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Welcome back!!!!

We have all been going stir crazy the last couple of months, but 12 April sees the opening of outdoor tourist attractions, where we can meet up with our friends and family – as long as we are all social distancing and follow the government guidelines!

We must all ensure we act sensibly while enjoying our freedom.  Evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors (indoor attractions/exhibits remain closed until May 17), and this is why outdoor gatherings of either six people (the rule of six) or two households is allowed – making it easier for families and friends to meet.

The Discover Dudley website is the one stop shop for all things tourism across the borough and provides quick and easy links to each of the attractions, but here’s a quick round up to help you plan

Visitors to Dudley Zoo and Castle can enjoy its 40-acres while discovering more about the animals, with a one-way system in place across the zoo site. An online pre-booking system with staggered entry times will be in operation, alongside limited visitor numbers. Under current guidance, indoor animal exhibits will remain closed until May and catering facilities will be takeaway only, but visitors are welcome to take a picnic. All up-to-date restrictions can be found at www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

The Dudley Canal Trust are offering Explorer Boat Trips on an hourly basis during Thursdays to Sundays, from 9.30am to 3.30pm and will be running on the canal system as the caves will not open until May.  These trips are also available as part of a £15 boat trip and meal offer at the Gongoozler restaurant which are bookable online at www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk.  This popular eatery will be offering outdoor balcony table service food, daily 9.15am to 3.30pm, also from 12 April.  Full details of their reopening plans, and safety procedures they have put in place, can be found on their website. 

The Red House Glass Cone in Stourbridge are reopening their artist studios where artisans continue to handcraft unique items for purchase.  The cone’s popular retail shop will also open, providing the opportunity to purchase unusual pieces, ideal as gifts.  The cone structure and exhibitions remain closed.

Face masks must be worn entering the retail shop and independent studios.

From 1 April Himley Hall Park extended its opening hours to 7am to 7pm daily and are inviting visitors to explore the famous Capability Brown landscaped gardens.  The Hall remains closed, but the successful South Terrace Hatch takeaway enables visitors to purchase refreshments through the safe service hatch including hot and cold drinks and lovely tempting treats.  The takeaway is open 9.30am until 3pm, Monday to Friday and 9.30am until 4pm on weekends. Anyone holding a fishing permit needs to be aware that the number of fishing pegs available has been reduced as fishermen must be 15 metres apart at all times.

The Black Country Living Museum, which are currently hosting the vaccine unit, will be reopening on Monday 17 May, in time for the summer season.

Don’t forget, Dudley borough has many of the magnificent geosites which form part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark including the amazing ripple beds at Wrens Nest nature reserve, the Netherton anticline at Saltwells Nature Reserve, and the beautiful William Shenstone gardens at the Leasowes.