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Moira Furnace

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A restored iron blast furnace built in 1804 by the Earl of Moira. Moira realized that the area around Moira had great natural resources of iron and coal. He initiated mining activity, and built the blast frnace to process the iron ore. The furnace had only a short lifetime, closing in 1811 after only 7 years of operation, though an iron foundry on the same site continued working for another 30 years.

After the furnace closed, it was converted into housing for families involved in the Earl's mining ventures. This housing finally closed in the 1970s, and part of the exhibits at the Moira Furnace shows how these mining families lived around the year 1900.

The furnace displays include an extensive museum, and exhibits showing how iron was smelted. Visitors can also take a boat trip along the Ashby de la Zouch canal. Return trips lead through Moira Lock to Conkers and back, a journey of about 1.25 hours.

There are special events throughout the year, and educational opportunities for families and school groups. Recent events include the Moira Furnace Folk Festival, and art exhibition and instructional classes.

The blast furnace is operated by the Moira Furnace Museum Trust. under the North West Leicestershire District Council.

Furnace Lane, Moira, Leicestershire, England, DE12 6AT

About Moira Furnace
Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: Off a minor road 3 miles west of Ashby de la Zouch. Discounted entry to English Heritage members.
Website: Moira Furnace
Location map
OS SK314152

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Ashby-de-la-zouch Castle - 2.9 miles (Castle) Ashby Museum - 2.9 miles (Museum) Staunton Harold Church - 5.6 miles (Church) Calke Abbey - 5.6 miles (Historic House) Twycross Zoo - 5.6 miles (Family) Catton Hall - 6.7 miles (Historic House) Donnington-le-Heath Manor - 6.8 miles (Historic House) Melbourne Hall - 7.7 miles (Historic House)

Nearest Towns and Villages Derby - 13.2 miles away Matlock - 28 miles away Warwick - 31.3 miles away Naseby - 32.8 miles away Bakewell - 33.7 miles away Woolsthorpe - 34.4 miles away Bromsgrove - 35.4 miles away Barrowby - 37.5 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Moira Furnace

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Ashover - 11.8 miles from Moira Furnace Matlock, Derbyshire Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £484

Bolthole - 15.9 miles from Moira Furnace Eglingham, Northumberland Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £375

The Old Baptist Chapel - 20.3 miles from Moira Furnace Belper, Derbyshire Sleeps: 20 Stay from: £950

More Self Catering near Moira Furnace

Nearest Hotels

Queens Head Hotel - 2.8 miles from Moira Furnace Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire Stay from: £24.95

Ramada Tamworth Hotel - 3.2 miles from Moira Furnace Appleby Magna, Leicestershire Stay from: £24.50

The Riverside Hotel - 6.5 miles from Moira Furnace Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire Stay from: £24.95

More Hotels near Moira Furnace

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

unicorn inn - 7.3 miles from Moira Furnace Egginton, Derbyshire From: £50.00

Boot Inn - 7.4 miles from Moira Furnace Repton, Derbyshire From: £45.00

Abbey Farm B&B - 10.7 miles from Moira Furnace Atherstone, West Midlands From: £60.00

More bed and breakfasts near Moira Furnace

Swadlincote
Tourist Information Centre
Sharps Pottery Museum
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
England
DE11 9DG
Tel: 01283 222 848
Email: tic@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk
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