There’s nothing more Brummie than ‘Peaky Blinders’. Steven Knight’s hit BBC show about the crime gang of the same name starring Cillian Murphy has placed Birmingham back on the map. But if you wanted a real-life taste of the exploits of Tommy Shelby and Co., you’d be better off heading to Dudley for the Black Country Living Museum.
Many scenes from the show were filmed at the open-air museum, which was built on former industrial land, and offers a slice of life like it was up to 200 years ago. Black Country Living Museum opened to the public in 1978 but has been added to countless times since then – most recently with the launch of a 1940s-60s high street. But, the whole place is like a thriving, bustling, time-travelling village.
What is Black Country Living Museum like?
Starting with the Industrial Revolution and working its way up to post-war prosperity, you’re free to explore 29 acres of reconstructed shops, houses and industrial areas that represent the Black Country of yesteryear. With actors bringing to life the stories of ordinary people, it’s really like walking onto a film set – which we know it is, also appearing in ‘Stan & Ollie’ (2018), ‘The Colour Room’ (2021) and ‘Three Little Birds’ (2023).
Just some of the highlights of your trip to the Black Country Living Museum will include the thrills of a traditional fairground, the taste of old school fish ‘n’ chips, and watching a film at the vintage cinema. Plus, head underground for a glimpse of life as an 1850s miner or test your times tables in a 1912 school lesson. And so much more!
On top of all the buildings, there are countless gardens full of life in spring and summer. Like Folkes Park and the neighbouring playground, which is perfect for a picnic, and the Physic Garden behind Emile Doo’s Chemist Shop, home to many edible and medicinal plants. Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the museum’s very own pub, a recreation of Wolverhampton’s Elephant & Castle Pub.
‘Peaky Blinders’ fans will be happy to hear that key filming locations will be easily discoverable, too. Like the Canal Arm, which was transformed into Charlie Strong’s Yard – the centre of many deals and disagreements, including the famous tea party scene – as well as many illicit meetings set under the Canal Bridge and the scene of a grisly murder filmed in St James’s School.
You can even enjoy a night of revelry and entertainment, courtesy of the Peaky Blinders. In September every year, when you’ll walk in the footsteps of Birmingham’s most notorious gang in an after-hours spectacle – expect it to be extra popular this year with the release of ‘The Immortal Man’. But there are countless other events throughout the year, from industrial demonstrations to ’60s parties and more.
How do I get there?
The closest train station is Tipton, with direct 20-minute trains from Birmingham New Street. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk. Or hop on the 229 bus to Dudley, to cut that journey down to 4 minutes. Meanwhile, driving from Birmingham should take roughly half an hour, with over 500 parking spaces available. If hopping on the ol’ bicycle, the museum is on the national cycle network route (Dudley National Cycle Route).
How much does it cost?
An adult ticket (16+ Years) to costs £26.95. A young person’s (3-15 Years) is £14.95. You can save some money by grabbing a family ticket (£60 to £82.50) and when you buy a full-priced general admission ticket, you’re free to return as many times as you like for a whole year. To book your time at Black Country Living Museum head here.