Discovering Dudley: A Fun-Filled Weekend Guide

Discover the heart of England in charming Dudley.

03 May 2023

Dudley is a market town in the West Midlands, located just a short train ride from Birmingham. As a tourist, you can explore the town's rich industrial heritage, including the Black Country Living Museum and the Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines. Additionally, Dudley offers opportunities for outdoor recreation in its parks, nature reserves, and zoological gardens.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Dudley

  • Check into The Station Hotel, a charmingly restored Victorian hotel in the heart of Dudley.
  • Start the day with a full English breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, The Waiting Room.
  • Visit the Black Country Living Museum, an outdoor museum that brings to life the industrial heritage of the West Midlands.
  • Head to the Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, where you can take a boat trip through the limestone tunnels that cut through Dudley's landscape.
  • End the day with dinner at Le Metro Bar & Restaurant, a cosy French-inspired brasserie in the town centre.
Day 2

Exploring Dudley

  • Begin the day with a hike up the Clent Hills, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
  • Visit Dudley Zoo and Castle, a historic site with over 1,000 animals and the ruins of a Norman castle.
  • Take a stroll through the grounds of Himley Hall and Park, a stately home set in beautiful landscaped gardens.
  • Treat yourself to lunch at Brewers Fayre, a family-friendly pub that serves classic British dishes.
  • Round off your stay with a visit to Dudley Hippodrome, a historic theatre that hosts a variety of shows and performances throughout the year.

How to get there

Plane

The Birmingham Airport is the closest airport to Dudley. After landing at Birmingham Airport, take a train to Wolverhampton station and then take a bus to Dudley Bus Station. The journey will take approximately an hour and a half.

Car

The M5 and M6 motorways are the easiest ways to get to Dudley by car. If coming from London, take the M1, M6, and then the M5. From Birmingham, take the A456 until you reach Dudley.

Train

The Dudley train station is located in the center of the town and is serviced by West Midlands Railway. You can take a direct train from Birmingham New Street station, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Boat

As Dudley is inland, there are no direct boat connections. If you want to arrive by boat, you'll have to take a ferry to the nearest port, which is Liverpool, and then take a train or bus to Dudley. However, this is a long and costly option and is not recommended.

Bus

National Express coaches are a great way to get to Dudley, with regular services running from various major UK cities. The journey time and price will vary depending on your starting point, but it's generally a cost-effective option.

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