Discover Dudley. Expect the unexpected.

Discover Dudley Expect the unexpected www.discoverdudley.org.uk

Welcome Welcome to Dudley, the heart of the Black Country. The borough of Dudley includes the towns of Dudley, Stourbridge, Brierley Hill and Halesowen and is about 30 minutes west of Birmingham in the West Midlands. The Black Country derives its name from its industrial past of coal mines and blast furnaces during its heyday of iron and steelmaking. Today it is a vibrant and modern urban area, which builds on the ingenuity and innovation of our past. If you have lived in the borough for all your life or you are just visiting for the day then Dudley might just surprise you. There s everything from Arachnophobia sessions at Dudley Zoo to having your hand or foot cast in glass at one of our visitor attractions in the Stourbridge Glass Quarter. Further information on many of the borough s visitor attractions can be found at Dudley Council Plus or on our website discoverdudley.org.uk where you can also subscribe to the Discover Dudley monthly e-newsletter filled with information on events taking place across the borough and special offers. Enjoy your visit Expect the unexpected 2

Black Country Living Museum Discover the story of the world s first industrial landscape at Black Country Living Museum. It is one of the most extraordinary open-air museums in the UK, offering a glimpse into 200 years of history like no other. Experience all the authentic sights, sounds, smells and tastes from the past and meet the costumed characters in the original shops, houses and workshops. Take a trip on the tram to the canal side village, explore the underground to discover a miner s life in the 1850s. Enjoy all the fun of the 1930s fairground and try your luck on the coconut shy, step into the spotlight as you watch silent classics in the 1920s cinema and see the traditional demonstrations from metal-working to glass-cutting. Location Tipton Road, Dudley DY1 4SQ Telephone 0121 557 9643 Web bclm.com Admission Charges apply Opening hours January to March daily 10am-4pm April to October daily 10am-5pm November & December : Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm Please call for Christmas and New Year closing times 3

The Black Countryman canal trips The Black Countryman offers organised canal boat trips along the Stourbridge Canal, visiting many locations such as Stourton and Kinver. Special cruises and music nights operate throughout the season. Location Canal Company Office 2 Canal Street Stourbridge DY8 4LU Telephone 01384 375912 or 07889 908090 Web Admission Opening hours canalboattripsstourbridge.co.uk Charges apply, please book in advance April to October: monthly trips run on selected Sunday s leaving at 2.30pm Bank Holiday Mondays: all day cruise 10am-5.30pm 4

Dudley Canal Tunnel & Limestone Mines Enjoy a family-friendly canal boat trip into the heart of the geologically significant limestone caverns under Dudley town centre. The 45 minute boat trip retells the history of Dudley, its mining and canal heritage. Special events are held throughout the year including ghost trips and Santa in the tunnel. Location Telephone 0121 557 6265 Web Admission Opening hours Off A4123 Birmingham New Road Dudley DY1 4SB www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk Charges apply March to October: daily 10am-5pm Last boat 4pm November to February: Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm Last boat 3pm Please call for Christmas and New Year closing times 5

Dudley Zoological Gardens Fancy a really wild day out? Then come and learn all about some of the world s rarest animals at DZG! Come face-to-face with Sumatran tigers and Asiatic lions; take a walk on the wild side in Lemur Wood and Monkey Tails and watch the mischievous meerkat mob. There are baboons on the bank, the UK s largest colony of Humboldts in Penguin Bay and snakes and lizards in the Reptile House. There s also an amazing birds of prey show in the heart of the 11th century castle and a variety of daily animal talks and feeds across the 40-acre site. If you ve got time you can even end your day hunting out the site s famous ghosts. With a gift shop, restaurant, face painting, land train and the country s only vintage chairlift, not forgetting the world s largest collection of Modernist Tecton buildings, there s plenty to see and do for all ages! Location Castle Hill, Dudley DY1 4QF Telephone 0844 474 2272 Web dudleyzoo.org.uk Admission Charges apply Opening hours Every day at 10am except Christmas Day Last admission in Winter 3pm Easter to September 4pm 6

