Black Country Living Museum
Step back in time at this immersive open-air museum, recreating life from the 1850s to the 1960s with authentic buildings, shops, and industrial herit...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Black Country Living Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this immersive open-air museum, recreating life from the 1850s to the 1960s with authentic buildings, shops, and industrial heritage.
"A throwback in time for all the family, with so much to see and do, it's a must-visit!"
🎟️ Return for Free!
Your ticket is valid for a year! Come back and explore more.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 26 acres!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1940s-60s High Street
New Industrial Quarter
Explore authentic shops and street scenes from the mid-20th century. A true step back in time!

The Drift Mine Tour
Industrial Quarter
Venture into the darkness of a historic coal mine for a thrilling and eye-opening experience.

Vintage Transport
Throughout the museum
Ride on historic buses and trams, experiencing the charm of bygone travel.

Period Sweet & Chip Shops
Various locations
Indulge in traditional treats like fish and chips cooked in beef dripping and old-fashioned sweets.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Past: Plan Your Visit
Peaky Blinders & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Return for Free!
Your ticket is valid for a year! Come back and explore more.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 26 acres!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss demonstrations & talks by costumed characters.
📱 Download Museum Map
Navigate the 26 acres easily with the museum's app.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Return for Free!
Your ticket is valid for a year! Come back and explore more.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 26 acres!
📅 Check Event Schedule
Don't miss demonstrations & talks by costumed characters.
📱 Download Museum Map
Navigate the 26 acres easily with the museum's app.
🐟 Try the Fish & Chips
A must-try! Cooked in traditional beef dripping.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Black Country Living Museum for its immersive historical experience, with many highlighting the authenticity of the recreated village and the engaging costumed interpreters. The traditional food, especially the fish and chips, and the unique mine tour are frequently mentioned as highlights. It's considered an excellent family day out with plenty to see and do for all ages.
"A throwback in time for all the family. I have visited The Black Country Living Museum many times since being a child. It’s wonderful to speak with the people who work there and what their roles could have been years ago.
From the chip shop, the ice cream and sweet shops, to the working bus, and canal tours. It’s somewhere you can spend a few hours or the full day.
On sunny days there are lots of open spaces to enjoy and play areas for kids. You can’t beat a day here."
Kyle Smith
"Monday we visited the black country museum.
Well what an experience it was.
Bought back some lovely old memories of how life was.
So much to see and do, fish and chips lunch was to die for, and I got the bits.
Not many will get this.
Ice cream 🍨 absolutely lovely.
Staff were amazing, and I got nicked 😂😂😂😂
Really if you are struggling with what to do this summer, this is a must.
Loads to do for the kids as well as adults.
Highly recommended."
Nigel Cannard
"What a wonderful place. Just absolutely amazing how all the period building were moved to the site and constructed so it's genuinely looks like a village. All the actors/guides were knowledgeable feeding you just enough information about some rather grim lives of the past. We got the 241 ticket after using public transport to get there but if you were local I imagine the yearly pass would be good as there was plenty we didn't see, do or explore."
Mim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Dudley, West Midlands. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site.
Public transport options include buses and trains to Dudley town centre, followed by a short walk or bus ride. Some visitors recommend accessing via the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust for potentially cheaper parking and a quicker route to the main part of the museum.Yes, there is parking available at the museum.
Some reviews suggest that accessing via the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust might offer cheaper parking options.Absolutely! Buses and trains serve Dudley town centre, with the museum a short distance away.
It's a great option for those looking to avoid driving.Yes, you can access the museum via the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, which can be a scenic and convenient route.
The postcode for the Black Country Living Museum is DY1 4AL.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but a key feature is the 'return for free' offer, meaning you can visit multiple times within a year on a single paid entry.
Look out for potential discounts and special offers.Yes, discounts are sometimes available. Visitors have mentioned using '2 for 1' tickets or looking for special offers.
If you're a local, an annual pass might be more cost-effective as there's so much to see.Opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Black Country Living Museum website for the most up-to-date opening hours before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special events, to guarantee entry and potentially secure better rates.
Yes, the museum offers annual passes which can be a great value if you plan to visit multiple times, and may also offer discounts on food and drink.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a vast array of activities, including exploring historic buildings, shops, and industrial sites, taking mine tours, riding vintage transport, and watching live demonstrations.
