Dudley Canal and Caverns
Dudley Canal and Caverns things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Dudley Canal and Caverns Santa Experience party size of 10 people ranging from 2-62 years old. We went last year and this year. Last year we visited later in the day so it was dark and atmospheric. This year we went in the morning as it was the only slot I could book for 10 people and we knew what to expect. There are illuminated blow up Christmas decorations on both sides of the canal and in the caverns. An enormously tall Father Christmas and other illuminations stood on the opposite side of the canal to where I was sat so I had to twist my body round to see them. The boat did not turn round in order for you to see the opposite side on the way out. I thought it did last year but I might be mistaken. There are only 1 or 2 spots to turn the boat round. It was truly magical the first time and I recommended it to anyone that asked. For me having gone in the daylight and dark, I would recommend seeing it in the dark. It definitely lost its magic for me this year. Panto wasn't as good although it was still funny in places. Mince pie and hot drink. They verbally offered tea or coffee but had two jars of hot chocolate on the table! You have to ask for hot chocolate. They don't offer the children anything - a little biscuit, chocolate coin or something for the children would have been a nice touch. My youngest had my mince pie. Each child had an age appropriate gift 2 year old a teddy, 5 and 7 year old connect 4 and 9 year old a lava lamp set. The lady taking the tickets on entry upstairs was lovely. I hope she manages to get her grandson the fox hat! The children enjoyed it and that's the main thing! There isn't much they can do about the daylight and it taking away the atmosphere!
Rebecca Stanley
00
Enchanting experience that offers a unique glimpse into the rich geological and industrial history of the area. Nestled in the West Midlands, this excursion takes visitors on a relaxing boat ride through a series of stunning underground caverns, revealing breathtaking limestone formations and historical artifacts. As you glide along the tranquil waters of the Dudley Canal, the knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the region’s past, including its significance during the Industrial Revolution. The boat’s leisurely pace allows you to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you. The highlight of the trip is undoubtedly the caverns themselves, where stalactites and stalagmites create a mesmerizing underground landscape. The lighting enhances the dramatic features, making it a photographer's paradise. The trip is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family outing. The guides are friendly and engaging, ensuring that everyone remains entertained while learning about the canal’s history. Additionally, the visitor center offers informative exhibits, further enriching the overall experience. Overall, the Dudley Canal and Caverns trip is a delightful blend of education and leisure, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this adventure promises to be a memorable day out, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the natural and historical wonders of the West Midlands.
Tobiasz Dabioch
00
What an amazing place I had not been on the canal trip for many years , so it was almost like the first time the Dudley canal and caverns are a must visit place . There is a wonderful shop and museum , and the gongoozler restaurant and bar is excellent .it offers a great choice of food and drink at very reasonable prices . The canal trip is entertaining and educational, it takes you underneath Dudley zoo into the Limestone caverns which are fascinating just to think of the work those miners did to extract that Limestone it is an engineering triumph and a human miracle. Many people died in the mines and the caverns, life was very hard in those times even children worked from the age of eight in the mines . Whilst in the caverns there are several film shows and exhibitions. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes give or take . The canal boats do longer trips but they must be booked in advance . The price of the visit was £11 per adult and £8.50 for children but the great thing about that is the tickets are valid for 12 months from date of issue worth every penny . The tunnels are a piece of history , go and enjoy yourselves you will not regret it . Plus it is right next to the equally fascinating Black country living museum . Visit both , go early and remember 12 months visits for the price of entry at both brilliant places .
ann phillips
00
Superb place to visit, and we visit regularly with our grandson for the Tunnel Tots trip, which runs each Wednesday morning at 10am. (They also do other trips) But arrive early as this is very popular, this is incredible value at just £1 each (children and adults). Each trip for Tunnel Tots, in the open top electric powered well lit canal barge, enters the tunnels after a safety briefing where there is a story and sing-a-long for the children. The cafe is also excellent for snacks or full breakfast. For people who have done the Tunnel Tots trip, they offer a 10% discount on food and drink purchases. They also provide colouring sheets in the cafe with crayons for the young visitors to colour in a takeaway. Recently, they have also started a book loan service for children to borrow and return on future visits to swop over for another book of their choice. Easy to park in their large free car park, you can also pay to visit the Black Country Museum from here as they also have an entrance. They also do a range of tours around the canal network and deeper into the tunnels and special evenings throughout the year so check the website for more details.
Barry Horne
00
When we first booked on this I don't think we expected much but we were pleasantly surprised as to what the boat ride had to offer. My partner and I booked through Groupon to have a boat tour and cream tea. We booked it for 10am and we were very lucky to have the boat to ourselves (the next lot of boats looked incredibly full!) The tour guide and his assistant were really down to earth, funny and nice people who had a lot of knowledge about the canals. It was really interesting to hear how the canals and mines were made and was a lot more gruesome as to what we thought (I won't spoil it for you) but we thought it was great. There was even an opportunity to do some 'legging' which was really fun. The canals were lovely to go down and some nice scenery to go with it too. Afterwards we had out cream tea which had prosecco, tea and scones with cream and Jam. A nice treat at the end of it. I felt the place offered good value for money, the venue was nice and everybody was friendly. Definitely worth checking out and I think you will be a surprised as we were! Will definitely go again!
Ben Turner
00
We went on one of the Christmas canal boat excursions and it was great. As we went along the tunnels the guide gave us a run through of how Christmas was back in certain time periods while going through themed tunnels!! Half way through there was a little panto performed in the tunnels which was a nice little treat!! At the end of the tour we were guided to meet Santa and a free coffee and mince pie for the adults (all included in the price!) Santa was jolly and the gift was surprisingly good (I took children aged 8 and 10 and again all included in the price!!) Coffee wasn't the best but for free and on a cold rainy day I'm not complaining 😁. The whole experience from start to finish was about 1 and a half hours, and was very good value for money. If going in the winter, definitely wrap up warm as it's chilly in the tunnels!! Would definitely recommend to anyone for a family and purse friendly experience ☺️
laura Dean
00
Nearby Attractions Of Dudley Canal and Caverns
Black Country Living Museum
Showcase Cinema Dudley
Priory Park
Dudley Museum & Art Gallery
Dudley Canal
Dudley Canal Tunnel