Himley Hall & Park 18th Century Grade ll* listed building set in 180 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland. Former home to the Earl of Dudley, it is now host to a variety of exhibitions and events in the hall & park including art and craft exhibitions in spring and summer, bridal fayres, classic car shows and Dudley s annual bonfire night celebration. Location Himley Park, Dudley DY3 4DF Telephone 01384 817817 Web dudley.gov.uk/himleyhall Admission Free entry to the park and hall (Small car parking charge applies) Opening hours The Hall is open from early April to early September Tuesday to Sunday: 2pm-5pm Bank Holiday Mondays: 2pm-5pm The park is open every day of the year and closes at dusk 7

Juniors at Museums and Made by Me Juniors at Museums Is a programme of family friendly activities specially for children. Workshops, trails and other fun events occur every school holiday and some weekends. Activities include birthday parties, summer school and Santa. Made by Me adult craft sessions We now also offer Made by Me adult craft sessions, walks and talks. Relaxed and informal, no experience necessary or artistic flair required, just a desire to meet people and give it a go. Admission to all sites is free, enjoy a look around our exhibitions, take an audio tour at the cone, visit our museum shops and don t forget to bring along your children or grandchildren to our family sessions. Small charge for some activities. These events are based at Broadfield House Glass Museum, Dudley Museum & Art Gallery and Red House Glass Cone. See dudley.gov.uk/see-and-do 8

Dudley Museum & Art Gallery The museum combines permanent displays of fine art and geology with interactive exhibitions of dinosaurs and Vikings. Unearthed is our geology gallery that displays an extensive collection of fossils including those from Wren s Nest National Nature Reserve. School sessions are available and education staff provide a range of fun and interactive sessions. Location St. James s Road, Dudley DY1 1HU Telephone 01384 815575 Web dudley.gov.uk/dudleymuseum Admission Free entry Opening hours Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm 9

The Stourbridge Glass Quarter Home to glass making for over 400 years, the Stourbridge Glass Quarter not only enjoys a wealth of glass making heritage but is also home to a vibrant community of glass companies and innovative studio glass artists. Broadfield House Glass Museum, Red House Glass Cone and Ruskin Glass Centre are at the heart of the Stourbridge Glass Quarter. Each venue brings a different dimension to the visitors exploration of glass, past and present. Admission is free. Visitors can watch on-site glass makers at work across the Quarter. All three sites also offer a special shopping experience, for that unique gift. Visit glassquarter.org.uk for more information on everything the Glass Quarter has to offer. The Stourbridge Glass Quarter hosts the International Festival of Glass and British Glass Biennale every two years. Visit ifg.org.uk for details of the next festival. 10

Broadfield House Glass Museum Broadfield House Glass Museum is one of the major glass museums in the world. It has a magnificent collection of British glass, much of it made locally, dating from the 17th century to the present day. An interesting programme of events and temporary exhibitions complement the glass displays. Books on glass and gifts handmade in the UK can be found in the gift shop. There is also a hot glass studio where visitors can watch the glassmakers at work from Wednesday to Sunday. Special workshops and events are held throughout the year including a beads day, paperweight day, family-friendly activities and craft clubs for adults and children. Location Compton Drive Kingswinford DY6 9NS Telephone 01384 812745 Web glassmuseum.org.uk Admission Free entry Opening hours Tuesday to Sunday 12noon-4pm 11

Red House Glass Cone Reaching 100ft into the sky this glass heritage visitor attraction is an impressive sight on the Stourbridge landscape and an integral part of the historic Stourbridge Glass Quarter. Built at the end of the 18th century, the Cone was used for the manufacture of glass until 1936 and is now one of only four cones left in the UK. Family-friendly events and activities take place throughout the year. There are free glass making demonstrations at weekends and scheduled demonstrations during school holidays. The gift shop and craft studios offer a range of locally produced glassware, handcrafted items, clocks and the Stourbridge Crystal Glass Centre on site is ideal for purchasing that special gift. The Red Cone Coffee House offers an extensive menu including freshly ground coffee, real Belgian hot chocolate and a menu for children. The Cone is the ideal choice for a fun and interesting day out. Location High Street, Wordsley DY8 4AZ Telephone 01384 812750 Web redhousecone.co.uk Admission Free entry Free audio guided tour available Opening hours Monday to Sunday 10am-4pm 12