You can also enjoy traditional food and interact with costumed interpreters.Absolutely! It's a fantastic family day out with plenty to engage children, from interactive exhibits to play areas and the exciting mine tour.
Yes, the museum features a thrilling drift mine tour where you can experience what it was like to work underground.
Yes, the Black Country Living Museum has been a filming location for 'Peaky Blinders', and many visitors recognize its streets and buildings from the show.
The museum hosts various demonstrations of local crafts and works from different historical periods, bringing the past to life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can enjoy traditional fare, including famous fish and chips cooked in beef dripping, and old-fashioned ice cream and sweets.
There are also other eateries around the site.Prices for food and drink are generally considered reasonable, especially if you have an annual pass which may offer discounts.
Yes, the fish and chips are a highlight for many visitors, noted for being cooked in traditional beef dripping.
Yes, you can find traditional ice cream and sweet shops offering a taste of the past.
While traditional options are prominent, it's advisable to check with the specific food outlets on the day of your visit for current vegetarian and vegan offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The museum's authentic period buildings, street scenes, and vintage transport provide countless picturesque opportunities.
The 1940s-60s high street, the industrial areas, and any of the preserved buildings offer fantastic backdrops.
Capture shots of the vintage buses and trams for extra charm.Yes, you can photograph the areas that were used for filming 'Peaky Blinders', capturing the atmospheric setting.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas or during demonstrations.
It's ideal for historical reenactment photography, vintage-style shoots, and capturing the essence of industrial heritage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance to visit the period shops, especially the sweet shop, and try the famous fish and chips. The costumed characters are great at engaging children, making history come alive. Plus, with the 'return for free' ticket, you can plan multiple visits to explore everything at your own pace.
🎬 Film & TV Buffs
Even if you're not specifically a 'Peaky Blinders' fan, the museum's authentic period setting makes it a fascinating location for anyone interested in film history. The preserved shopfronts and vintage signage provide an incredibly rich backdrop that's hard to find elsewhere. You can explore the very locations that have lent their atmosphere to numerous productions.
🚶♀️ History Enthusiasts
Explore the drift mine, witness traditional crafts, and wander through authentic period buildings. The museum's commitment to historical accuracy and its vast collection of relocated structures make it a truly immersive journey. The 'return for free' ticket policy is perfect for history buffs who want to dedicate ample time to absorb all the details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Museum's Eras
Key to the museum's authenticity are the costumed interpreters who inhabit these spaces. They don't just wear period clothing; they embody the characters of the era, sharing stories, demonstrating crafts, and answering questions in character. This interactive element is frequently praised by visitors, making the history feel alive and personal. Whether you're exploring a Victorian parlour, a 1930s sweet shop, or a 1950s cinema, the attention to detail is remarkable, offering a tangible connection to the past.
Beyond the domestic and commercial settings, the museum powerfully showcases the industrial heritage of the Black Country. This includes a working forge, a steam engine, and the dramatic drift mine tour, offering a stark glimpse into the challenging conditions faced by miners. The integration of these industrial elements alongside everyday life provides a comprehensive understanding of the region's past. The museum's commitment to preserving and presenting this history makes it a unique and valuable educational experience.
Filming Location Fame: Peaky Blinders and Beyond
Beyond 'Peaky Blinders', the museum's preserved shopfronts and vintage signage offer an authentic period production value that is invaluable for filmmakers, especially those on tighter budgets. This makes it a sought-after location for various historical dramas and period pieces. The ability to step onto these sets, even when not actively filming, allows visitors to feel a direct connection to the world of cinema and television.
For fans of the show or film buffs, visiting the museum offers a unique opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters and see firsthand the environments that bring these stories to life. It adds an extra layer of intrigue and engagement to an already rich historical experience.
Culinary Delights from the Past
Beyond the iconic fish and chips, the museum also features an old-fashioned sweet shop, reminiscent of childhood memories for many, and serves traditional ice cream. These treats provide a delightful way to connect with the past and add a sweet note to your exploration. The museum's commitment to historical accuracy extends to its food, ensuring a genuine taste of bygone eras.
While the focus is on traditional dishes, visitors can find other food and drink options around the site, with prices generally considered reasonable. For those with annual passes, there may even be discounts available on food and drink, making it even more enjoyable to indulge in these historical tastes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit