We visited the Black Country Living Museum for the first time on “Red by Night” in May. It is in Dudley on the A4037 (Sat Nav: DY1 45Q) We decided to buy Joint Membership at £50 as this allows unlimited access to the museum and 20% discount at all food & drinks outlets and shops. There is also 20% discount at some of the special events, three vouchers of 25% off for a friend and free parking, which normally costs £3.
It is different to most museums being on a 26-acre open-air site – former industrial land. There are costumed volunteer guides in all the little shops and houses within the canal side village. We travelled from one part to another by vintage tram and there are many other old vehicles. We saw live demonstrations of life and work from 1890s to the 1930s. You could buy fresh loaves from the bakery, treats from the sweet shop and there was an enormous queue at the fish and chip shop. In the schoolroom, a test from our schooldays was memorising your times tables, but I’m not quite old enough to remember writing on a slate! It was interesting to hear about original treatments for ailments in the “good old days”. There were working demonstrations in the forge, down the mine and of the steam engines. It was fascinating to see skilled craftsmen at work. There was street theatre bringing the reality of life in the Black Country “black by day, red by night”. Of course, you can also buy a pint in the Bottle & Glass pub – because we came by car we opted for tea and cakes in the Workers’ Institute Cafe.
There are special events all year round. If you visit with your grandchildren there is a traditional funfair and farm animals. Most of the exhibits are easily accessible, but for wheelchair users some may require portable ramps. We shall certainly be returning again within the year. My better half has already been back for the 1940s event!
