The country park is open all year round. Museum and Boat run from April until October. 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.
Visited here on Sunday the 25th of August. There was a car show on, it was good to see so much variety of cars on display. I believe that there is a reoccurring car meet on a Tuesday. The following day (Sunday 26th), they were hosting a creators fair. The stalls on offer across both days were OK with some good handmade items for sale, but it was mostly food. We tried to go on the barge but we were told that it would be over an hour wait. Which was disappointing but kind of understandable, considering how busy it was. The carparking staff were friendly, and the car parking fee was just a donation with the suggested donation being a pound. Which is more than reasonable. The walk through the wetlands is really interesting too. There are also plenty of picnic benches and free toilets which are handy.
Experience a canal boat ride, a great little museum and a country park in one. Free parking available and a very modest charge for both the boat and dog friendly museum. Nice place to take a walk along the banks of the canal, woods or among the old workings.
A lovely place for a dog walk or bike ride along the canal. Plentiful parking and facilities. You may book canal boat rides and there is a museum and shop to take a look around. A fab little cafe for snacks and refreshments and a bike repair shop on site. We attend many events here throughout the year whether they be car boots, day events or car shows.
The Moira Furnace Car Show is a must-visit event for car enthusiasts and families alike, offering a fantastic day out against the picturesque backdrop of the historic Moira Furnace. Held annually in the heart of the National Forest, this show brings together a diverse range of vehicles, from gleaming classics to eye-catching custom builds, creating a vibrant celebration of automotive culture. One of the standout features of the Moira Furnace Car Show is the sheer variety of cars on display. Whether you're a fan of vintage models, muscle cars, or modern sports cars, there's something here to capture your interest. The owners are often on hand, eager to share the stories behind their prized vehicles, adding a personal touch to the experience. It's a great opportunity to get up close and appreciate the craftsmanship and care that goes into maintaining these machines. The setting of the show is equally impressive. Moira Furnace, a beautifully preserved 19th-century iron-making blast furnace, provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop. The combination of industrial heritage and gleaming automobiles creates a contrast that's both visually stunning and historically rich. The surrounding green space is perfect for a leisurely walk, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the day. In addition to the cars, the show features a variety of stalls and vendors, offering everything from automotive memorabilia to local crafts and delicious food. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty burger, a sweet treat, or just a cup of tea, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. The event is well-organized, with ample parking and friendly staff who help keep things running smoothly. There's a real sense of community, with visitors of all ages coming together to share their passion for cars. Families are particularly well catered for, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, including face painting, games, and sometimes even live music. In conclusion, the Moira Furnace Car Show is more than just a car enthusiast's dream--it's a wonderful community event that offers something for everyone. Whether you're there to admire the cars, soak in the history, or simply enjoy a day out in a beautiful setting, this show delivers on all fronts. It's a well-rounded event that perfectly blends nostalgia, passion, and fun, making it a highlight of the local calendar. Highly recommended!
Great place to visit, and we've been before, but today, Sunday 19th May 2024, was really good for the Moira canal boat festival. Lots of stalls with bespoke products, live music, pretty little canal boats, classics cars etc etc and all the better for a sunny weekend.
I went with my family, I had a coffee and cake in the cafe whilst they walked our dog. The cafe was friendly and I'm on crutches at the minute the lady brought my things out for me to the outdoor tables. It was lovely to sit out, the walks round the furnace are lovely. Everyone was very happy
On-site services
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Restaurant
Toilets
Family friendly
Good for kids
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Moira Furnace Museum and Country Park. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in Furnace Lane, Moira, Swadlincote DE12 6AT
Searching for hotels...
Visited here on Sunday the 25th of August. There was a car show on, it was good to see so much variety of cars on display. I believe that there is a reoccurring car meet on a Tuesday. The following day (Sunday 26th), they were hosting a creators fair. The stalls on offer across both days were OK with some good handmade items for sale, but it was mostly food. We tried to go on the barge but we were told that it would be over an hour wait. Which was disappointing but kind of understandable, considering how busy it was. The carparking staff were friendly, and the car parking fee was just a donation with the suggested donation being a pound. Which is more than reasonable. The walk through the wetlands is really interesting too. There are also plenty of picnic benches and free toilets which are handy.
Experience a canal boat ride, a great little museum and a country park in one. Free parking available and a very modest charge for both the boat and dog friendly museum. Nice place to take a walk along the banks of the canal, woods or among the old workings.
A lovely place for a dog walk or bike ride along the canal. Plentiful parking and facilities. You may book canal boat rides and there is a museum and shop to take a look around. A fab little cafe for snacks and refreshments and a bike repair shop on site. We attend many events here throughout the year whether they be car boots, day events or car shows.
The Moira Furnace Car Show is a must-visit event for car enthusiasts and families alike, offering a fantastic day out against the picturesque backdrop of the historic Moira Furnace. Held annually in the heart of the National Forest, this show brings together a diverse range of vehicles, from gleaming classics to eye-catching custom builds, creating a vibrant celebration of automotive culture. One of the standout features of the Moira Furnace Car Show is the sheer variety of cars on display. Whether you're a fan of vintage models, muscle cars, or modern sports cars, there's something here to capture your interest. The owners are often on hand, eager to share the stories behind their prized vehicles, adding a personal touch to the experience. It's a great opportunity to get up close and appreciate the craftsmanship and care that goes into maintaining these machines. The setting of the show is equally impressive. Moira Furnace, a beautifully preserved 19th-century iron-making blast furnace, provides a unique and atmospheric backdrop. The combination of industrial heritage and gleaming automobiles creates a contrast that's both visually stunning and historically rich. The surrounding green space is perfect for a leisurely walk, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the day. In addition to the cars, the show features a variety of stalls and vendors, offering everything from automotive memorabilia to local crafts and delicious food. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty burger, a sweet treat, or just a cup of tea, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. The event is well-organized, with ample parking and friendly staff who help keep things running smoothly. There's a real sense of community, with visitors of all ages coming together to share their passion for cars. Families are particularly well catered for, with plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained, including face painting, games, and sometimes even live music. In conclusion, the Moira Furnace Car Show is more than just a car enthusiast's dream--it's a wonderful community event that offers something for everyone. Whether you're there to admire the cars, soak in the history, or simply enjoy a day out in a beautiful setting, this show delivers on all fronts. It's a well-rounded event that perfectly blends nostalgia, passion, and fun, making it a highlight of the local calendar. Highly recommended!
Great place to visit, and we've been before, but today, Sunday 19th May 2024, was really good for the Moira canal boat festival. Lots of stalls with bespoke products, live music, pretty little canal boats, classics cars etc etc and all the better for a sunny weekend.
I went with my family, I had a coffee and cake in the cafe whilst they walked our dog. The cafe was friendly and I'm on crutches at the minute the lady brought my things out for me to the outdoor tables. It was lovely to sit out, the walks round the furnace are lovely. Everyone was very happy