Ruskin Glass Centre The Glasshouse; home to Ruskin Glass Centre, Webb Corbett Visitor Centre and the Glasshouse Arts Centre are free attractions all on one site. Ruskin Glass Centre is home to 18 craft businesses with retail units to browse and an organic café. Webb Corbett Visitor Centre celebrates 100 years of glassmaking with a Glass Heritage Officer on site to bring artefacts and exhibitions to life through guided tours. The Glasshouse Arts Centre boasts a 400 capacity auditorium, studio theatre and meeting rooms. It plays host to a range of activity from theatre and music performance to meetings, conferences and seminars. With a varied and interesting events programme there are demonstrations and workshops for all ages and interests. Location Wollaston Road, Amblecote DY8 4HF Telephone 01384 399419 Web ruskinglasscentre.co.uk Admission Free entry Opening hours Please contact for opening times and further event details Keep in touch Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/ruskinglasscentre Become a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/ruskinglasscentre 13

Contemporary Glass Makers & Designers The Stourbridge Glass Quarter is home to many talented glassmakers and designers. In addition to studios at the Red House Glass Cone and Ruskin Glass Centre, glass businesses within the Glass Quarter or nearby include; Brierley Crystal 01384 77701 brierleycrystal.co.uk Allister Malcolm Glass at Broadfield House Glass Museum 07961 867206 allistermalcolm.com Dawn Crystal 01384 397524 dawncrystal.co.uk Stourbridge Crystal Glass Centre 01384 261777 Tudor Crystal 01384 392525 tudorcrystal.com Further information is available at glassquarter.org.uk 14

The Countryside in Dudley The borough of Dudley has seven local nature reserves and one national nature reserve. A Green Spaces for Health leaflet is available from nature reserves across the borough and local libraries. It provides you with the opportunity to explore the countryside and a chance to relax and meet other people whilst walking your way to fitness. The wardens offer a wide range of education, interpretative and instructive walks, talk and organised events for all ages, the majority of which are free across the nature reserves. For more information visit discoverdudley.org.uk Barrow Hill Local Nature Reserve (LNR) 01384 812780 Buckpool & Fens Pools LNR 01384 812780 Bumble Hole & Warrens Hall LNR 01384 814100 Cotwall End Valley LNR 07799 070125 The Leasowes 01384 814642 Saltwells LNR 01384 812795 Wren s Nest National Nature Reserve 01384 812785 DY5 4JH DY5 4NE DY2 8HU DY3 2UL B62 8DH DY5 1TF DY1 3SB 15

Libraries Dudley Libraries offer a wide range of free services including books, wi-fi, internet and computer access, e books and e magazines. CD s and DVD s are also available plus a wide range of community information. With convenient opening hours, including weekends and a programme of events throughout the year, libraries provide a single access point for many services and also offer 24/7 information and library services via dudley.gov.uk/libraries or telephone 01384 815557. 16

The Archives and Local History Centre Want to discover more about your past? This is the place to start. A brand new centre to explore and preserve the heritage of the borough. Collections include the Papal Bull (over 800 years old!); parish records; historic photographs; glass recipe and pattern books; wonderful maps; and even a walking stick. Exhibitions, tours, and events are held throughout the year. Visit us to find out more about your history! Location Tipton Road, Dudley West Midlands DY1 4SQ Telephone 01384 812770 Web dudley.gov.uk/archives Admission Free entry Opening hours Please check our website for our new opening hours 17

Leisure in Dudley borough We have three leisure centres and a sports stadium offering a range of leisure activities. Whether it s swimming, running, enjoying the gym, or playing badminton, we have it all here to enjoy. We also run many coaching schemes, soft play sessions and cater for birthday parties. Go to www.dudley.gov.uk/sport or call 01384 812800 for more information. Castlegate Leisure Park Why not spend some time at the Castlegate Leisure Park in Dudley? It is home to Bowlplex, Showcase cinema and includes numerous eateries such as Pizza Hut, Nando s and Frankie & Benny s. Parks There are five staffed parks and many other parks within the borough. Further details are available at dudley.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture Walk Fit A Green Spaces for Health leaflet is available at all the parks. These include weekly short walks, lap walking, longer walks and walks that take in local history and visitor attractions, as well as Nordic walking in the dark and running for health and fitness. To find out more please contact the Park Physical Activity Officer on 01384 816992 or 07799 070089 or visit dudley.gov.uk/walkfit 18

