Built on former industrial land, The Black Country Museum is a great day out. It’s located in Dudley, West Midlands. Situated on the banks of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN).
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Guide To The Black Country Living Museum
At The Black Country Living Museum the World’s First Industrial Landscape is preserved at the Black Country Living Museum. The Museum tells the story of the industrial revolution.
About the Museum
The Industrial Revolution and the Black Country
The early 19th century was a time of change in the Black Country region. Things that happened here impacted globally. It influenced the world’s economy, culture, and industry.
The people of the Black Country made the region a success. There were many professions found in this vibrant region. Metalworkers, miners, nurses, schoolteachers, and pub landlords were just some. The Museum aims to tell their story.
Peaky Blinders Black Country Museum
The series “Peaky Blinders” has become immensely popular recently. People warmed to its gripping storyline and brilliant performances. One of the most iconic aspects of the show is its setting – Birmingham.
The production team has extensively filmed at various locations. One of them is the Museum, used for its early 20th-century feel.
A Peaky Blinders Black Country Museum Collaboration
The Museum and “Peaky Blinders” have worked together and have both benefited. More people have visited the Museum because of the show. The show looks better because it was filmed in a realistic-looking place. But best of all, fans of the show are happy they can see where it was filmed.
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Attractions and Activities
Historic Buildings
You can experience the Black Country of the early 1900s at the Museum. Historic buildings from across the region have been carefully moved to the site. They have been rebuilt brick by brick to create an authentic atmosphere.
Meet Historical Characters
You can meet historical characters at the Museum. These costumed actors make the region’s history come alive. They represent figures from the past. Offering an insight into the lives of the people who shaped the Black Country.
Underground Mine Experience
Guests can discover life for miners in the 1850s by exploring the mine. This is an underground and interactive exhibit. It allows visitors to see first-hand the extreme conditions the miners had to endure.
1912 School Lesson and Vintage Cinema
At the Museum, you can step back in time to the early 1900s. Join a 1912 school class or watch a classic movie in a 1920s theatre. These fun experiences provide insight into the era’s daily routines and leisure activities.
Tastes of the Past
Why not experience the tastes of the past by enjoying a traditional treat? The museum has an authentic fish and chip shop and a baker’s shop from the 1930s. These places recreate the culinary delights of the past.
Old-fashioned Street Games and Heritage Vehicles
You can also try traditional street games. Or why not hop on a meticulously restored heritage bus? It’s a great way to have some old-fashioned fun!
Live Industrial Demonstrations
See the impressive craftsmanship and expertise of the Black Country. They can watch as the chain maker work and listen to metal striking metal. There are live demonstrations of both chain and nail making. It was techniques such as these that made the region a manufacturing powerhouse. They highlight the skill and talent of the workers.
Many industrial workshops have now been rebuilt on the site.
Shops and Public Houses
Visitors can explore one of the many authentic shops rebuilt at the site. Childhood memories come flooding back with a visit to the sweet shop. Buy a bag of lemon sherbet or other traditional sweets. Or smell the scent of tobacco from the tobacconist. And, In the repair shop vintage radios play moving speeches from the time.
Explore the fascinating world of old fashion remedies by visiting the Museum’s chemist. There, you can discover the peculiar and engaging treatments of the past. Marvelling at the eye-catching pills that promise miracle cures!
Afterwards, refresh yourself with a drink at either the Bottle & Glass Inn or the Elephant & Castle Public House. Both of these provide a glimpse into the vibrant pub culture of the time.
Workers Institue
Cradley Heath Workers’ Institute is another building rebuilt on the site. Inside the building are historical offices, and an exhibition. What was once the auditorium is now a café. Occasionally, the stage is utilised for special occasions.
The Black Country Living Museum Pictures
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The Black Country Living Museum Reviews
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Review from Google Places
2 July 2025
Lots of walking, which was good. I love squashing a penny. I love these machines. It’s great fun. The museum is fabulous. You have a workplace where my dad worked, so reminiscing 😊 fabulous history lovely staff and not too expensive 😊
Review from Google Places
14 June 2025
Had the most amazing day. It is definitely worth the visit. There is so much to see. Have wanted to go here for years and it didn’t disappoint . I would recommend it to everyone.
It is so interesting finding out all the interesting facts about the whole place. The staff are amazing and so professional. You can spend the whole day there and not get bored. I will definitely be going again. Amazing !!!!
Review from Google Places
15 May 2025
Had a great day out here, we got in as it opened and accessed it from the Dudley canal and tunnel museum, which gets you to the main part quicker than the main entrance. (It’s also cheaper parking)
The museum is well laid out and they have all the staff dressed in period costume and most are very knowledgeable about their surroundings and can talk in detail about the part they are playing along with the history.
It’s a collection of buildings that have been transferred from the local area and rebuilt as they were and they are all filled with things from the era they represent.
They have lots of demonstrations of local crafts and works.
There is a drift mine on site that you can enter in parties of 25 people, it’s a 30 minute walk with some of the shafts being only 4ft high.
There’s places to eat and drink around site and the prices are reasonable along with rest room facilities at various points.
It’s set on a slope that leads you all the way down to the canal at the bottom, there is a bus that runs all day so you can hop on and off to transfer from the lower part to the top.
It’s a great experience for all ages.
The ticket also allows you repeat visits for a year, if you buy the year ticket you get discounted prices off the food and drink.
If you have time visit the Dudley canal and tunnel trust at the bottom of the site and have a boat ride into the limestone mine.
Review from Google Places
21 April 2025
This is the second time I’ve visited, but the last time was about 8 or 9 years ago.
There have been some additions and changes so it was nice to see. The weather was nice for a bamk holiday, and it wasn’t too busy. The staff around the place are always helpful and knowledgeable about the history. The whole site is well kept and maintained, with litter pickers around.
Fish and chips is a must from the chippy. Old style with no fancy kebabs or sauces. Just old fashioned fish and chips, or even a pickled egg if thats your thing. Well worth a visit, and you get a years pass to use as often as you like.
Review from Google Places
31 March 2025
This is a very outstanding experience. Every second of it felt like I was in the 1900s. The staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable. They even have snacks and lunch options. I highly recommend the mine tour. We went on it and it’s out of this world we got helmets and torches. It was amazing. There was a cinema as well. It’s very nice to spend a whole sunny Saturday. There is also a nice addition that you can pay a ticket and then have access for a whole year and there is plenty to see around. You can come back 4 times and still find something nice. It is a dynamic museum. Each time you come you meet different people and have different experiences and see things from different perspectives.
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