We stepped back in time at ‘large visitor attraction of the year’ for half term fun

The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum of rebuilt historic buildings in Dudley, West Midlands.

Located in the centre of the Black Country, ten miles west of Birmingham the museum is just over an hour from our Northamptonshire home.

I remember visiting the Black Country Museum as a child so I was keen to revisit with my little ones for a day out of half term fun.

The Black Country Museum, suitable for all ages, opened to the public in 1978 and boasts and impressive 4.7 stars from 15,000 Google reviews.

Not to mention a string of impressive awards dating back over the last 20 years including large visitor attraction of the year and TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award in 2025.

The museum spans across a 26-acre site giving visitors the chance to explore more than 80 reconstructed shops, houses and industrial workshops as well as meeting historic characters who bring history to life with demonstrations in authentic settings.

Parking was easy at the site before a short walk to the reception area where the incredibly friendly staff welcomed us for the day.

The staff and volunteers at the Black Country Museum are what sets this place apart – friendly, engaging and informative for both young and old.

We enjoyed learning about the history and life in the mines with an explosive experiment before exploring houses, workshops and shops chatting to people as we went including butchers, bakers, hardware stores and the local library.

We sat in a court hearing within the school building, explored the canal area, visited the Women’s Institute for refreshments as well as the historic Hobbs & Sons for traditionally cooked fish and chips in beef dripping – delicious.

The double decker bus tours and horses trot around as we were transported back in time between the different eras.

Every day this week the museum is open to explore with historic characters to meet, live demonstrations and hands-on fun and games.

Don’t be put off by the dreary October weather – the majority of it is outside but there are plenty of places to warm up as you nip in and out of the various houses and shops throughout the day, we well as warm and welcoming places to eat and drink including two pubs.

You can take a picnic but you’ll have to brave the elements.

Looking ahead, Black Country Museum doesn’t stand still. Bursting with new and fresh ideas including the recent launch of the Peaky Blinders official behind-the-scenes filming location tours.

Peaky Blinders enthusiasts are invited to step back in time and explore the real-life locations featured in the hit TV series.

Following the global success of Birmingham’s iconic gritty drama, the Peaky Blinders Filming Location Tours offer visitors the chance to discover some of the show’s most unforgettable moments. Led by a costumed guide in period dress, fans can expect stories, secrets and filming anecdotes as they walk in the footsteps of the Peaky Blinders themselves.

Afternoon tea events have also just launched with guests able to enjoy a unique afternoon tea inspired by Black Country history, featuring nostalgic flavours, miniature museum favourites, and charming themed presentation.

There are Halloween events coming up and heading into the festive season Glad Tidings launches on December 11 and thereafter on selected dates.

It's the time of year to bring friends and family together for a cosy evening at the museum. Gather around open fires, sing along with traditional carollers and 50s favourites, and enjoy traditional Christmas treats.

Day to day for general admission, there are ticket deals to be had with under 3s free, save 10 per cent by booking in advance plus standard admission includes free daytime return visits for a whole year.

With a record breaking 385,000 people visiting the Black Country Museum every year, this timeless attraction is set to to pull in the crowds for many years to come.