Newly opened in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, the Flaxmill Maltings is celebrated as the grandparent of modern skyscrapers and the attraction is now open this year for group tours.

Opening in 1797 as a purpose-built mill to process flax, commonly used in the manufacture of linen, Shrewsbury’s flaxmill was the first multifloored iron-framed building in the world. Its pioneering frame makes it an internationally important industrial heritage site. A visit to the Flaxmill Maltings could be combined with a tour of the UNESCO Ironbridge Gorge, one of the birthplaces of industry, just over 10 miles away.

At Flaxmill Maltings groups can discover more about the site in the hands-on exhibition, which brings to life the story of this landmark of the industrial revolution. With digital and hands-on activities, visitors can walk one of the floors where flax milling took place – and latterly, where barley was processed for beer. The attraction also presents the lives and stories of the workers and engineers involved.

The location also includes the Jubilee Tower, giving visitors the opportunity to climb to the viewing gallery to experience fantastic views of Shrewsbury and the surrounding countryside. The Jubilee Tower was constructed in 1897 as part of the transformation of the site from a flax mill to a barley maltings.

A 10% discount is provided for organised groups of 15-plus, with free entry for a tour leader and coach driver. The site also contains a café and shop.

To find out more, visit https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/shrewsbury-flaxmill-maltings/