Ancient castle with lions thrown in! Dudley Castle, part of the Dudley Zoo complex; magnificent,…read morestunning views, historic remains and a fascinating visitor centre opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II in June 1994. Constructed in 1070, the keep is largely intact as are the shells of the 16th century palace buildings around the castle retaining wall. A stunning view opens out when you enter the castle grounds via one of the wall gates - possibly the best one is that from the restaurant by the sea-lions (the secondary gate, not the Main Gate). Walking up through here gives no clue to the huge green area of grass that appears before you, stretching out ahead, framed by the dominating profile of the castle keep at the far end and the complex building remains to the left. If this is your first time, a really great surprise (Don't look at the accompanying pictures!). Explore the Sharrington Range, the burnt out palace built in the 1540's. Then dive inside the visitor centre to appreciate the incredible history, life and times of the castle. See, lying in a basket, the heads of John Dudley's son and his wife Lady Jane Grey after they were beheaded by Mary I (only plaster models, don't worry!). Try putting your own head on the chopping block, to find out what it must have felt like (at least the first stage of the process!). See a fascinating montage of the year round activities of castle life and continue through dark passageways glowing with colourful showcases. Excellent stuff. Back in the open, steel yourself for a climb up the narrow, clausterophobia inducing circular stairwell that runs up the inside of the keep. Emerge at the top, panting and dazzled by the sunlight to view a Lord's perspective of Dudley below, Birmingham beyond and as far as the eye can see towards hills and vales to the south. Marvellous and definitely worth the effort - but need a head for heights. Picnic tables and bench seats available for resting after all the excitement and there is a Tavern built into the walls to supply alternative refreshments (and ice creams), though not always open. Make friends with the Zoo animals on the way back. Getting there by train, arriving at Dudley Port station, is not ideal - approx 3 miles to the Zoo and up hill all the way. Bus number 74 will take you to Castle Gate stop from the rail station. Plenty of trains from New Street, every half hour. Cars do seem more easily accommodated, with large pay and display parking facilities on the Zoo site. A really good ancient castle experience for everyone, young and old. All this included in the price of the Zoo entrance!

Few people seem to realise that they have one of the most complete large castle ruins right in the…read moreUK . Its remarkably intact and has a great history . And to have a zoo thrown in as well . I just think that really the whole thing should be tied in with the black country museum to make one if the most complete days out in the country

I used to go in here as a kid all the time due to my family all living in and coming from around…read morethe area. Me and my husband decided to move back here from the south and be with my family so I decided it was only right to introduce him to the Black Country properly! We enjoyed it in the museum so much because it is one of those places which can take as long as you want it too, we spent a good couple of hours talking to the people who worked there, wandering around and even getting a half pint in the pub. The museum is one of a kind and somewhere I feel everyone has to experience once, whether from the Black Country or not! My husbands family are visiting the Black Country for the first time in a couple of weeks and I've already dedicated a day for this and to go to mad O'Rourkes after (also a necessity when visiting)

We loved this place. It was a great experience that I highly recommend. They have taken great care…read morein recreating a coal mining town. You can also do an amazing tour in the mine. Don't skip it!

Free museum in Birmingham city centre focusing on contemporary art. It's in a very grand building,…read moreso I thought the museum would be big too, but it wasn't. Well there is a lot of empty space, and not that much to see. Few different rotating exhibitions, I saw some on the rave scene in the 80s and also racial violence from the 60-90s. On the way out I accidentally insulted one of the artists, but he just brushed it off.

We visited this museum yesterday and we really liked it. Both the exterior and interior of the…read morebuilding are beautiful. The museum has a terrific selection of paintings from the 15th, 16th & 17th centuries and a particularly good selection of Pre-Raphaelites. There's a *gorgeous*/large Edwardian tea room and also a separate café (the latter is small and attractive). The gift shop isn't very large, but it had some nice items. Also, I had a wonderful conversation with one of the guards; she was very friendly and kind-hearted.

I spent 2 weeks in the UK on business. During that time, I wasn't able to do nearly the amount of…read moreexploring that I'd hoped I would. I took a train from Bedford to London and spent the entire day walking around and exploring. I spent a lot of time traveling back and forth between Bedford and Birmingham, and exploring all I could between. Aston Hall was the only place I visited that I knew I would never forget. I was lucky to be here on the off season, on a bright sunny day. I had the property to myself, but was unfortunately unable to poke around inside. Aston Hall is overwhelming. The house had so much personality. The patches of lime green and crazy slippery algae in the corners of near the front door, the big beautiful gardens on either side of the property that smell of roses even before they bloom and the sound of children playing on the lawn *That on it's own blew me away, thinking of kids back home (in America) playing in just regular parks with a swing set while these children run around playing tag in the gardens of Aston Hall.*. The towering and cracking door leading into the front hall. I could go on forever. I don't know what it is about this property, but I felt immediately attached to it. I just sat on the front lawn and stared, knowing that when I left I would miss it immediately. If I had the chance to go back to the UK for just one hour, I'd spend it at Aston Hall.

