Located in the heart of the National Forest, Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park is a great destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families alike. This remarkable site, rich with industrial heritage, offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal day out or a perfect stop on a longer trip through Leicestershire.
We discovered Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park on my birthday while looking for an interesting place to visit with our family and the dogs. Once we’d found out how much there was to enjoy and that it’s very dog friendly too, we made up our minds to make it the destination to start our day.
My husband and three of our grown up kids came out for the day, plus our young grandson. Smokey our son’s dog and Bandit came along too.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of Moira Furnace, the facilities available at the museum and country park, parking and accommodation options, and other local attractions to explore in the area.
History of Moira Furnace
Moira Furnace is a rare and well-preserved example of an early 19th-century blast furnace. Built in 1804 by the Earl of Moira, the furnace was intended to produce iron using locally sourced raw materials.
Unfortunately, due to design flaws and technical difficulties, the furnace was never a commercial success, and it ceased production after only a few years of operation.
Despite its short-lived industrial life, Moira Furnace has since become an important historical site. The furnace itself is one of the few remaining blast furnaces of its kind in the UK, and it offers a rare glimpse into the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.
The museum housed within the furnace building provides a detailed account of the site’s history, the iron-making process, and the people who worked there.
Limekilns at Moira Furnace
The limekilns at Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park are an essential part of the site’s industrial heritage. They date back to the early 19th century and are connected to the area’s history of limestone quarrying and processing.
The limekilns were built in conjunction with the Moira Furnace, which was constructed in 1804 by the Earl of Moira to produce iron. The furnace was part of a larger industrial complex in the area, which included coal mining, brickworks, and later, lime production.
Although the ironworks itself did not prove successful and was abandoned by the 1820s, the limekilns continued to be used. Limekilns were used to produce quicklime by burning limestone at high temperatures. Quicklime was an essential material for various purposes, including agriculture (to improve soil quality), construction (as a component of mortar and plaster), and industry (such as in iron production).
The kilns at Moira were typical of the period, built into the hillside, allowing easy access to both the top for loading limestone and fuel and the bottom for collecting the quicklime. Workers would load limestone and coal into the top of the kiln, and after several days of burning, the quicklime would be extracted from the bottom.
As industrial processes evolved, the demand for lime production at Moira declined, and by the late 19th century, the kilns were no longer in regular use. However, the structures remained a significant feature of the landscape and an important reminder of the area’s industrial past. In the 20th century, efforts were made to preserve the limekilns as part of the Moira Furnace site, which has since been turned into a museum and country park.
Today, visitors to the Moira Furnace Museum can explore the restored limekilns, learn about the history of lime production, and understand their role within the broader context of the area’s industrial heritage. The museum and country park serve as a focal point for understanding the rich industrial history of the Ashby area and provide educational opportunities for visitors interested in the development of Britain’s early industrial landscapes.
Facilities at Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park is more than just a historical site; it’s a vibrant destination offering a range of facilities and activities for visitors of all ages.
Moira Furnace Museum
The museum provides an engaging and informative experience with exhibits detailing the history of the furnace, the iron-making process, and the social history of the area. Interactive displays make the museum accessible and interesting for children and adults alike.
Canal Side
The Ashby Canal runs alongside the furnace, offering picturesque views and opportunities for leisurely walks. You can also enjoy a boat trip on the canal, which operates seasonally, providing a relaxing way to explore the surrounding countryside.
The boat trip is very low priced and is also dog friendly. Our grandson, Elijah enjoyed feeding the ducks while at the front of the barge. The historic barge is called the Joseph Wilkes.
Playground and Picnic Areas
Families will appreciate the well-maintained playground and the ample picnic areas dotted around the park. It’s an ideal spot for a family day out, with plenty of space for children to play and for everyone to enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
We made use of the picnic area near the canal where our grandson, Elijah chatted with some new friends and ate his lunch, it was a lovely children’s packed lunch from the great little café situated in the courtyard where our sons James and Jeremy bought their lunch from.
We each had takeaway coffees and our grandson enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate with extra cream and marshmallows.
The Furnace cafe in the courtyard serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. It’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the museum and park.
There’s a few other small businesses in the courtyard area where there’s also a bike repair workshop.
Parking and Accessibility
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park offers ample parking facilities, with a car park located just a short walk from the main attractions.
Parking is by donations, and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the site, ensuring that it remains an enjoyable place for future visitors.
The toilets are within the courtyard area just a short distance from the Café, museum and car park.
The site is also wheelchair accessible, with flat paths throughout the country park and ramp access to the museum, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the experience.
Address:
Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT
Other Attractions in the Area
Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park is ideally situated within the National Forest, a stunning area of woodland and countryside that offers a wealth of other attractions and activities.
Conkers: Just a stone’s throw away from Moira Furnace, Conkers is an award-winning visitor attraction with a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. With interactive exhibits, adventure play areas, and scenic walks, Conkers is a fantastic day out for families.
Ashby Castle: Located in nearby Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Ashby Castle is a historic site with ruins dating back to the 12th century. The castle is a great spot for history buffs and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the tower.
Hicks Lodge: For those who love outdoor activities, Hicks Lodge is a popular choice. This former coal mining site has been transformed into a beautiful area for cycling, walking, and bird watching. It’s particularly well-suited for families with young children, offering easy-to-navigate trails and a welcoming café.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a pleasant day out, Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park has something to offer. With its rich history, diverse facilities, and stunning surroundings, it’s a destination that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Moira Furnace museum and country park has plenty of regular events throughout the year to look forward to. From food or craft fairs, a bike rally, car shows and a folk festival to mention just a small variety of events.
Make sure to plan your visit and explore all that this unique part of Leicestershire has to offer. From historical insights to outdoor adventures, award winning Moira Furnace and its surrounding attractions are sure to provide a memorable experience, Just as our family enjoyed the day out on my birthday.
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