Places nearby
Birmingham
Birmingham is one of England’s biggest cities and attracts over 30 million tourists every year.
Stratford-upon-Avon
The birthplace of William Shakespeare with more than 800 years of history, Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town in nearby Warwickshire.
Worcester
The city of Worcester is an ancient city in neighbouring Worcestershire and is home to one of England’s 32 cathedrals.
Shopping, eating and drinking
Merry Hill Shopping Centre
Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Dudley and its neighbouring outdoor retail park is home to more than 250 shops, a cinema and a selection of food outlets and restaurants. Adjacent to the main shopping site is The Waterfront which has a canal marina area with bars and restaurants.
Birmingham City Centre
Birmingham is the third most popular place to shop in England and is home to hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants. The Bullring Shopping Centre is one of the busiest in the UK is home to one of only four Selfridges department stores. Birmingham is also home to the world-famous Jewellery Quarter.
Castle Gate Entertainment
Castle Gate is a leisure complex in Dudley which boasts a variety of restaurants and fast food outlets, as well as a cinema, bowling alley and two hotels.
Days out
Dudley Zoological Gardens and Castle
Dudley Zoological Gardens is a 40-acre zoo located in the grounds of Dudley Castle. The zoo has more than 1,000 animals representing over 200 different species.
Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum of rebuilt historic buildings. The museum sits on 105,000 square metres of former industrial land and gives visitors a taste of what life was like in the Black Country in years gone by.
West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park holds over 600 animals from 40 different species from Europe, Africa, North America and Asia. The park also includes a large amusement park and a Discovery Trail with reptile and insect houses.
Cadbury World
The Cadbury World museum in Bournville, Birmingham lets visitors explore and discover the history of chocolate and learn about the origins and story of the Cadbury business through animatronics, video presentations, multi-sensory cinema, interactive displays and activities, and staff demonstrations.
Clent Hills
The Clent Hills are less than 10 miles from Dudley and offer stunning countryside scenery with panoramic views of the Cotswolds, Welsh borders and Shropshire Hills.
Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses
Birmingham Botanical Gardens are 15 acres of botanical gardens, wildlife areas, glasshouses and aviaries. The gardens also boast a playground and tearooms.
Sport and fitness
Action Heart Gym
All Trust staff can join the on-site Action Heart gym and health club for a reduced staff rate. The centre has a variety of gym equipment and membership can be bought on a monthly or pay-per-visit basis.
Dudley Leisure Centre
Facilities at the Dudley Leisure Centre include swimming and teaching pools, a gym, squash courts, aerobic rooms, an artificial indoor pitch and a sports hall for badminton, volleyball, netball and basketball.
Crystal Leisure Centre
The Crystal Leisure Centre is a modern leisure complex in nearby Stourbridge. Comprising of pools, sports halls, fitness suite, squash courts & rooms, the centre caters for sports, fitness and recreation activities. The centre’s Barrier Reef Leisure Pool has waves, rapids, waterslides, waterfalls and a jacuzzi.
David Lloyd Health Club
Dudley’s David Lloyd Health Club has a variety of facilities with squash, tennis and badminton courts, indoor and outdoor pools and a fully equipped gym. The club also offers a range of classes and support from fitness coaches.