I have spotted the Aston Hall for the first time some years ago, in my first visit to Birmingham,…read morewhen I was crossing the Aston Park to reach by Aston Villa's pitch. I can't describe how impressed was to see this stunning mansion's garden and I never would think this location would hide such an exuberant building. So I have decided to visit inside this historical Hall properly. What a fascinating experience! Built in 1635, The Aston Hall is considered almost like a treasure of Midlands and it was residence of The Holte Family for several years. The house also suffered a damaged during the English Civil War, in 1643. Nowadays, the Aston Hall is open to the public as a museum and what can be seen inside this Jacobean construction is a really interesting heritage collection of furniture and rooms that express well that atmosphere in Britain, in the period covering from 17th to 19th centuries. The details of the walls and the kitchen supplies of this impressive building are really lovely and visiting Aston Hall is a synonymous of a good day out with family. The admission to Aston Hall is £ 4 (adults) with free admission to children under 16, but every first Sunday of each month it`s free for visiting. The site is usually open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 12 pm to 4 pm. Take a note: The Headless Statue is an interesting and sad part of Aston Hall history. Look for more information about it before visiting the place.

not only a great place to eat or drink but a listed building. Very interesting old building said to…read morebe haunted. food is excellent & plenty off it. Staff brilliant. well worth a visit.

yes many of times iv been in the manor house very clean food and drink great and its all right if…read moreyou like spooky places because this is the place lol

As I'm sure a large majority of people, I have regularly wandered past this building, never really…read morehaving any intention to go in, despite my curiosity. Last week though I decided to head on in for the first ever time. Being a History student at University, the hall of memory immediately appealed to me. In honour of those who have lost their lives fighting for this country in past wars, the hall offers a humbling atmosphere, for people like myself to silently pay their respects. The haven for this fantastic opportunity is beautiful building, one definitely worthy of its interior and significance. If you do make a visit, be sure to sign the visitors book and note down anything in particular you feel necessary after your look around.

I'd always walked past this stone dome on Centenary Square without much of a clue about what was…read moreinside it. My curiosity finally won out and I went inside for the first time last year. It is a humbling place to visit and very peaceful. There is a large marble shrine in the centre, which holds a glass case containing the books of remembrance for the first and second World Wars. The name of every known Birmingham citizen who died fighting in those wars is listed in these books. There is also a Roll of Honour for those who have died in wars since. It is terribly sad. This beautiful building, with its stained glass, marble and bronze statues makes a fitting tribute.

my children l9ove this place very colourful and creative but if you are planning on purchasing…read moresomthing i wouldnt bother as the shop is very expencive

has all round exhibitions with both a global and local feel. friendly staff . good hands on…read moreworkshops. child friendly and disabled acces to some areas. all free . great community spirit. they have links with local infant junior and senior schools.

Blimey, this house is almost older than Brazil! Built in 1590, Blakesley Hall is a fine 17th…read moreTudor's building located in Yardley, Birmingham. After belonging to important people from that area, the house became a museum, in 1935. This architecture survived a bomb in 1941, had also several renovationsbut it's just incredible how architecture and history was being preserved for almost 400 years! I have visited this wonderful heritage hall once and the experience of being inside this listing building is like going back in time to find out more about Birmingham in the past. There is a lovely cafe inside the property as well and some tables outside, where I had a really nice coffee and a gorgeous piece of chocolate cake that brought me to the atmosphere of old farmers days. The admission to this wonderful heritage is £ 4 (adults) and children under 16 years have free admission. The access to the garden and visitor centre is also free. The Blakesley Hall provides several events during the year and it's always a good idea to check their website regularly to be updated about them.

On par with the heritage of Sarehole Mill, Blakesely Hall is one of the greatest pieces of history…read morelocated outside of the city centre. The hall is seeped in history and Tudor royalty, and immediately transports visitors back to this time (by smell alone for me). If you love learning more about Birmingham's past, and piecing together what the city used to be like, then Blakesely is well worth a visit for you! The garden area is by far the best part, as it is maintained to perfect the Tudor era through the beauty of herbs, lavender and other flowers from this time. The garden is great to visit in the summer, especially when the flowers are in full bloom. Inside, the hall isn't quite as exciting as I'd expected, and I think Sarehole Mill is definitely better with regards to my interest. There are very little props or descriptions at Blakesely, and I find the whole experience a little too simplistic. However, the small cafeteria is really nice and relaxing, as it looks over the garden; So you can sip a tea and imagine being alive 400 years ago!