The best things for groups to do in… Dudley

Himley Hall & Park

For more than four centuries, Himley Hall served as a home to the Lords of Dudley and their knights. Its occupants during this time included Dud Dudley whose 17th century experiments in smelting iron ore with coal were carried out nearby. In 1645, King Charles I encamped in the grounds on his way to defeat at the Battle of Naseby during the English Civil War. 

Groups can book an indulgent afternoon tea as well as a guided tour of the hall which takes visitors through unseen rooms, from the Servants Quarters to the Ballroom. 

Stourbridge Glass Quarter

The Red House Glass Cone stands 100ft tall in the Stourbridge Glass Quarter which has been home to glassmaking for more than 400 years. Admission is free and groups can expect bespoke artisan craft studios, exhibitions and a gift shop.

Although the inside of the Cone is currently closed for essential maintenance, there is still plenty to see. The hot glass studio is currently being redeveloped and there are plans to have live glass blowing demonstrations running soon (check the website for updates).

Ruskin Glass Centre is home to past greats of the glass industry. Learn about the history of glassmaking in the area. Artisans operate independent craft studios and there is an organic café.

Stourbridge Glass Museum is home to the globally significant Stourbridge Glass Collection, complemented by engaging interactive digital displays. The Museum runs a busy events programme, featuring talks and exhibitions on the topic of glassmaking and more. There are also a range of tours and heritage glass talks for groups to book. 

The Lace Guild situated in the heart of the Glass Quarter, houses a large collection of lace items and artefacts depicting the fascinating history of this heritage craft.

Dudley Zoo and Castle

The attraction is home to hundreds of exotic and endangered animals. Constructed over 400 acres within a huge densely-wooded site, there is also an 11th century motte and bailey castle which was first mentioned in the Domesday book in 1086.

There are special rates for groups of ten or more visiting Dudley Zoo and Castle. The attraction is also home to the world’s largest single collection of Tecton buildings and the country’s only vintage chairlift so there is plenty to explore. The castle hosts ghost and history walks, open air extravaganzas, children’s events and birds of prey displays. 

Dudley Museum at the Archives

Follow Dudley’s story from pre-history to the present day. With a fantastic selection of fossils and geology displays, collections include Dudley Castle Finds and a Dudley Local Heroes gallery with a small collection of Duncan Edwards memorabilia. Edwards was one of the Busby Babes and became the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division; at the time he was the youngest England player since World War Two.

Artwork from the collection includes Dudley landscapes. The Museum, open for pre-booked groups on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is also the headquarters of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark. Events and activities throughout the year are available. Admission is free and there is free parking.

Black Country Living Museum

Experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the Black Country as you explore shops, houses and industrial workshops rebuilt in the canal side villages at the Black Country Living Museum.

The 1940s-60s high street allows you to experience the popular culture of the time. As you delve into the past, why not buy some of the famously bostin’ fish and chips, pick up a bag of paper sweets, and not forgetting, get a round in – and enjoy a Babycham or Cherry B in a stylish 1950s pub.

There are discounts for groups of 15 or more as well as free coach parking, admission for the group organiser and a visitor information site map on arrival. 

Dudley Canal & Caverns

Discover the art of legging inside the fantastic Dudley Canal & Caverns. Groups can experience an underground 45-minute skipper guided tour or sample some of the tasty delights at the Gongoozler Restaurant.

The tours available include a three-hour Dudley Tunnel Trip which takes you through the second longest navigable canal tunnel in the UK. Guides will unveil the secrets of the tunnel from the fascinating underwater locks to the millions of handcrafted bricks that form the architectural masterpiece.