Black Country Living Museum

Overall rating

About

Our award-winning corner of the West Midlands is now one of the finest and largest open-air museums in the United Kingdom. After very humble beginnings, a bright idea and 40 years of inspiration, this is twenty-six acres worth exploring. Amazing as it may seem, we have created a ‘place’ – a real and lively place, where once there was nothing and nobody. With a village and charismatic residents to chat with. Trams to ride. Games to play. Things being made. Stories to hear. People - their triumphs to admire and troubles to be thankful that are not ours. Time to be well spent.

Reviews

Overall rating

(3 reviews)

Overall rating breakdown

5 0
4 1
3 1
2 0
1 1

Access (avg.)

3.5

Parking (avg.)

4.5

Toilets (avg.)

Staff (avg.)

marg15

Sept 2025

1.5

Wheelchair-unfriendly

We knew that it was not going to be fully accessible for electric wheelchairs by the nature of the museum - it’s a 1920s-50s town outside - and much of the area is cobbled, but there are insufficient dropped kerbs to get you onto the paths and anywhere near the properties. People pushing wheelchairs would be able to get up on some paths but the kerbs are high

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sarahcamley

Jun 2021

Black Country Living Museum

Partially wheelchair accessible.

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tazziesmum

Mar 2017

4.5

Fab venue, working towards integrated inclusion

This museum has access challenges: its a living recreation of a time when disabled people were for the most part completely invisible and disadvantaged. Narrow corridors, cobble streets, high door steps, low light... all these things are the banes of many disabled people. Also, its a film set (you've seen it, trust me) BUT the BCLM is working to make the museum as accessible as possible, listening to people who live with the challenges they are working to overcome. They have ramps (some parts still cant be accessed), are working on an accessibility map, planning sign language and other focused events to ensure disabled people get the best experience possible. The very best part of this museum, IMO, is in its very soul- it represents the Black Country, and the hard scrabble, down to earth people who live there. Ask for help, and the workers in this museum, real Black Country folk, smile and do everything they can. They want everyone to enjoy and immerse in the experience- and they do their best to make it possible. A great experience.

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Disabled Access Information Provided by Black Country Living Museum

Disabled Access at Black Country Living Museum

Access is available to the majority of buildings although, as they are authentic historic exhibits, many require the use of temporary, portable ramps. A map of the Museum is available at reception which will help you to navigate the site or you can download the Access Map before your visit. Manual Wheelchairs – the Museum has a number of manual wheelchairs ( rated 18 stone / 115 kilos weight ) which can be used on the day subject to availability or which can be booked in advance via 0121 520 8054 or email bookings@bclm.com. There is no charge for the use of the wheelchairs. All of our staff will be pleased to help you to get the most from your visit so please ask if you have any special requirements or need additional support. Unfortunately, the underground mine experience is not accessible for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Transport The Museum has a vintage style vehicle, 'DORIS' named after the mother of one of the original donors of the vehicle. Doris is the Museum’s accessibility vehicle, she has a tail lift to enable visitors in wheelchairs and those with mobility issues easy access. Doris is able to carry manual wheelchairs and pushchairs, but not motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Signs with information about this service are located near the tram stops. At any time you can call for Doris the Museum’s accessibility vehicle either by asking any of the transport drivers at a designated stop or by calling the Duty Manager on 07788 666161. Toilets There are plenty of easily located adapted and accessible toilets located around the Museum. There is no need to bring a radar key with you on your visit, as the only toilet in need of a radar key is located at the Bottle and Glass Inn, where a key is available on request. Our nearest Changing Places toilets are located at Dudley Archive and Local History Centre, just 5 minutes walk from our main visitor reception. If you would like more details please call 01384 812771 (lines open from Tues - Sat)

Seating at regular intervals

Seating is available at regular intervals

Toilets features at Black Country Living Museum

Our nearest Changing Places toilets are located at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre, just 5 minutes' walk from our main visitor reception. Changing Places opening times: Closed Monday Tue 09:30 - 17:00 Wed 10:30 - 16:00 Thu 10:30 - 16:00 Fri 10:30 - 16:00 Sat 10.00 - 16.30 Closed Sunday

Accessible toilet

A designated accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users and others with visible and non-visible accessibility requirements is available within the main public areas.