Around us

Explore The Canals

Whether you’re on foot on getting around by pedal power, our local waterways are a fantastic way to see the area. Make the most of miles of beautiful natural settings in the heart of the industrial Black Country, home to vibrant wildlife.

Our canal heritage is worth exploring too, including the Bonded Warehouse, Red House Glass Cone and the  Stourbridge Glass Museum 

National organisation Canal & River Trust have a page to help you plan walks on the canals – check it out here.

Rocks, Fossils & Geology

The rocks of the Black Country have made the region what it is today. Hundreds of millions of years of changing environments in the area laid down rocks such as limestone, coal, iron ore and clay that would go on to be used as the raw materials of the industrial revolution.

You can see the influence of our unique and fascinating geology everywhere, but we’re also lucky to have many internationally important geological sites in our local area that you can explore.

Go fossil hunting at the Wren’s Nest Nature Reserve, talk a walk at Saltwells Nature Reserve or discover an ancient extinct volcano at Barrow Hill – you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Black Country Living Museum

Just a short walk from Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust is the world-renowned Black Country Living Museum. This immersive open-air museum spans 26 acres and recreates life in one of Britain’s first industrialised landscapes. With cobbled streets, working trams and live demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades, visitors of all ages can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds and stories of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

You can meet costumed characters, explore historic shops and homes, and learn how the Industrial Revolution shaped everyday life in the Black Country. It’s also one of the filming locations for Peaky Blinders, making it a must-visit for fans of the show and a highlight among canal walk attractions in the area.

Take A Trip Back in Time

Our region is often called the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Our industrial heritage surrounds us everywhere, with lots to explore!

A great place to start is our next door neighbour, the Black Country Living Museum. Become immersed in the living history of our area and discover hundreds of years of innovation, invention and plenty of hard work! Tickets for the museum can even be purchased from our ticket desk.

View website here

Dudley Zoo and Castle

Another major attraction within walking distance is Dudley Zoo and Castle. Built around the ruins of an 11th-century Norman castle, this 40-acre site is home to hundreds of animals and is committed to conservation and education. The zoo also features a collection of unique Tecton buildings—iconic examples of 1930s modernist architecture that are Grade II listed.

The zoo is perfect for families and animal lovers alike, combining fascinating history with modern wildlife exhibits. Whether you’re interested in architecture, animals or medieval history, there’s something for everyone to enjoy between visits to canal attractions in Dudley.

More Than Just A Zoo

The zoo which opened in May 1937, covers an area of approximately 40 acres. This unique site includes two scheduled monuments – an 11th century castle and limestone caverns – and 12 Grade 2 listed Tecton buildings (four Grade 2*). The idea to convert Dudley Castle’s grounds into zoological gardens came from its then owner, the third Earl of Dudley, who chose a team of Modernist architects to design the zoo. Using reinforced concrete they created a revolutionary new design of building: Tectons.

The structures have stood the test of time and eight decades on Dudley Zoo has the world’s largest single collection of Tectons, which in 2009 received World Monument Status. Today the Tectons are boosted by a variety of animal housing, paddocks and enclosures which are home to our wide variety of 200 species.

Much of the animal collection is linked to international conservation and breeding programmes and several of our global projects have received awards. Endangered species include Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, Bornean orang utans, Tibetan red pandas, Rothschild giraffes, Madagascan lemurs and Humboldt penguins – DZC has the UK’s largest parent-reared colony.

View website here

Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve

Wren’s Nest is Britain’s first designated geological National Nature Reserve and is located just minutes from Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust. It’s one of the most important fossil sites in the UK and a must-visit for budding geologists or curious explorers. Known for its abundance of Silurian fossils—particularly the famous “Dudley Bug” trilobite—the site offers self-guided trails, viewing platforms and educational signage that makes the geology accessible to all ages.

This stunning site pairs beautifully with nearby canal walk attractions, offering a full day of outdoor exploration, learning and scenic walking routes.

Find out more

The Priory Ruins and Dudley Town Centre

Not far from Castle Hill, visitors can explore Dudley Priory, the remains of a 12th-century monastery with roots stretching back even further. This peaceful site offers insight into Dudley’s medieval past and is a great spot for photography, reflection or a short heritage walk.

In the town centre, you’ll find a mix of high street shops, independent stores and cultural venues like the Dudley Museum at the Archives. It’s an easy stop-off for those wanting to explore the borough’s wider heritage before or after visiting key canal attractions, which the Midlands is known for.

Find out more

Accommodation in Dudley

If you’re visiting from outside the area or planning a multi-day stay, Dudley offers a wide range of accommodation options. From well-known hotel chains like the Village Hotel Dudley to family-run guesthouses and budget-friendly B&Bs, there’s something for every visitor. Many local hotels offer easy access to canal attractions across the Black Country, making them ideal for family holidays, school trips and weekend breaks.

Book Now