Canal Museum on the Birmingham Canal Navigations
/
Museums on the Birmingham Canal Navigations

Guide To The Black Country Living Museum

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.

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).

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.

Black Country Living Museum

There’s a wealth of Industrial history to see alongside the BCN. Don’t miss the Black Country Living Museum.

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.

The Black Country Living Museum

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.

5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 42 reviews)
Excellent95%
Very good5%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%
Add a Review

More On & About The Birmingham Canal Navigations

The Black Country Living Museum Information

Discovery Wy, Dudley DY1 4AL.

Phone

01215 579643

Social Media
Black Country Museum Boat Gathering

Black Country Museum Boat Gathering

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!

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

NOTE: Venues often have seasonal opening hours or can be subject to change, so it's always wise to check with the venue before visiting.

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 Reviews

+ Add A Review

Review from Google Places

2 November 2024

A fantastic living museum set in the heart of the Black Country. Volunteers in authentic costumes detailing life as it would have been, showing off the skills of a forgotten era. The fish and chips cooked in beef dripping were to die for…

Dave Proudfoot

Review from Google Places

1 November 2024

Always worth a trip! This is our second visit and was not disappointed.

Been a few new addition’s since our last visit a few years back, and they are fantastic. Ghost train was great 😊

There is so much to see and do. The staff are always helpful and make the place more authentic.

Reasonably priced and your ticket included a 12mo nth ticket. We are planning on returning for Xmas.

Kerry

Review from Google Places

17 October 2024

Love, love, love! Great day out for all the family.. including grandad! He loved looking at the 60’s house, took him back to his childhood. Lots to see and do, food, drinks and rides etc. Lovely place!

Clare Taylor

Review from Google Places

13 October 2024

Excellent day out, weekday so it was nice and quiet, plenty to see, all very authentic and good quality, like going back in time, friendly staff, cafe, toilets, gift shop, all clean and tidy, chip shop.. excellent, plenty of parking.

Recommend

John Simmons

Review from Google Places

8 September 2024

A fantastic living museum with over 250 years of history.

The area is vast but walkable, so ensure you take comfortable walking shoes.

Take note of the timetable listing event times to assist with planning your day.

The underground mine tour is a must!

There are plenty of options for eating.

Plenty of parking available but charged at £3.50 for the day.

Allow at least 5 hours for your visit, and you might still not see everything!

Daren Kenward

All materials and images © Canal Junction Ltd. Dalton House, 35 Chester St, Wrexham LL13 8AH. No unauthorised reproduction.

Facebook | Twitter

About | Terms | Privacy| Refunds & Returns| Sitemap | Contact Us

With over 800 pages, this website uses cookies to record visitor behaviour using Google Analytics. More information on Privacy Page. Page last updated: 29/01/2025.