Dudley

Dudley is the unofficial capital of the Black Country. The town rises high above the surrounding countryside, giving great views over Hereford & Worcester Staffordshire and the Severn Valley.

Despite its reputation as a 19th century industrial town Dudley has a much richer heritage. The castle that towers above the town dates from Norman times, though it was rebuilt in the 16th century for John Dudley, uncle of Lady Jane Grey, and at the foot of Castle Hill are the remains of a Norman priory. The castle now houses Dudley Zoo.

Another Dudley attraction is the underground canal that makes its way under the town; travel on Electra, the world’s first electrically powered passenger narrow boat. After alighting from the boat you can check-out the Black Country Living Museum. Alternatively visit the Dudley Museum & Art Gallery in St. James Road, which features fossils, many of which are from the local geological nature reserve at Wren’s Nest Hill.