Step back in time at the Black Country Living Museum.

Take a step back in time to the early 1900s and see how our relatives lived at the Black Country Living Museum.
The Black Country Living Museum is a captivating open-air museum spread across 26 acres, bringing to life over 300 years of the Black Country’s rich history in the West Midlands. Featuring historic houses, shops, an authentic NHS baby clinic, industrial workshops, and so much more, the museum offers an immersive and interactive journey into the region’s industrial, social, and cultural heritage.

What to expect at the Museum.
Start your day at the Black Country Living Museum by exploring vintage vehicles, including a charming old bus. Hop on this bus for a scenic ride deeper into the museum grounds—completely free of charge.
As you wander further, you’ll arrive at the Underground Mine Experience, a must-see attraction that immerses you in the tough yet fascinating world of coal mining. It’s an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s industrial past.
Nearby, you’ll find three beautifully preserved, old-fashioned houses. Step inside to see how people lived “back in the day.” During our visit, we were lucky enough to meet an actor in one of the homes, sharing delightful stories about life in the early 1900s. The museum is filled with costumed actors like this, bringing history to life and making your visit truly magical and memorable.
The next area of the museum takes you to the recently added 1950s and 1960s section. Here, you’ll find replicas of iconic Black Country shops, including a butcher’s and a vinyl record store, capturing the spirit of the era.

Next on your journey is the Victorian school, where you can step back in time and experience a traditional Victorian-style lesson. During our visit, my partner was called to the front of the class and humorously “punished” for being late—a fun, immersive touch. We also practised writing the alphabet, just as students would have done over a century ago.
Continuing down the street where the school is located, you’ll explore beautifully recreated shops from the early 1900s, including a pharmacy, a general store, and a motorcycle shop, among others. Each shop is meticulously decorated with authentic period objects, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life from the past.
At the end of this street is the ‘Elephant & Castle Pub’, A recreation of a pub that was based in Wolverhampton until its demolishment in 2001, in the reconstruction establishment, the museum collected donations from families previously linked to the pub.
After a quick stop for a pint, head down the hill to discover an even wider selection of shops. Among them is a charming candy store, where you can pick up old-fashioned sweets like fudge, bonbons, and acid drops—a delightful treat for all ages!
Once you’ve explored all the shops, make your way to Providence Chapel, one of the first buildings to be reconstructed at the museum.
Before wrapping up the day, there are a few more stops, including the locksmith’s workshop and the bakery. At each, costumed actors brought history to life by demonstrating the skills and explaining the roles these trades once played in the community.

Where to eat at the Black Country Living Museum?
Have a taste of the past with a selection of Black Country delicacies available across various areas of the museum. Let’s explore and discuss!
Workers Institute Cafe
This charming café is located within the historic Workers’ Institute building, offering visitors a spot to relax and enjoy a delicious selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, indulgent cakes, jacket potatoes, comforting homemade soups, and a variety of hot and cold drinks. It’s the perfect place to take a break and soak in the unique atmosphere of this iconic setting.
Originally situated in Cradley Heath, the building serves as a tribute to the women chain makers who, in 1910, went on strike for a living wage. Beyond its role in the labour movement, the institute became a hub for educational meetings, social gatherings, and trade union activities,
Hobbs’ and Sons Fish & Chip Shop
The star of the show, Hobbs & Sons Fish & Chip Shop, serves traditionally cooked fish and chips fried in beef dripping, offering an authentic chip shop taste. It’s a local favourite and often draws long queues during peak times.
The original shop, dating back to the late 1700 was located on Hall Street in Dudley. After being left unoccupied in 2000, the museum began dismantling the structure in 2006 to preserve its historical significance.
Marsh & Baxter
Head to Marsh & Baxter Butcher on the museum’s High Street to enjoy classic Black Country treats like pork pies, sausage and bacon cobs, or faggots with mushy peas.
Bottle and Glass Inn and Elephant and Castle Pub

If you’re in the mood for a pint and some bar snacks, the Bottle and Glass Inn is a great choice for a quick stop. However, if you’d prefer something warm to accompany your drink, head over to the Elephant and Castle Pub, where you can enjoy hearty dishes inspired by traditional Black Country recipes.
Sweet Treats
If all the walking around the museum leaves you feeling a little peckish, be sure to stop by Springhill Post Office or T. Cook’s Sweet Shop. Both offer a delightful selection of traditional sweets, chocolates, and nostalgic treats that are sure to satisfy your cravings and take you back in time.
Tips for visiting the museum
Once you purchase your tickets, you’ll enjoy free admission for the next year. Whether you want to relive the full experience or simply pop by for more of those delicious fish and chips, your free admission has you covered!
FAQs

Was any of Peaky Blinders filmed at the Black Country Museum?
Yes! Parts of Peaky Blinders were filmed on the museum grounds. However, the specific locations used in the show are not signposted. To make it more fun, my partner and I decided to watch the series first, then visit the museum to see how many areas we could recognize!
How long does it take to go around the Black Country Museum?
To fully experience everything the Black Country Living Museum has to offer, I’d recommend setting aside approximately 4-5 hours to explore, or even up to 6 hours if you enjoy taking your time and having regular breaks to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Is parking free at the Black Country Museum?
Unfortunately, parking is not free and is charged at a rate of £3.50 for the entire day. However, visitors who are BCLM members or blue badge holders can enjoy complimentary parking, subject to availability.

Conclusion
The Black Country Living Museum offers an immersive journey through time, bringing the rich industrial history of the West Midlands to life. From its fascinating collection of historical buildings to the lively demonstrations of traditional crafts and industries, it’s a place where history isn’t just seen but experienced.
Whether you’re exploring the old coal mines or interacting with costumed characters, the museum provides a unique and educational adventure for all ages. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to dive deeper into the heritage of one of England’s most significant industrial regions. If you haven’t yet visited, make sure it’s on your list—it’s a captivating step back in time that you won’t soon forget.