Shopping Westfield Merry Hill Westfield Merry Hill is the largest shopping centre in the West Midlands, having more than 220 major retailers including Primark, Debenhams and M&S all under one roof. With seasonal kids character shows, kiddy car hire to the Westfield Kids Club there s something to keep the kids amused whilst you shop. Eat Central food court has several eateries and two restaurants including Pizza Express and Nandos and a further 50 places to eat and drink throughout the centre means you ll never go hungry http://uk.westfield.com/merryhill/ Quest Is a thrilling new entertainment and adventure destination for the whole family. Westfield Merry Hill has an indoor ropes course - the highest in the UK. With Kids Adventure Softplay, a mini ropes course, Nerf Combat Area, Krazy Golf and a Nerf Target Range there is something for everyone www.thequest.co.uk Town centres The four town centres of Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen and Brierley Hill offer a wealth of fascinating history and a variety of shops for you to visit. There are architectural trail guides available of the buildings around the town centres. Further details can be found at dudley.gov.uk 19

Entertainment Live! in Dudley With a variety of comedy, music and pure entertainment there is something to appeal to all tastes in Dudley s Entertainment Live! programme. The elegant and stylish surroundings of Dudley Town Hall and Stourbridge Town Hall provide the perfect backdrop for world class concerts and performances. The Halesowen Cornbow Hall and Brierley Hill Civic Hall play host to many amateur and charitable performances from the area. Ths halls offer well-equipped, comfortable facilities for hire at very reasonable prices. All of the buildings are accessible and friendly staff will be happy to discuss any special requirements you may have. Visit dudley.gov.uk/entertainment or ring the box office on 01384 812812 for further information. 20

Canals in Dudley There are 16 miles of navigable canals in Dudley comprising the Dudley No1, Dudley No 2 and the Stourbridge canals. There are several walks and cycle routes along the canals taking in the beauty and history of the area, as well as facilities and moorings for boaters. Further details are available from waterscape.com During September the canals are particularly alive with activity. The Black Country Boating Festival takes places where around 200 boats, trade and charity stalls are to be found. Further details can be found at bcbf.com During October the Stourbridge Navigation Trust open weekend offers you the chance for a guided boat trip along the canal and the opportunity to visit the many colourfully displayed charity stalls selling their wares. The Waterfront at Brierley Hill is a picturesque location for you to relax at a canal side location and is on the doorstep of Westfield Merry Hill. There are also moorings for boaters. 21

The Venue Originally a cinema, The Venue has been transformed into a busy corporate and entertainment facility boasting an all you can eat buffet restaurant offering food from around the world including English, Indian, Italian and Chinese cuisines. Not only offering a huge array of dishes, The Venue Cuisine offers diners a live cooking experience meaning they can sample an extensive selection of cuisines in one place. The Venue is also host to regular tribute nights and themed disco s which take place several times a month. The upper suite is also the perfect place to hold your wedding, birthday, prom or any special event. With original art deco features, chandeliers and large oak dance floor and stage it s the perfect backdrop for your celebration. The Venue and Venue Cuisine Restaurant can offer almost anything for your event, whether it be a meal in our award winning restaurant, intimate wedding breakfast or lavish celebration, we can cater for your needs. Location 171-173 High Street, Dudley DY1 1QD Telephone 01384 459800 Web t-venue.com Opening hours Lunch 12noon-2.30pm Evening 5pm-10.30pm (Sundays close 9.30pm) 22

Accommodation If you are looking for somewhere to stay while visiting, then Dudley borough has a wide variety of B&Bs, guest houses, hotels, leisure clubs and pubs as well as camping and caravan sites all within a 20 minute drive of Dudley. Further details of accommodation including bed and breakfasts can be found at discoverdudley.org.uk or phone Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345. 23

