The Black Country Living Museum — a 26-acre open-air industrial heritage site, established in 1978 to preserve the memory of the heart of the British Industrial Revolution. It is the core filming location for the globally acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, with Charlie's Yard witnessing the most dramatic moments across six seasons. From the underground experience of an 1870s drift mine and sparks flying in the forge, to a complete recreation of a 1940s high street — newsagent, butcher, barber, co-op all intact — costumed "residents" will chat with you about the latest town gossip. Paying for a single day's ticket grants you free return visits for the entire year, making this the most immersive and powerful way to experience Britain's industrial heritage.
From the depths of a mine to the sparks of the forge, from the legendary Peaky Blinders filming locations to the bustling 1940s high street — step into the living memory of the heart of the British Industrial Revolution
In the morning, take a train from Birmingham New Street to Tipton station (approx 20 minutes), then walk or catch the 229 bus for 1 mile to the museum entrance. Upon arrival, head first to the Drift Mine Experience — put on a hard hat and descend the sloping tunnel underground, listening to the guide tell the real stories of 1850s miners labouring in dark, damp, dangerous tunnels — 10-year-old "Little Billys" dragging coal through waist-deep water every day. Then stroll to the Forge and Chain Maker workshops, watching red-hot iron transform into ship anchor chains under hammer blows — sparks flying as if stepping back to the peak of the Industrial Revolution. Enjoy lunch at Hobbs fish and chip shop in the park, where traditional beef dripping-fried fish and chips are served wrapped in newspaper. In the afternoon, wander along the canal towpath, visiting the core Peaky Blinders filming location Charlie's Yard and St James's School — where Danny Whizzbang's shooting, Father Hughes' murder and other classic scenes were filmed. Finally, explore the newly opened 1940s-60s high street (2023), gossip with the landlady at the newsagent, "deposit and withdraw" using a vintage savings book at the Co-op, and finish with a pint of bitter at the Bottle & Glass pub.
A 1913-style fish and chip shop inside the museum, frying in traditional beef dripping on a coal-fired range — crispy batter, golden chips, served wrapped in newspaper — authentically delicious. Per person £8-£15, queues can be long at lunchtime; consider going off-peak.
A 1912-style Victorian tavern with original wooden bar and brass beer pumps exuding the rich aroma of a century-old pub. Signature Black Country Faggots with mushy peas and gravy, paired with a pint of local bitter, is the best way to experience working-class food culture. Per person £7-£14.
A modern Italian restaurant at the foot of Dudley Castle hill, highly praised since opening. Handmade pasta with Black Country wild game sauce, crème brûlée — all memorable. Windows overlook the 11th-century Dudley Castle ruins. Per person £18-£30, can be combined with the zoo and castle on the same day.
A 35-minute drive from Dudley back to Birmingham, Peach Garden is a great choice to reward yourself after a full day. A family-run Cantonese restaurant with glossy honey-glazed char siu and translucent shrimp dumplings. Per person £15-£22, within walking distance from Birmingham city centre.