Book online for days out
OUTSIDE tourist attractions in Dudley have opened up once more as they follow the government’s roadmap for the reopening of the country.
Covid has hit the tourism industry hard as attractions were forced to close, but now they are re-opening, hoping to make the most of the better weather and longer days.
The Discover Dudley website, www. discover.dudley.gov.uk, is the one stop shop for all things tourism across the borough and provides quick and easy links to each of the attractions. Dudley Borough also has many of the magnificent geosites which form part of the UNESCO Black Country Geopark, including the ripple beds at Wrens Nest Nature Reserve.
Social distancing
Dudley Zoo and Castle is opening up its external facilities, including walks, enclosures, funfair and courtyard, and is advising visitors that they must book tickets online at www.dudleyzoo.org.uk. They are operating at set maximum capacities to ensure social distancing and tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Indoor animal exhibits, such as the primate house will be closed until May.
The Dudley Canal Tunnel Trust is 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 caverns 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, from 15 April.
Himley Park has extended its opening hours from 7am to 7pm daily and is inviting visitors to explore the famous Capability
Brown landscaped gardens. The hall remains closed, but the South Terrace Hatch takeaway enables visitors to purchase refreshments including hot and cold drinks and tempting treats. The takeaway is open 9.30am until 3pm, Monday to Friday and 9.30am until 4pm on weekends.
The Red House Glass Cone in Stourbridge has reopened its artist studios where artisans continue to handcraft unique items for purchase. The cone’s popular retail shop is also open, providing the opportunity to purchase unusual pieces, ideal as gifts. The cone and exhibitions remain closed at the moment but visitors can make the most of the outside space, including the cone’s inner courtyard, canalside seating and benches outside the café. Opening hours are 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. The café is set to reopen on May 17.
Cherry picker
Last week at the iconic cone, a cherry picker arrived on site to assess its brickwork. Structural Architects CTD have been appointed to carry out a full survey of the around 230 years old cone and provide a long-term plan for future maintenance. During lockdown the site has undergone a mini-facelift, with internal and external decoration and new outside furniture.
The Black Country Living Museum, which is currently hosting a vaccine unit, will be reopening on Monday 17 May, in time for the summer season.
Stuart Connelly, Head of Culture, Leisure and Bereavement Services for Dudley Council, said: “We’re really pleased that we can welcome people back to our great local tourism attractions and hope that people take the opportunity to enjoy them safely.”