The British Ironwork Centre
- Visit: 60–390 min
- Step-free access
- Ideal for friends, kids
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Why go
- Grounds spanning more than 70 acres, including a nature reserve and dog trails.
- Members can access additional sculptures, including the Extinction Trail, and indoor exhibitions.
Opening hours
TodayClosedShow all
Don't miss
- Spoon gorillaAlfie Bradley built this 3.7-metre (12-foot) gorilla over five months using 40,000 spoons, including one that belonged to Winston Churchill. Prince Michael of Kent unveiled it in 2014.At the centre
What's inside
- Artisan village and decorative-metalwork shopping
- Children’s play area
- Forge Café serving breakfast, lunch and homemade cakes
- Clock repairer and falconry on site
- Undercover garden room with heaters and a bar area
Tips for your visit
- After parking, follow signs to the Welcome Desk or the Glasshouse in front of the building to collect entry wristbands.
- Book afternoon tea on the centre’s website in advance and check in at the Welcome Desk.
- Hire a golf buggy through the centre’s website to explore the sculpture trails.
- Educational trails can also be explored by bike or scooter.
- Buy admission tickets through the centre’s own website.
Interesting facts2
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The centre has the nation’s largest collection of decorative metalwork.
British Ironwork Centre | Shropshire Metal Sculpture Park -
Spoons used in the completed gorilla came from places including China, India, Kenya, Armenia and Tahiti.
British Ironworks Centre & Shropshire Sculpture Park - Wikipedia
Shorts
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The Knife Angel Returns To The British Ironwork Centre!British Ironwork Centre
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Busy cafe run at The British Ironwork CentreBritish Ironwork Centre
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amazing day out at the British ironwork centreJojo's adventures with Podney Trotter
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Hulk Sculpture @ British Ironwork Centre - OswestryThe Wanderer
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The British Ironwork Centre - OswestryVisit Oswestry
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British Ironwork CentreNeil Pengson
History
The 2014 “Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife” campaign led to the 27-foot Knife Angel, made from weapons used in violent crime and contributed by all 43 police forces. At least 80 families left personal messages engraved into its blades.
- 2013Buckingham Palace commissioned the centre to make four iron pavilions for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation anniversary celebrations.
- 2014The centre and Alfie Bradley launched the “Save a Life, Surrender Your Knife” campaign.
- April 2016The centre unveiled 1,000 steel forget-me-nots for a Shropshire hospice fundraiser. The first batch sold out within hours, prompting a reorder.
- 2019The Knife Angel toured nationwide to promote its anti-violence message.
How to get there
- CarApproach via the A5 southeast of Oswestry; several large car parks are signposted from the main driveway.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair and mobility access Most paths are smooth crushed stone; ramps and wide spacing aid wheelchair and mobility scooter access.
- Wheelchair hire Free wheelchairs are available. Reserve ahead by phone at 01691 610952.
- Carer admission Carers receive free admission.
Sources: British Ironworks Centre & Shropshire Sculpture… · British Ironwork Centre | Shropshire Metal Scul… · Book Entrance Tickets | Things To Do With Kids … · Plan Your Visit - British Ironwork Centre & Shr… · The British Ironwork Centre: tickets (its own s… · checked 6 Oct 2026
- Website
- britishironworkcentre.co.uk/
- Phone
- 01691610952
Questions and answers
Can I bring my dog to The British Ironwork Centre?
Dogs are welcome outdoors, where water stations, treats and waste bins are available. They cannot enter the indoor café or store.
Can I eat with my dog at The British Ironwork Centre?
Yes. Dogs can join you in the undercover outdoor garden room, which has heaters and a bar area.
Do I need to book afternoon tea at The British Ironwork Centre?
Yes. Book through the centre’s website and check in at the Welcome Desk.
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