
Walsall Leather Museum
Discover Walsall's rich leather heritage at this free museum, featuring historical exhibits and hands-on craft activities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

Walsall Leather Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Walsall's rich leather heritage at this free museum, featuring historical exhibits and hands-on craft activities.
"A lovely little free museum and a good way to get a feel for Walsalls history."

🎯 Free Entry, Support Needed
Admission is free! Show your support by donating or buying a souvenir.
🔑 Make Your Own Keyring
Craft a personalized leather keyring for a small fee – a great souvenir!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tannery Experience
Tannery exhibit
Discover the intricate work of a currier and the process of dressing leather after tanning. A true glimpse into craftsmanship.

Walsall's Leather Legacy
Main exhibits
Explore how Walsall became an international center for saddle-making and military leather goods, employing over 1000 people in 1900.

DIY Leather Keyring
Workshop area
Create your own personalized leather keyring with custom designs and names for a small fee. A perfect, affordable keepsake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support the Museum's Future
Free Entry, Small Charges for Keepsakes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Support Needed
Admission is free! Show your support by donating or buying a souvenir.
🔑 Make Your Own Keyring
Craft a personalized leather keyring for a small fee – a great souvenir!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Activities
Look out for summer trails and interactive exhibits for children.
🚗 Easy to Access
Located near M6 J10 and Bloxwich train station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Support Needed
Admission is free! Show your support by donating or buying a souvenir.
🔑 Make Your Own Keyring
Craft a personalized leather keyring for a small fee – a great souvenir!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Activities
Look out for summer trails and interactive exhibits for children.
🚗 Easy to Access
Located near M6 J10 and Bloxwich train station.
📚 Learn About History
Discover Walsall's rich leather trade history through informative videos and exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Walsall Leather Museum for its fascinating insight into the region's historic leather trade, highlighting its free entry and the opportunity to create personalized keyrings. While some note the museum's past closure threats, the overall sentiment is positive, appreciating the well-organized exhibits and friendly staff.
"A great experience. I wasn't aware that the Walsall leather trade was the epicentre of the world for leather made goods for saddle making and the military. Over 1000 people were employed in Walsall in the year 1900. You also have the opportunity to make your own leather keyring tag."
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"Visited for our "leather" wedding anniversary. Lovely little free museum and a good way to get a feel for Walsalls history. Make sure to make a keyring and give a donation."
Nick Robinson
"An excellent insight into Walsall's historic major industry. It's self-led, but there are audio-visual resources to give a flavour of the trades within the industry. Go there very soon as the Museum has been reprieved from closure on the current site. And it's FREE."
Stephen Law
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located about 1.5 miles from Junction 10 of the M6 motorway. It's also a 15-minute walk from Bloxwich train station, making it accessible by public transport.
While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, its proximity to major transport links suggests nearby public parking options may be available. Checking local council websites for Walsall parking would be advisable.
Absolutely! The museum is a great addition to a day exploring Walsall, especially when combined with visits to the New Art Gallery Walsall or the Arboretum.
The museum is housed in a renovated Victorian factory building. While efforts are likely made for accessibility, it's recommended to contact the museum directly for specific information regarding ramps, lifts, and accessible facilities.
Bloxwich train station is a 15-minute walk away, and the museum is also accessible via local bus routes within Walsall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Walsall Leather Museum is completely free! This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly attraction for everyone.
No, advance booking is not typically required as admission is free. However, for special events or group visits, it's always a good idea to check the museum's website or contact them directly.
Opening hours can vary, and it's best to check the official Walsall Leather Museum website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While entry is free, you can create your own personalized leather keyring for a small fee, usually around £0.60. This is a great way to get a unique souvenir.
The museum has faced closure threats but has been reprieved. Visitors are encouraged to show their support through visits and donations to help secure its future.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on Walsall's leather trade history, see a period workshop, learn about currying, and even make your own leather keyring. There are also informative videos and interactive elements.
Yes, the museum offers activities for children, including summer trails, jigsaws, drawing, and games. Special pop-up play events are also sometimes held.
Yes, the museum has a shop where you can find unique leather products, which are often reasonably priced and make good gifts.
The museum occasionally hosts special events, such as pop-up play sessions for children or community art days in partnership with other local institutions. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
The museum is largely self-led, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Audio-visual resources are available to enhance your understanding of the leather trades.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a tea room available at the museum where you can purchase food and drinks, making it a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours.
Information on bringing outside food is not readily available. It's best to check with the museum directly or utilize their tea room facilities.
As the museum is located in Walsall, there are likely various dining options available in the town center, ranging from cafes to restaurants, a short distance away.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in museums, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The tannery exhibit, the displays of historical leather goods, and the opportunity to create your own leather keyring offer unique photographic moments.
Commercial filming may require permission. For personal vlogs or social media content, it's usually fine, but always best to confirm with the museum staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance for kids to make their own personalized leather keyring for a small fee – it's a perfect, affordable souvenir that they'll love. The museum's focus on craftsmanship and history can also be a great educational experience, sparking curiosity about traditional trades.
💰 Budget Travelers
While exploring, consider purchasing a customized leather keyring for around £0.60 as a unique and inexpensive memento. The on-site tea room also offers affordable refreshments, making it a cost-effective way to spend a few hours learning and experiencing local heritage.
🎨 Craft & History Enthusiasts
Explore the tannery exhibits to learn about the intricate processes of leather dressing and admire the craftsmanship of historical artifacts. The museum's commitment to preserving this heritage, despite past challenges, makes it a poignant and valuable destination for anyone interested in traditional trades and industrial history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Walsall's Leather Trade
The museum showcases this legacy through various exhibits, including a period workshop that offers a tangible connection to the past. Visitors can learn about the specialized skills involved, such as currying – the process of dressing leather after it has been tanned – and understand the craftsmanship that made Walsall's products sought after worldwide.
Despite its historical significance, the museum has faced challenges, including threats of closure. However, community support and advocacy have helped to secure its future, emphasizing the importance of preserving this vital piece of local heritage.
Interactive Experiences and Keepsakes
Families, in particular, will find activities to keep children entertained. During summer periods, there are often kids' trails with opportunities for fingerprinting and pattern design. The museum also provides jigsaws, drawing materials, and games, making it a fun and educational outing for younger visitors.
Beyond the keyring making, the museum features informative videos and interactive elements that bring the history of leather production to life. These elements, combined with the chance to explore the tannery and historical exhibits, create a well-rounded and memorable visit.
Community Support and Future
Campaigns and petitions have been launched to highlight the museum's importance and to advocate for its continued operation. This community-driven effort underscores the deep connection people have to Walsall's leather-making past and the desire to preserve it for future generations.
Visitors are actively encouraged to support the museum by attending, making donations, and purchasing items from the shop. This collective support is crucial in ensuring that the Walsall Leather Museum can continue to share its unique story and the legacy of its craft.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit