-secured. And finally, there's a separate area with small units, including a cafe (nice tea for two and cakes) and a cycle repair unit and I'm sure there were cycle secures there. Beyond all this, contact Moira thus: Phone - 01283 224 667
Cheers, Shaun
Written 30 January 2023
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