Dudley is a market town in the West Midlands, England. Located right next to Birmingham and part of a large urban sprawl in the Greater Birmingham area there are plenty of things to do in the area. Here’s 12 things to do in Dudley and Birmingham to get you started.

1. Black Country Museum

A stalwart of English school trips, the Black Country Living Museum allows you to explore 250 years of history. With walk-through displays and living interpretations in original buildings, this is an interactive museum great for kids. Fun fact: Peaky Blinders was filmed here too.

2. Cadbury World

Willy Wonka eat your heart out. Cadbury World is a chocolate museum and factory located on the grounds of the original Cadbury factory. Learn the history of Cadbury and find out how the chocolate is made. With chocolate themed rides and plenty of activities for the kids, this is a must stop for any chocolate lovers, young or old!

3. Dudley Zoo And Castle

Combining animals and history, Dudley Zoo is set in the grounds of Dudley Castle, an old motte and bailey 11th century fortress. With red pandas, tigers, lions and giraffes there is plenty to see here. But don’t forget to explore the ruins of the castle too, your ticket includes admission to both the zoo and castle.

4. Birmingham Back To Backs

The Birmingham Back To Back Houses are the city’s last surviving court of back to back houses. A form of terraced houses that once dominated inner city living in the population explosion of the industrial revolution, these have largely been replaced across England. Enjoy this glimpse into the ordinary lives of the working class 19th century residents of Birmingham.

5. Shopping

While you’re in Birmingham pop into The Bullring, a massive landmark mall with a very distinct architectural style. Or if you’re in the Dudley area and wanting to indulge in some retail therapy head to Merry Hill shopping centre. Both excellent choices for shops and restaurants to keep you busy.

6. The Birmingham Balti

One of Birmingham’s major claims to fame is being the culinary birthplace of one of the finest British-Indian curries – the balti. Invented in Birmingham and named after the balti bowl which was also designed and manufactured in the area. Try these recommended restaurants in the Balti Triangle for an authentic taste of an original Birmingham Balti.

7. Watch A Football Match

With a huge concentration of football clubs in the West Midlands, it’s the perfect place to watch a match. Whether it’s Aston Villa, Birmingham City or West Bromwich Albion, you’re sure to find a home game on when you’re in the area.

8. Walk The Canals

Harking back to Birmingham’s industrial history when canals were used to transport goods, did you know there are more canals in Birmingham than Venice? If you’ve ever met someone from Birmingham this will be one of the first things they’ll tell you. And while some of these canals do contain shopping trolleys and cigarettes there are also some lovely canalside walks, and some have become destinations in themselves, such as Brindley Place. Click here for some suggested canalside strolls.

9. Birmingham Museum And Chamberlain Square

Chamberlain Square in the middle of Birmingham’s city centre is an architectural gem. With Birmingham Town Hall and the Birmingham Museum housed in beautiful historical buildings, this part of Birmingham is a breathe of fresh air amid the busy concrete jungle of the city centre.

10. Catch An Event At The NEC

The Birmingham NEC – National Exhibition Centre – is one of the top UK venues for shows, exhibitions and events. My top pick – the Crufts dog show for an unforgettable day out for any dog lover.

11. Countryside On Your Doorstep

Although Dudley and Birmingham are very built up areas you have beautiful countryside right on your doorstep in the counties of Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire. Take a drive out in to the countryside, stretch your legs and stop off for a pub lunch.

12. Moor Hall

A luxury country house hotel set in beautiful parkland within easy reach of Dudley and Birmingham, Moor Hall is a great choice for a fancy overnight stay, dinner or perhaps just a nice afternoon tea.

Getting To Dudley and Birmingham

Located in the middle of England, Dudley and Birmingham are very easy to get to.

If you’re coming by train there are several major train stations including Birmingham New Street which is one of the busiest stations in the country.

Sandwell and Dudley station will be your closest for Dudley attractions.

Not to mention Birmingham International Airport right on your doorstep.

And three major motorways coming into the city if you’re driving. Keep an eye out for the infamous Spaghetti Junction on the M6.

Dudley and Birmingham are well placed and well connected making them very convenient places to visit.

We recently visited Dudley as part of a month long trip to England. Read the full trip report here.

Where To Stay

For hotels in Dudley and Birmingham try these options.

All photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons with thanks.