The Copthorne Hotel Merry Hill The Copthorne is one of the finest hotels in Dudley. It overlooks the canal marina and adds contemporary comforts and amenities to a waterfront location. There are 138 elegant guest rooms with modern amenities, dining options, a health club and spa, and friendly service. There are also impressive facilities available, which are able to host 600 delegates for meetings, weddings and conferences. Check-in: 2pm; Check-out: 12 noon All rooms include: TVs with freeview, wifi internet access, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer, iron and ironing board (on request), work desk and direct dial telephone Leisure club facilities available including a fitness suite with cardiovascular equipment, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa bath Disabled access Dining Faraday s Restaurant - is a stylish, modern restaurant with picturesque views over the canal marina. The menu places an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce to create a selection of tempting dishes Faraday s Bar - offers an informal atmosphere to enjoy refreshing drinks, coffees or a light meal from the menu Meetings and functions Dedicated meetings and events team Wifi connectivity and full audio-visual support Air conditioning Location The Waterfront, Level Street, Brierley Hill DY5 1UR Telephone 01384 482882 Web www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/copthornedudley E-mail reservations@millenniumhotels.co.uk 24

Village Urban Resort Dudley Village Birmingham Dudley is ideally located within walking distance to the best of Dudley s tourist attractions. Dudley has lots for the family to see, do and enjoy. Village Urban Resorts Village offers you Urban everything Resort under one roof: Dudley > cool room, big bed > 25m pool you can actually swim in > gym and spa you can relax in > stylish dining or traditional pub grub > Starbucks > FREE car parking 124 rooms all modern and contemporary in style and include FREE wifi which is also available in all public areas. We offer double, twin and family rooms along with interconnecting rooms for larger families. We are also an ideal location for group bookings and tours with great rates. Why not upgrade to an UpperDeck room - the must-have room with genuinely good extras! Village Birmingham Dudley is ideally located within walking distance to the best of Dudley s tourist attractions. Dudley has loads for everyone in the family to see, do and enjoy. Village Urban Resorts offers you everything under one roof: > cool room big bed; > pool you can swim in > gym and spa you can relax in > stylish dining or traditional pub grub > Starbucks > FREE Car Parking All 124 rooms are uber chic and include FREE wifi which is also available in all public areas. We offer double, twin and family rooms along with interconnecting rooms for larger families. We are also an ideal location for group booking and tours and great rates. Why not upgrade to an UpperDeck room the must-have room with genuinely good extras! Village Urban Resort Village Urban Resort Birmingham Dudley, Castlegate Park, Birmingham Road, Dudley, DY1 4TB Location Castlegate Park Birmingham Road Tel: 0871 222 4584 Dudley DY1 4TB www.villageurbanresorts.com Telephone 0871 222 4584 Web www.villageurbanresorts.com 25

Visitor information in the Black Country Places to visit? Where to eat? What s on? Where to stay? Travel information Dudley Council Plus 259 Castle Street, Dudley DY1 1LQ Tel: 0300 555 2345 Open Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 12noon tourism@dudley.gov.uk discoverdudley.org.uk Walsall Central Reference Library 01922 653110 http://cms.walsall.gov.uk/visitorinfo.htm West Bromwich Central Library 0121 569 4911 Wolverhampton Art Gallery 01902 552055 wolverhampton.gov.uk/leisure_culture/tourism/ information/ Visitors with disabilities Information on access to attractions mentioned within this guide is available from Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345 or emailing tourism@dudley.gov.uk Disclaimer Every effort has been made to check the accuracy of details included in this guide. Dudley Council and the attractions featured in this guide cannot guarantee the accuracy of the details included and accept no responsibility for this. Visitors should check details with attractions before travelling. Further details are available at discoverdudley.org.uk Should you have any comments about this guide, please email tourism@dudley.gov.uk 26

Road and rail routes to Dudley TO WOLVERHAMPTON 2 A449 Main road Motorwa y with junctio n Railw ay with station To wn centre KINGSWINFORD A491 ST OURBRIDGE ST OURBRIDGE T OW N ST OURBRIDGE JUNCTION SEDGLEY A461 A459 DUDLEY BRIERLEY HILL LY E A4036 A461 A4123 COSELEY TIPTON RO WLEY REGIS OLD HILL CRADLEY HEA TH A456 HALESO WEN A458 A459 DUDLEY PORT OLDBURY A4123 2 M5 TO M5 J1 AND M6 TO BIRMINGHAM 3 HA GLEY A491 TO M5 J4 LYDIATE ASH TO M5 J4 LYDIATE ASH visit Published by Dudley attractions group November 2013 discoverdudley.org.uk 27

Expect the unexpected www.discoverdudley.org.uk