Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
About This Museum
If you wander down Furnace Lane in Moira, you'll stumble upon the great, brooding brick hulk of the Moira Furnace. It's a place that absolutely breathes history, a relic from the time when this part of Leicestershire was a seething, industrial heartland. The furnace itself last blazed back in the 19th century, but stepping inside feels like the workers have only just downed tools for the day. Now surrounded by a beautiful country park, it’s a wonderfully peaceful spot that completely belies its fiery past.
Collection Highlights
You can't miss the main event—the massive stone arch of the blast furnace itself, still sooty and imposing. Up in the attic, you'll find a perfectly preserved 'Cruck' frame from a local farmhouse, its ancient timbers telling a different kind of local story. And keep an eye out for the little things: the recreated lime kilns outside and all sorts of everyday artefacts that give you a real sense of the people who lived and worked here.
Visitor Information
It's free to pop in and explore the museum, which is always a nice surprise. They're open Wednesday to Sunday, but do check their times before you set off as they can change with the seasons. After you've had your fill of history, the surrounding country park is perfect for a long walk or a picnic by the canal.
Architecture & Building
It's a classic example of early 19th-century industrial architecture—a robust, no-nonsense building made from red brick and local sandstone, built for pure function rather than fancy looks.
Contact & Location
Address: Swadlincote, South Derbyshire, Derbyshire, East Midlands, England, DE11 0AG, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1283 224667
Website: Visit Website
