Next To Birmingham Is A Charming Town With An Award-Winning Museum, A Zoo, And Tasty Eats

If you're a "Peaky Blinders" fan, then you're likely familiar with the city of Birmingham, England. But did you know that a neighboring town played a starring role in the series? The place in question is Dudley. Dudley is located in the West Midlands and is only around 30 minutes from Birmingham, the second largest city in the United Kingdom. Dudley charms with its historic attractions that bridge the past and the present. This includes the Dudley Zoo and Castle and the award-winning Black Country Living Museum. Dudley is also a delicious destination, offering a mix of British and global flavors. 

So, where does the "Peaky Blinders" connection come in? Some of the series was filmed at the Black Country Living Museum. For context, the Black Country includes Dudley and other nearby communities. The area's name is a reference to its mining past, which boomed in the 19th century and created a layer of black smoke over the communities. Welcoming visitors since 1978, the Black Country Living Museum is a 26-acre site designed as a historic town that will transport guests to different eras in time (as early as the 1700s). You can, for example, step inside an old-school pharmacy and explore the boat docks that serve as Charlie's Yard in "Peaky Blinders". 

Note that some structures are recreations, while others are authentic to the time period. In 2026, the Black Country Living Museum received a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award, with a reviewer on the platform explaining, "Everything felt like a carefully curated little time capsule, only enhanced by the staff dressed in period costume and telling real stories of real people who lived in the area." However, this is far from its only accolade. In 2025, VisitEngland Awards for Excellence named it the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.

If you've ever wanted to time travel, you'll no doubt find the Black Country Living Museum fascinating. However, the Dudley Zoo and Castle (DZC) also allows you to step back into the past. Formerly known as the Dudley Zoological Gardens, the castle dates back to the 11th century while the 40-acre zoo, located on its grounds, was established in the 1930s. Today, DZC provides an all-ages adventure where guests can view animals, such as orangutans, boas, and tigers, with the castle in the backdrop. 

All told DZC houses more than 150 species, though past reviewers mention that they especially enjoyed the Lemur Wood. This area is a free-roaming enclosure, with an individual on Google writing that this "was a real highlight, allowing you to get very close." Other offerings at DZC include animal feedings, a chairlift with aerial vistas, and of course, the opportunity to explore the reportedly haunted Dudley Castle (ghost talks are frequently held in the courtyard). However, take into account that much of the structure, which was once owned by the Duke of Northumberland and survived the English Civil War, is in ruins. 

Tickets for DZC can be purchased online but keep in mind that several past visitors say that traversing the site can be physically demanding. "Main thing to note is there are places with lots of steps and very [steep] inclines and declines, for some areas are not suitable for elderly or people who have trouble walking," warns one Google review. That said, if you're interested in exploring other fairy-tale-like structures in England, be sure to read about the scenic Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, located between Liverpool and Birmingham. 

Now that your Dudley itinerary is full of unmissable activities, all that's missing is a noteworthy meal. While Birmingham is a vibrant foodie gem known as the U.K.'s most underrated city, Dudley also presents unique dining experiences, making it all the more charming. If you're visiting the Black Country Living Museum, there's no need to leave when hunger strikes. Onsite dining is available, including at Hobbs & Sons Fish & Chip Shop. The establishment, boasting art deco flair, dates back to the 1930s and was moved to the Black Country Living Museum in 2006. A reviewer on Google wrote that the fish and chip dish, which is made with beef fat, is "a good portion and tastes divine."

Stack Kitchen at Baggeridge is a quaint cafe with bright blue walls where you can dine on toasties and a full English breakfast. However, past visitors say they were particularly impressed by the afternoon tea service. With sponge cakes, sausage rolls, and an assortment of other bites on the menu, a reviewer on Google wrote, "We all had to take food home there was that much (not complaining)." Plus, this spot is near Baggeridge Country Park, where you can partake in a forest walk through the Black Country. 

At Sher Dudley, which has a 4.8 rating on Google, a flavorful feast awaits. The contemporary Indian eatery offers what is known as a mixed grill, served with wings, kabobs, and more, though there's an array of vegetarian options as well. "Every dish we tried was a hit," wrote one reviewer. You can reach Dudley from Birmingham by bus and train in less than an hour, providing an effortless day trip for travelers. Not sure when to visit? Consider that Birmingham is Britain's Christmas market capital and both the Black Country Living Museum and the Dudley Zoo and Castle are typically open year-round.