Just over half an hour away from the city centre lies Dudley and the Black Country. Said to be the inspiration for Tolkien鈥檚 Mordor, the area is full of history, with plenty to see and do.
People living in 探花直播 call those from the Black Country 鈥測am yams,鈥� a term coined from the Black Country dialect saying 鈥測ow鈥檃m鈥� meaning 鈥測ou are.鈥� The area even has its own
But even more iconic than the dialect, are the orange chips! Also known as battered chips, these are a staple in the Black Country and not to be missed.
Attractions
1. Black Country Living Museum
Dudley鈥檚 number one visitor attraction is the open-air . With over 50 authentic shops, houses, and workshops across 26 acres, it tells the story of the Black Country, one of the first industrialised landscapes in Britain. Visit the Victorian schoolroom, enjoy fish and chips and speak to costumed characters.
Fans of Peaky Blinders may recognise some familiar filming locations from the popular 探花直播 series, including Charlie鈥檚 yard. The Black Country Museum even hosts regular Peaky Blinders nights, so you can get dressed up and follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters.
2. Dudley Zoo and Castle
Opened in 1937, sit on the grounds of the 11th century castle ruins and is home to more than 1,300 animals spanning around 200 species. Get closer to some of the world鈥檚 rarest animals, watch talks and feeds, and learn about the zoo鈥檚 conservation efforts all while roaming the grounds of the castle.
3. Dudley Museum at the Archives
Next door to the Black Country Museum, you鈥檒l find the Archives where you can explore Dudley鈥檚 history all the way back to the dinosaurs! It's also the headquarters for the , a partnership between Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton councils to showcase the area鈥檚 hidden gems, which was certified by UNESCO in 2020.
Days out
4. Dudley Canals
If you enjoyed exploring 探花直播鈥檚 canal network, you might want to try Dudley鈥檚 two canals. Spanning 10 miles between them, and closely linked with the Black Country Museum, boating along the canals will give you a deeper appreciation of the region鈥檚 industrial history.
5. Himley Hall
Set over 180 acres of parkland, is a grade II, 18th-century listed building that was home to the Earls of Dudley for over four centuries. Today, it houses exhibitions and puts on events throughout the year.
6. The Leasowes
Designed by poet William Shenstone in the mid-18th century, the Leasowes is considered one of the first natural landscape gardens in England. Today it is Grade I listed and features on English Heritage鈥檚 list of Parks and Gardens of Historical Interest.
Shopping
7. Merry Hill
If you want to hit the shops, head over to Brierley Hill where you鈥檒l find the Merry Hill centre. It鈥檚 easy to get to by bus or car and offers plenty of free parking. There are three floors packed with much-loved high street brands alongside a cinema and food court, so it鈥檚 the perfect place to shop till you drop or sit back and relax.
Food
To make a day of it, why not visit Castlegate Park once you鈥檙e done at the Zoo or the Black Country Museum? Featuring a Showcase Cinema, Tenpin bowling and fast food chains and restaurants to suit everyone, there鈥檚 plenty to do while you鈥檙e in the area. Or, if it鈥檚 sweet treats you鈥檙e interested in, the popular Little Dessert Shop has just opened up a branch in Dudley town centre.