Black Country Living Museum
4.7
(5.2K)
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Showcase Cinema Dudley
4.4
(1.8K)
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Priory Park
4.5
(683)
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Dudley Museum & Art Gallery
4.5
(31)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Dudley Canal and Caverns
Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory
Castlegate Harvester
Nando's Dudley
The Old Bush Bar & Grill
Pizza Hut Restaurants Dudley Castlegate
Eight Peaks Dine, Tipton
Britannia Pizza
Mughal Massala Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine
Perico Peri Peri Chicken, Pizzas & Dessert Box (Tipton)
Gongoozler

Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory
4.4
(2K)
$$
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Castlegate Harvester
4.1
(1.5K)
Click for details

Nando's Dudley
4.1
(648)
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The Old Bush Bar & Grill
4.5
(327)
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Basic Info
Address
The Portal Building, Birmingham New Rd, Dudley DY1 4SB, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 121 557 6265
Call
Website
dudleycanaltrust.org.uk
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Black Country Living Museum, Showcase Cinema Dudley, Priory Park, Dudley Museum & Art Gallery, Dudley Canal, Dudley Canal Tunnel, restaurants: Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory, Castlegate Harvester, Nando's Dudley, The Old Bush Bar & Grill, Pizza Hut Restaurants Dudley Castlegate, Eight Peaks Dine, Tipton, Britannia Pizza, Mughal Massala Bangladeshi & Indian Cuisine, Perico Peri Peri Chicken, Pizzas & Dessert Box (Tipton), Gongoozler

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