Two-hour trail

Take a tour through the history of the mighty Black Country.

This two-hour trail shares examples from the different eras of our storytelling and covers industry, domestic life and social history.

1. Racecourse Colliery (1910)

Coal mining played an important part in the history of the Black Country — it was the basis for its industrial development. In the 19th century, people spoke of this region as a great coalfield, and of the “earth turned inside out” by all the mining activity.

However, the mines were not the large scale operations that we know of today, but small “rough and ready” pits similar to our Racecourse Colliery. There were as many as five or 600 small pits like this in the Black Country.

  • Don’t miss the opportunity to go underground in our Drift Mine – included in general admission.

2. Industrial Quarter (1950s)

Our Industrial Quarter show how industry in the Black Country changed through the decades, with stories in living memory about the advancements in industrial development, migration stories, and how and why wages became very competitive.  

See brickmaking demonstrations at Cricket Field Brickworks, watch impressive gravity die-casting at J.H. Lavender’s Aluminium Foundry and discover the story of ‘Sledge’, whose name appears on handmade hammers at Joe H. Smith & Sons (Oldbury) Ltd.

3. The Workers’ Institute & Café (1935)

Experience the legacy of the courageous Cradley Heath women chainmakers who fought for a minimum wage in 1910. Learn how their determination led to the creation of this building, funded by strike donations and community efforts.  

4. Burgin's Newsagents (1959)

Explore the life and stories of a bustling 1950s newsagents. Discover how Burgin’s served as a vibrant community hub. Gain insight into the entrepreneurial women who managed businesses like Burgin’s in an era when men were expected to lead. Spot vintage newspapers, sweets, and cigarettes that shaped daily life in the 1950s. 

5. West Bromwich Building Society (1949)

Building societies, like “the West Brom”, were an important way to save money to buy a house, and this is one of the stories that we share in our replica of the Cape hill branch. 

Ask to see our home safes, which were used to encourage children to save money. They could only be unlocked by the branch manager, who would then deposit the contents into the depositor’s savings account.

6. Canalside village (1800s-1930s)

Cross over Canal Street Bridge and you’ll discover stories from the 1800s to 1930s, from Black Country industry with our chain making and nail making demonstrations to examples of domestic life in our Back-to-Back houses.

Walk through the various alleyways to peek through windows and discover gardens and back-yard industries.

7. Bottle & Glass Inn (1915)

Taking pride of place in the canalside village is the Bottle & Glass Inn that serves traditional cask-conditioned beers from local breweries.

Just as patrons did in the late 1800s and early 1900s, you can relax with a drink by dim candlelight and enjoy the warmth and comfort of the fireplace. 

8. The Boat Dock & Boat Collection (1839)

Finish your visit by discovery the artistry of traditional boatbuilding at our Boat Dock.

Like the docks of old, the buildings are constructed from recycled boat timbers salvaged from derelict wooden boats, showcasing the resourcefulness of traditional boatyards.

Learn about life on the canals and their vital role in driving the Industrial Revolution in the Black Country.